Acne Support Group

in one word- ACCUTANE

I won't take that stuff, I think that is a much better option for a man.

dermatologists inject specific amount of steroids directly to the pimple using a tuberculin syringe (like what they do when having botox) ask your derma about it

I actually have to wait to see the dermatologist. I have a regular appt. next week and then I am demanding that they refer me to a derm.

What kinds of things can I expect at a dermatologists first time appt?

history taking. you would be asked to fill up forms. the doctor will analyze your skin type and will try to figure out the most probable cause of your break-out. the doctor will educate you somehow on why you are having pimple. he is expected to explain to you a lot of other treatment or services you can choose from, and their pro's and con's. ask the doctor as many questions as you can about what you came in for consult, even if you think that what you have to ask is stupid or too simple, just ask anyway. remember, when you are honest, open, and comfortable with your doctor, the better he can do his job.

My derm never looked for the cause, he just asked what I tried before and then he put me on Accutane. It nearly destroyed my life. I am trying to recover from it, but I fear it has done permanent damage to me. Sometime cystic acne is just a milk allergy. Have you tried avoiding dairy products before, to see if it helps?

Hmm, thats interesting, I haven't heard that a milk allergy would do that.

Do you mind me asking what happened to you from the Accutane? I have always been afraid of it because of the birth defects...I am married, so that just would not be an option for me. Even if I was on 2 forms of birth control I still would not want to take it.

*** to comment on deoxyribose's reply***

I believe that the rule of thumb in the practice of medicine is to determine the cause of the signs and symptoms by developing a correct diagnosis; then attack the cause to solve the problem. That is why history taking and critical analysis of each individual patient's disorder are crucial before prescribing or even planning on a treatment regimen.

Acne and all the discomfort it brings us (especially in persisting condition) are just merely ways of our body to signal our consciousness that there is really something seriously wrong; so we would normally act and consult a dermatologist for the obvious skin problem. It is then suppose to be the job of any brilliant dermatologist for that matter (i bet they know this) to analyze what is wrong not only with our skin but the whole body system as well. He has to look into our lifestyles, our habit. He has to consider genetic causes and other diseases that are attributed with acne. He has to do basically everything to find the cause of these annoying pimples.

When the doctor skips this initial most important part of the process, he is highly prone to give false reassurance, prescribe the wrong kind of meds or do inappropriate treatment. Who suffers? Us. Not to mention that we have actually paid them hard-earned money just to, what, suffer more pain and frustration? Assert your right as a patient. If one doctor is not into dealing with inquisitive, assertive patient like you, go see another doctor. There are still many good doctors out there who have the brains and the heart for the client. Find those who really care and are genuinely after our welfare.

last year i had this problem, i had wee cysts and wen you poped them they seemed to grow and only a clear liquid came out, the were itchy and sore..not to mention ugly, i could even see them under my makeup and it really knocked my confidence. My advise is if you wear makeup stop! or atleast try and avoid it at all possible costs.

It helps to clear your skin. Also have you went to a salon and tried facials? dermalogica ones would be good, they are pricey but if you can afford it try it out, or ask for it as a birthday present or something.

Dermalogica products are good, they helped my acne ( i used them in college) i couldnt afford them.

Oxytetracycline helped to clear up the cysts and the contraceptive pill. I still to this day dont wear foundation anymore, and feel confident that i dont need to.

SMS81-

I was a sufferer for some time too.
Go to a dermatologist. Request a Kenalog injection (this is another word for Cortisone shot). they will inject right into the cyst. It is a steroid that is an anti-inflammatory. Your cyst will begin to go down that SAME DAY and within 2 days should be gone. however be aware, that many people cannot clear Kenalog as quickly or as efficiently as others. Your skin may atrophy a little bit- do not fear. This means it may leave a slight dent. Then again, it may not. I've noticed that on my forhead, and chin (or anywhere else on my skin that layers bone or strong cartilege) the skin won't atrophy. But on my cheek, sometimes it has. I have one small one.
Now, if you atrophy, the dr. can inject saline into the spot that can stimulate your body's natural collagen production to allow it to raise back up on its own.

I wanted to be very clear of the possible affects of receiving a Kenalog injection, as wonderful as they are.
If you're comfortable, it's a nonpainful, quick injection and your cyst will be gone within 48 hours. I can guarantee this.

If you're waiting to get into your derm's office, just call them again, say you want to come in for a quick kenalog injection and it shouldn't take more than 10 minutes of their time. Usually, the nurses will squeeze you in earlier.

Let me know how it goes if you choose this option.
otherwise, the body's timeframe of clearing a cyst can take up to months.