Adult Acne

[queenofmean]

I’ve fallen victim to the above and it is really getting me down.

I’ve always had good skin and I take care of it. I don’t wear make up. I drink mainly water and I eat well - since starting my diet at the start of the year I’ve cut out a lot of rubbish and I eat all from scratch and plenty veg and fruit.

I noticed about a month ago a small spot on the side of my face and another under my chin. I left them alone but suddenly over the weekend more and more have just erupted. They are sore and a little itchy. They are a mix of spots and little bumps under the skin.

I am due to see the doctor next week but is there anything I can do or try to keep them at bay and myself comfortable. I’m quite self conscious about them and it’s making my depression return a little.

I am currently using Tea Tree wash on my face which is gentle and is for spot prone skin.

Any advice would be greatly received.

[bakerwales]

Hope this helps:
Acne in women
Women are more likely to have adult acne than men. It's thought that many cases of adult acne are caused by the changes in hormone levels that many women have at certain times.

These times include:

periods – some women have a flare-up of acne just before their period
pregnancy – many women have symptoms of acne at this time, usually during the first 3 months of their pregnancy
polycystic ovary syndrome – a common condition that can cause acne, weight gain and the formation of small cysts inside the ovary
Other triggers
Other possible triggers of an acne flare-up include:

some cosmetic products – however, this is less common as most products are now tested, so they do not cause spots (non-comedogenic)
certain medications – such as steroid medicines, lithium (used to treat depression and bipolar disorder) and some drugs used to treat epilepsy
regularly wearing items that place pressure on an affected area of skin, such as a headband or backpack
smoking – which can contribute to acne in older people.

As for treatment I would ask the chemist regarding a skin wash - Boots the Chemist are very goo when it comes advice.
Best Wishes.

[queenofmean]

Thank you Bakerwales. I did have a look but it kept coming up with menopause - I’m not old enough.
That’s good information a few things don’t apply but a few things do stick out.

I’ll try get to boots after work.

[Sqad]

Carry on with the method of skin care that you have described and your GP will give you antibiotics.
Best you can do Queeny.

[Vagus]

Antibiotics are the magic bullet for adult acne, I can personally vouch for them.
You may have to take them for quite a while, and whilst a good skin care regime may help a bit, adult acne really needs dealing with from the inside.
Best of luck, I know how awful it makes a person feel.

[queenofmean]

Thank you Sqad and Vagus.

[jazzyjen]

Have you been wearing a face mask recently?

[Maydup]

I was going to ask about the face mask too. I had a flair up when we first started wearing masks and it took me a while to sort. It started when I wore one of those biker scarves over my mouth last winter. Even if I changed it daily it irritated. I have a cotton mask now and I wash it regularly, but the disposable ones make me itch. Luckily I don't have reason to wear it for prolonged periods of time.

[DTCwordfan]

it's them 'ormones, Queenie - I wouldn't worry too much and certainly nothing to feel bad about. Just keep your skin clean......