Is it worth seeing a Dermatologist right now?

jessican08

I've dealt with moderate acne since I was about 20-21. I went to a Derm and she put me on Retin-A and Tetracycline. I stopped that after a few months because of bad s/e. I then started using ProActiv. It worked like a champ and I've been using it since but lately, the ProActiv isn't making a dent in my breakouts. I hate the way I look right now...I don't dare leave the house without make-up on, and more than that, it's painful. I tend to breakout around my mouth, nose and jawline and even doing things like yawning and moving my nose the wrong way hurt. 

I really want to see a Dermatologist but I don't know that there's much they can do for me right now since I'm on BCPs for the next 2 months or so and will then be cycling. My hormones are going to be all over the place and of course I can't take any Rx meds.

I guess I'm just wondering if it's worth making the appt. and paying a specialist co-pay if all he/she is going to tell me is "we can't do anything for you if we can't Rx you something and it's not worth trying anything until you're either on the pill or off the pill."

I'll also gladly take any OTC skin care regimen recommendations that would be helpful. TIA.

BeeBee08

I hate that, I feel your pain.  My face has been a nightmare since starting ART - I think I could solve the oil crisis with my face!

I don't know what your co-pay is, but a lot of dermatologists will have a recommendation for a product line that may only be available to physicians and might be worth a try.  I know they can do a lot of treatments without prescriptions, so if you're copay isn't extraordinary, I might give it a try.

I have never tried this (mainly because we can't get it here in Canada) but Arbonne has a hormonal balancing cream.  Now I don't know much about it except that it's suppossed to help women who have fluctuating hormones manage their skin.  It may be more focused for menoposal skin conditions, but you could try asking an Arbonne rep a little more about it.  I have heard it's amazing!

Good Luck!

amy1004

Proactive made my face worse.  I use Clinique acne solutions and it has been great for 7 years.  I haven't had to change up my routine or anything.  I've also used Yonka products.  They are great too but double the price of Clinique or Proactive.

Temp590840000005378

I have no advice but wanted to say I'm so sorry you are dealing with this, it sounds very painful.  I hope you find a solution.

FYI, my poor cousin who did IVF had really bad acne and once she got pregnant it got really bad, she really struggled with it, it was sad.  There was definitely some scarring but she was able to get treatment after she was breastfeeding, I think it was some sort of medication along with laser resurfacing and it looks wonderful now.

((HUGS))

SweetDahlia

Sorry. No real suggestions. I was on Accutane in college. I think you have to be on it for a long time, if they still use this. Maybe they could suggest other over the counter things till after you have a baby. I am sure ART is messing up things and maybe it will calm down or at least then you can see someone.

Maybe your real doctor can make suggestions too.

jessican08

Thanks for the advice ladies. I went ahead and made a Derm appt. for next week. Hopefully they can recommend something OTC for me to try while we're undergoing treatments.