Any cystic acne sufferers? Scarring question

katags · August 2013

I have always dealt with cystic acne, but luckily was able to control it really well with a combo of BCPs and Spironolactone. I have some scarring on my cheeks when I decided to try an IUD several years ago and didn't have anything to control the acne. I do have very fair, sensitive skin which is probably more prone to scarring than not.

It probably goes without saying that I'm dealing with pretty painful cystic acne right now. I'm very concerned about new scars forming. What are you doing to minimize the risk? I don't know if something like Mederma is safe during pregnancy, or if there are any other topical treatments I could use to minimize scarring. Or is this something I'll just have to deal with after birth/breastfeeding?

And of course I'm trying as hard as I can to leave my face alone, not pick on the knots, etc. I'm currently using the Belli acne wash in the mornings and the Belli spot treatment at night, and it's been helping then come to a head quickly and not be quite as painful under the skin.

Tomerine · August 2013

As a chronic salicylic acid user who's now gone cold turkey, I'm liking the Mario Badescu drying cream. I got it at Nordstrom and it's pretty good. Takes a while to kick in on the cystic acne but helps prevent them from getting worse. Also a little seems to go a long way. Wasn't too pricey either.

tesskerr · August 2013

I'm still using glycolic 10% at night and benzoyl peroxide face wash. I am a skin therapist and the main reason you can't use that sort of thing in pregnancy is hormones change, skin can be a lot more sensitive and pigmentation can increase. I always advise my clients to speak to their doctor, and not in the 1st tri, but if they are happy to continue I'm happy for them to continue.
They only thing you have to avoid is some forms if topical vitamin a, but there is actually some you can still use as well.
Once you have had the baby and have a bit of time, check out osmosis skin care, very expensive and not what I use in my clinic, but apparently really good for scarring.
I use New Zealand made dermatech, and have had great success with dermal roller 0.5mm combined with strong vitamin a after, and glycolic 15% the other nights. Def not to be done while pregnant! But helps to remodel the skin.
Have you checked out acne.org? Very informative.

And I'm sorry! It sucks. People who have not suffered from acne sometimes just don't get how awful it is. And why works for me might not work for you. I have actually found being pregnant really good for my skin, just all of a sudden, which was very very unexpected!! I was prepared for it to get a lot worse. Good luck!

lorettab79 · August 2013

I have been a long time cystic acne sufferer myself. I went on accutane years ago to control it. The accutane was great and helped a lot! I was on birth control as well which also helped through the years to control the mild acne that came afterwards.
When ttc i was off bc and started to get some acne when getting my period. When i got pregnant and my hormones got all out of wack, well that's when trouble started

Since pregnant woman are limited to the use of acne products i have found that using pasturized honey on the pimple and covered with a bandaid overnight helps relieve the pain and brings down the swelling. After using for a few consecutive days the pimple is pretty well gone! Honey is a natural antiseptic that kills bacteria. The trick is to cover it with a bandaid. Not sure why, but it works. Hope this helps!

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