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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Remedy For Frequent Itchy Acne

I love you. I was hoping you could print this/pass this along to some people in the medical field and see if anyone has any advice or thoughts on what is going on with me. This is LITERALLY the worst it has ever been and it is not really getting better...

Thanks, mom! I love you so! Let me know if you find out anything. XO

I would like some assistance and advice. I think you are a bit aware that I have been having issues with a rare allergy that is causing me to have crazy skin conditions. I wrote all of the symptoms and history out to get it to you and a few other people in the medical field. I try to be as natural as possible. (The last doctor I was seeing was a holistic doctor in FL, but sadly we did not get enough time together to really help any aspect of my condition.)

I know you are knowledgeable and I appreciate anything you might be able to do to help with this. It is driving me crazy. PLEASE dont get grossed out or judge me. I just really need help. I am going to be totally open here... Thanks.

I am 24 years old and have been a healthy eater and overall healthy person my entire life (especially now). I am fit and I exercise and I have always been very active.

I have never had any major allergies. (Although, my father is allergic to everything possible) Growing up I had radiant skin and NEVER had a blemish whatsoever until around the age of 21. That is when this all started.

I was in college and suddenly started to break out in mysterious, somewhat itchy, rashes. At first I go them on my upper back and lower legs (below the knee). Then I began randomly getting the itchy welts in my armpits, and within about 6 months I got my first break out on my face. I was 21.

Since then I have seen 3 normal doctors, 2 dermatologists, and 2 allergy specialists with no conclusive information. (I have not seen a real doctor for this in over 2 years- no insurance) Everyone agrees it is some allergy but they cant figure out what it is or related to. I have had blood tests and I have been tested for over 250 allergens. No allergy can be found. The only thing that ever really helps a bad breakout is STRONG antibiotics. I also am told to take allergy pills like Clairaton. They also give me antibiotic creams (like neosporin) and clindomyacin for it. I guess the neosporin creams does help heal the spots after they have gotten really bad.

I eat vitamins everyday many of which are to target this ongoing issue (Vitamin C, E, Biotin, Garlic, Mulit-V...) I use natural soaps (Giovani- natural detoxifying bar soap, Cetaphyl- goats milk bar soap, Dr Bronners), I use natural toners, if at all- (Humphrey's- Witch Hazel toner), and I moisturize correctly- (Usually a mix between aloe and neem- which was recommended by my holistic lady in FL)

Recently, the only spots on my body I get breakouts are the face, armpits and surrounding, and sometimes my legs (usually from the knees down). They come on like hives but bigger. It will be little ones that look like hives mixed with the larger bumps that look like white heads and can be deep- almost cystic. They are red and swollen. They itch. They have fluid in them. They look gross and they are annoying. They take a long while to go away on there own and then I end up picking at them or ITCHING THEM (especially during sleep) and prolonging the process. They can open and ooze and peel.

Since it started I get the rashes randomly. I can go weeks and even months without a breakout or any one that is severe. I know stress does make it worse and my menstrual cycle can worsen it also. (I do not take birth control)

I have given up everything unnatural. All products with corn syrup, all soda-pop, and almost everything preserved or with unnecessary ingredients. I do not eat fast food (only occasional taco bell without meat for random drunken/stoner moments) and I am very conscious about how I treat my body and what I put into it. I am clean and shower regularly. I have been eating more probiotics (I always ate yogurt anyway, but i am not buying the better stuff) and a decent amount of fiber as you suggested, but only for about the last week. I drink a lot of tea, and recently have tried rubbing green tea on my face in the evenings as well. Have not noticed a difference yet.

The breakouts come and go randomly but do seem to be getting worse overtime.

I have had people hint at me that it could be a form of Lupus or Rosacea. I am unsure and both are difficult to diagnose.
It does not look like any of the pictures I have seen for lupus, although I do have some of the symptoms. Lupus is so hard to pin down that it really could be anything. It kind of looks and feels and responds to what I have seen and read of Rosacea online, but I don't ever turn red (besides ON the rash) and I have no broken blood vessels. I would say that Rosacea would be a close comparison to whatever allergic skin condition I have going on.

Thank you for your time. If you have any questions let me know. I respect your opinion and assistance and ANY advice you have. This is a real big deal for me and brings me down quite a bit. Not only does it effect my appearance negatively, but it is also extremely uncomfortable. Feel free to share anything and everything with me.

Thank you.
Tue, 22 Dec 2015
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Dentist 's  Response
Hi Dear,

Welcome to HCM.

Understanding your concern. As per your query you are having frequent itchy acne which occur due to blocked ducts of sebaceous glands . Dead skin and bacteria entrapped inside cause infection and the dark spots after acne are post inflammatory hyper pigmentation. I would suggest you to wash your face with face wash containing salicylic acid , which is very effective for acne. Apply vitamin C serum at night. You should start with use of topical antibacterial clindamycin gel as a spot treatment for acne during day time. Apply kojic acid cream after washing your face. Protect your skin from sun exposure. If condition persist even after a month the consult dermatologist . Doctor may recommend techniques like laser therapy and dermabrasion for dark spots and prescribe antibiotics , retinoids and tretinoin for acne .

Hope your concern has been resolved.

Get Well Soon.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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Suggest Remedy For Frequent Itchy Acne

Hi Dear, Welcome to HCM. Understanding your concern. As per your query you are having frequent itchy acne which occur due to blocked ducts of sebaceous glands . Dead skin and bacteria entrapped inside cause infection and the dark spots after acne are post inflammatory hyper pigmentation. I would suggest you to wash your face with face wash containing salicylic acid , which is very effective for acne. Apply vitamin C serum at night. You should start with use of topical antibacterial clindamycin gel as a spot treatment for acne during day time. Apply kojic acid cream after washing your face. Protect your skin from sun exposure. If condition persist even after a month the consult dermatologist . Doctor may recommend techniques like laser therapy and dermabrasion for dark spots and prescribe antibiotics , retinoids and tretinoin for acne . Hope your concern has been resolved. Get Well Soon. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari