Getting huge cystic acne during pregnancy - tips?

[Anonymous]

So, in my 5th month, instead of the pregnancy glow and beautiful skin, I feel like I've regressed back to my teenage years with the acne - without the teenage body! Blarg. Anyone have the same problem and any effective, safe treatment tips? I have a huge angry, red cyst on my nose that's been building the past week without coming to a head and have no idea what to do. I've tried salicylic acid (topical) as well as a mixture of an antibiotic cream/hydrocortisone cream. Any help would be appreciated!

[Anonymous]

try coconut oil. extra virgin cold pressed organic. I use it on my face as a moisturizer and any time I have angry cysts on my back. I heals and reduces inflammation, you have to give it a few days to subside, you should see it go down and then it should turn to a blackhead, at least this has been my experience. GL

[Anonymous]

I am almost 3 months and I have had a breakout of cystic acne. It's a nightmare!!! My skin is sensitive so I can not use oils on my face. What really helps is icing the pimple. It reduces the inflamation and makes the pimple come to a head.

Good Luck!

[Anonymous]

Ugh this is the worst. My advice is going to a good facialist for some heavy duty extractions. Its expensive but you can't use any normal stuff, and pregnancy acne made me absolute miserable. I recommend Bonnie at Hela in Georgetown. She also gave me this Neova Radiant Skin Cleanser that I use twice a day which is helping, and its fafe during pregnancy.

[Anonymous]

This sounds crazy but I swear it works every single time....toothpaste. At bedtime I put some regular old crest on blemishes and by morning they are either completely gone significantly better. It has never failed me and I've been doing this for a few years now.

[Anonymous]

I had to go on Acutane a few years for cystic acne and after having such nice skin ever since, pregnancy has totally hijacked that for me! I'm only in my 3rd month and get them under my chin/on my neck. Red, painful, not to mention enormous. Ugh, it's awful. I didn't even have skin like this as a teenager. I do the toothpaste trick or use drawing paste from Kiehl's, although really nothing is an instant cure unfortunately.

To the PP who mentioned extractions: if the OP's acne is anything like mine, extractions won't work. They are so deep that there's really no way to surface treat them. An no cream, even an rx, will work (trust me, I've been on them all). OP, I wouldn't try to overkill them either. I just use Cetaphil twice a day and a scrub once a week.

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much, PPs. This is the OP. So I've definitely tried ice to little effect, unfortunately. Anyone try the cortisone shot from a derm and is it ok when preggers? Seeing all the in-laws this Friday for an event and reeeally wish this thing on my nose will disappear before then.

[Anonymous]

I would shoot for the cortisone shot-just check and see if it's safe with the derm- they are used to these kinds of questions.

[Anonymous]

Well, will go on the hunt for a dermatologist in NW DC and let you know how things go if I'm able to book and get the shot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would shoot for the cortisone shot-just check and see if it's safe with the derm- they are used to these kinds of questions.

+1

I was so damn fatigued, I never went to the derm - wish I did - I have scars now whether I picked or not. I think the do not use benzoyl peroxide while pregnant might be a bunch of BS - everything gets absorbed into he skin - water, lotion, everything - what's a dot of acne med really going to do, you know? The other option is Mario Bedescu pink spot treatment stuff - it is really strong, maybe sulfur based. . . And now that Im not preg, I remember a facialist telling me to exfoliate a lot to keep big zits from getting started in the first place.

[Anonymous]

I've done the shots many times before, just not while pregnant. I'll be interested to hear if your OB says this is ok because it does work wonders (dramatically reduces them overnight).

[Anonymous]

If you can't do the cortisone shots because of pregnancy, buy yourself some clay masque. It doesn't matter what kind, as long as it's decent quality and for oily skin. Put a dab on your zit at bedtime.... or sooner if you're home all evening. It will significantly reduce the inflammation and help bring it to a head.


I have had horrible scarring cystic acne that waxes and wanes with my cycle since HS, and this is really the only thing that will get rid of it in a hurry. GL.

[Anonymous]

Silent scream. OP here. Unfortunately, no, we're not able to get cortisone shots during pregnancy. In fact, my OB has a stricter rule of no acne medication period - which is different than what I've read online and what my friends have done..aaand what I've already done since I stupidly bought $100 worth of different products for this thing. Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

So, guess I just have to live with this massive Krakatoa on my nose and hope it gets better. It's huuuuge. I'll try all the other natural treatments folks suggested. Thanks for your help!!

[Anonymous]

8:48 here again. I forgot to add, if you use make up brushes, invest in a daily cleaner. I know the wisdom is its ok to shampoo weakly, but if you are prone to breakouts it makes a difference. I ran out and thought "No biggie" over the weekend. Three days later and there's a crater on my temple. So here I stand pathetically waiting for Sephora to open. Their daily brush cleanser is awesome.

[Anonymous]

okay,
This must be one of those breathe and let it be scenarios. I would not be opposed to using a little benzoyl peroxide, just to keep the area dry.

Change your pillow cases frequently, use clean hands to put make up on and like pp said keep your make up utensils clean, go make up free as often as you can, drink lots of water, continue to ice (even though this hasn't shown much benefit yet).

It will improve, tell yourself that often!