Horrible cystic pimple(s) on cheek - why???

[Anonymous]

I used to get breakouts every now and then, but pretty much always in the T zone of my face.

Ever since a miscarriage a few years ago in between my 2 kids, I have had breakouts on my cheeks. They're horrible. Not only are they deep cystic pimples but when they are gone they leave a red mark for months and months.

I'm seeing a dermatologist as I've had rosacea in the past, I'm on a low level antibiotic (oracea) and a topical gel and wash. But still, every month or so I get one of these awful cheek pimples.

Should I demand something more aggressive like Accutane (I am done having kids)? Any other advice? I wash my face religiously, have a relatively healthy diet, am not on the pill or other hormonal BC.

Help!

[Anonymous]

Maybe you should change dermatologists and get another opinion. Accutane, while effective, can have very serious side effects. I'm sorry about this--it sounds terrible.

[Anonymous]

I was getting terrible cystic pimples on my jawline. Finally went to a derm who put me on two topical treatments: Atralin (which is a retinol) and Clarifoam, and suggested I use Glytone mild gel wash. It cleared everything up very well - though it definitely took a few months.

[Anonymous]

OP, do you change your pillowcase every other day? Any change in your beauty routine like new shampoos, conditioners, treatments, lotions, makeup? Any dietary changes? Are you drinking enough water?
I get those painful cystic bumps once a month on my forehead and the only thing that has worked for me has been the 2.0% concentration treatment of salicylic acid. This seems to address the pimple itself as well as any potential for it to spread. I really try to refrain from touching my face at all during the day. Those Boscia sebum-absorbing sheets take care of the shiny forehead without causing additional breakouts.

[Anonymous]

i started getting cystic pimples regularly after having my second child. i'm convinced something about certain pregnancies can permanently ruin your skin.

[Anonymous]

OP- could your phone be dirty? Does it touch that part of your face? Clean it regulary. I've found that if I don't I get pimples where mine touches my face.

[Anonymous]

Use benzoil peroxide (10%) once you feel it coming on.

You can request a topical form of the same drug as accutane which is not nearly as harsh to your body (still cannot get pregnant or breasfeed, but less dangerous otherwise).

[Anonymous]

OP I have clear skin almost all month. Until my period comes or I am stressed and I get cysts that cannot be popped and will not go away unless I have an injection from the dermo.

They are only on or around my nose area or chin.

I have tried so many things, but these fuckers do not go away with my daily routine including Retina, atralin, acanya, clindamycin (well I have tried all of these).

I have learned to live with them since college and when really bad go for the $60 injection of cortisone.

[Anonymous]

agree with a lot of what the PP's have stated, but, I'd also suggest that you clean your make up brushes if you use a foundation brush.

[Anonymous]

OP - we sound similar. I'm also taking Oracea for rosacea, and I've started getting similar cyst-type bumps but on my neck (not related to Oracea). I have a prescription for desonide (topical steroid) that I dab on when I get one and it seems to help a little.

[Anonymous]

I also have been recently dx with rosacea I was getting red pussy pimples on my cheek that left the area permanently red. I just started on oracea. Could the acne be related to the rosacea? And the oracea isn't strong enough? Not to change the subject but do you like the oracea it sounds like I have to be on it for life which makes me nervous...

[Anonymous]

Go see a dermatologist. I tried Accutane years ago but couldn't complete the treatment due to the side effects. In the end my dermatologist found that my cystic acne was cleared by taking a blood pressure drug which had a side effect of clearing your skin. True miracle. There may be other solutions. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Have you tried an anti-inflammatory diet? I notice a direct relationship between breakouts (I get them on my jawline and neck and they are giant under the skin bumps), and the quality of my diet.

[Anonymous]

My dermatologist was useless at treating the horribly painful monthly acne that I was getting on my lower cheek and jawline. My endocrinologist took one look at it and gave me a prescription for progesterone for the latter half of my cycle. It has changed my life. No more acne. No more cramps. No more unbridled eating. Simply amazing!

[Anonymous]

Yup, you need to go back on the pill, a progesterone version like Yaz. Those cystic pimples are hormonal.