Hormonal/Ovulation Breakouts

Hi,

I had big and tender bumps under the skin which was called cystic acne. I was put on tetracycline for 3 months as well as Retin-A (the prescription kind). Besides the medication, treatment for the cysts is to use hot compresses 3x a day to try to break up the concentration of fat and bacteria under the skin. After the 3 months I was told to switch to a daily face wash or cleanser with salicylic acid (CVS has one and I now buy the Avon one that is cheaper). I simply wash my face with water and a gentle cleanser (I use J&J Babywash just because it is already in the shower for use with the kids) and then cleanse my face with a cotton square soaked in the Acne Wash. A light moisturizer (Oil of Olay) is all I use after that. I still get pimples premenstrually, but only very rarely an occasional cyst. I would check with your doctor who may send you to a dermatologist. There are also cover-sticks with the salicylic acid in it so you treat while covering up. Check the acne-isle at CVS. Good luck.

Hi N.. I have experienced brake outs like this around my period when in high school. I used Noxema. Some people actually called me the Noxema girl because I looked a lot like the one from the commercials.
Anyway, it seems to be starting now but it doesn't work for me anymore. So I think it all depends on your skin type. So you can either prepare with something that works for you when you know your period is coming. Or check out a dermatologist. I have one in my area I love but it would be a far ride for you. Ask around and see who others are suggesting and what they have to say about the DR.
Best of luck.
Something about having 2 kids has screwed my body up a bit as well.

If they are deep to the point that they hurt to the touch and are some times even warm topical ointments don't usually help. I had trouble with cyst like acne before. I went on a pill for it. I only did one cycle before my wedding and stopped to try and conceive after. That one cycle is all it took to put my body back in check. I have not had a problem since (it's been 3 years). I do get typical acne around my cycle, but not cysts. I can handle an occasional pimple compared to the welts I used to get. I would mention it to your Dr.

This sounds like it is caused by something internal - basically the hormones associated with ovulation. I would think an internal treatment would be much more effective than an external treatment like a skin cream. I would recommend an excellent and highly absorbable liquid supplement to help balance you out. Reliv's SoySentials is outstanding for women's issues - PMS, menopause, cramps, breast health and more. You could also try their basic nutrition formula - a lot of women find great results with menstrual issues just on the basic nutrition. Since it's not a pill you get great absorption and the best economics - vitamin pills and similar supplements are only absorbed 25-35% so you are wasting a huge amount of the money you spend. I'd be happy to share more - I swear by the stuff, and our family has had outstanding results!

Hi N.,
I also ad experienced this a year ago. I starting using a natural hormone cream from Arbonne Intl and has done wonders. I had my hormone levels checked by a mouth swab and the estrogren was off the charts (which happens often after having children). Most Dr's would put you on the pill but I have had awful experiences with those and IUD's so those were not an option. Since being on the cream I was able to also stop taking my medication for my endomitriosis. My mood swings and cramps are gone as well as the skin issues. As for the pimples I also used Arbonne's acne wash and lotion as well as a skin conditoining oil for scars during my cycle until the hormone cream started to work (takes most women about 2 months). If you have not heard of Arbonne they are a wonderful company who uses all natural ingredients in their products and are delivered to your home at wholesale costs. They product their products with no mineral oils, chemicals, dyes, parabens, vegan certified. If you would like more information feel free to email me back and we can talk on the phone. Hope this helps.
Good Luck
Kristina