personal acne treatment
I realize that this type of message must be
asked often, but I will ask anyway. Basically, I want to cure myself
of my acne on my face, which I have had since 7th grade. One of the
great things about the Internet is that I can get input from many
people at the same time, and judging from my face, I need as much
input as possible.
At any rate, my dermatologist tells me I am his worst case ever.
Nothing seems to actually stop it. Benzamycin (now renamed
Benzacline), which I apply before I go to sleep, helps, probably more
than anything else. I also take 2 capsules daily of Tetracycline HCL
250MG (on an empty stomach), which doesn't seem to do anything. My
regimen consists of washing my face in the morning with Cetaphil (to
get the Benzacline off), and then washing with Desquam Wash (which,
BTW, seems to be extremely harsh, as it makes my skin itchy and red
for the next 20 minutes or so). During school, I use a packet of
Clindets (alcohol- and antibiotic- laced towelet) to wash my face
before I get home and actually wash it (this helps a little). I have
managed (over the last 4 years or so) to completely stop touching my
face (with my hands), which makes my skin itch in that spot and
eventually form a pimple. If my face gets itchy (as is bound to
happen with all the shit on it), I _always_ use a tissue. Before
going to sleep (and putting on the Benzacline), I also wash my face
with the Desquam Wash.
And such has been going on for the last few years of my life (I am now
18). I have tried perhaps as many as 2 dozen different drugs /
medicines, but nothing has helped as much as I would like (it's
actually been getting worse if I look at some photos).
So, I'm looking for a solution. Browsing through newsgroups, I've
read of many solutions and "miracle cures." Just as a statement of
fact, stress increases my acne. Should I try washing with salt water,
or egg? Should I drink more water? Should I try moisturizer?
Should I break my diet? I think that I eat pretty healthy, especially
for a teenager. I almost never (once a year, maybe) eat at fast-food
restaurants, or buy anything from them. I eat very little candy
(e.g.,M&Ms, etc.). My mom cooks great, and every night. I eat lots
of fruits, especially apples, clementines (better than organes), and
pineapple. For lunch (in school), I eat a peanut butter / strawberry
jam sandwitch with a fruit, and I wash it down in Snapple Peach Tea.
I eat with an apple and some canned mandarines. I don't drink any
milk (which I've read can contribute to acne), but I do eat lots of
chocolate (not candy or milk chocolate, but real, 60-75% cocoa
chocolate, which I love). I occasionally find some good kind of
cheese and eat large amounts of it, but it never contributes. I drink
large amounts of tea (around 2 cups a day), whether it be fruit or
black (e.g., Lipton or Earl Grey).
As you can see, I'm at the end of my rope here. Am I one of those
people that just can't be helped? Should I wait till I'm thirty? Any
recommendations?