Skin issue

[macheetah]

I'm posting this because whatever it is is getting worse and I don't have health insurance/can't afford a visit to the dermatologist presently, so I'm hoping some of you mamas might have an idea.

I've had "adult acne" since my late 30's.  Now 42. In the past, up until last year when I lost my job, doctors have told me it's hormonally based and I could combat it with BCP. I didn't want to take them, so I didn't.  The only other thing they offered me was prescription Retin-A and antibiotics, which never really accomplished much.

It has escalated to my face, back, chest and scalp/hairline to slow-healing, deep skin issues that seem to flare into patches.  They usually have an internal base like a splinter, that just takes forever to go away and often the same spots become inflamed again and again.  The latest versions, such as one on my chin and now, a set on and within my eyebrow! , have started out with one or two spots that form a patch with scaling, itchy and inflamed skin.  Even once healed, they cause horrible dark scars and spots. 

I've tried so many things.  Now, I wash with non-SLS cleanser  and use salt exfoliatory scrubs in the shower.  I use a gentle acne wash at night on my face.  When things are in full flare I've used calendua, tea tree, goldenseal tincture, honey, tamanu and buckthorn oils as well as OTC meds to combat it and hasten healing.     

I have food allergies - gluten and dairy (cow's milk specifically.)  I've been gluten- and dairy free for years, but the skin issues did not resolve.  I've never been tested for skin allergies, but I am sensitive to perfumes and soaps - I use all free products for that reason.    

I also saw an increase in this issues when I moved from one geographic locale to another.  Now, under a lot of stress personally, I'm not sure how much of the escalation and slow healing can be attributed to that. 

If you've taken the time to read this long post, thank you and I welcome any thoughts!      

[Doodlebugsmom]

Sounds like it could be seborrhea.   After trying every possible natural remedy for two years, I finally went to the derm. She prescribed a prescription shampoo and a non-steroidal cream (Promiseb). They have both helped tremendously, but I'm still battling it on one eyelid. It's awful! I know you don't have insurance, but my derm gave me samples of the Promiseb. That was back in early October. They're just now running out. I hope you figure out a solution. Good luck!

[allnaturalmom]

Have you tried apple cider vinegar. I would use it both internally and externally for a few weeks and see if it makes a difference. Use only raw, unpasteurized, organic acv and always dilute. 

gl

hth

[macheetah]

Thank you both!

In reading about it, Seborreah seems to have a fungal connection; I wonder if coconut oil might help?

I have just started to try and drink one TBSP of vinegar (Braggs) in a glass of water a day, but I've only been doing it for a few days (after reading about it via search on this site.)  Topically, I have only used it as a hair rinse but I will try more applications now.     

[Doodlebugsmom]

I tried both coconut oil and ACV. No luck. It wouldn't hurt for you to try, though!

[swd12422]

Your skin sounds like mine was a few years ago! I live in a very dry climate, and switching to non-chemical stuff (oatmeal soap, coconut oil, etc) helped a lot. I use vegetable glycerin to keep my skin from getting too dried out, and that was a biggie too. What has really helped recently is that I started taking vitamin supplements. Since I started them generally at the same time, IDK which are really doing the trick, but I'm taking a daily multi w/ "green" in it, and Omega 3-6-9.

I was also told by my doctor to cut out the dairy and wheat, and that did help, but I can't do that forever. I love bagels and grilled cheese too much! ;-)

So I do see that you are already doing most of the things I did, too -- but maybe try glycerin for a moisturizer to keep your skin from drying out and look at your vitamin intake to see if you might need a supplement.

(To answer your original question, I have no idea what it is -- I never get straight answers from docs when I go about my skin!)

[macheetah]

Thanks!  Yes, the dermotogists were always vague with me about what it could be, and seemed very casual and unconcerned - when for me, it is very stressful to have constant blemishes popping up and leaving long-term marks on my face, back and chest...it affects how I wear clothes, causes me to wear too much coverup makeup at times, just so I don't look like I have the measles, or something...ugh.