Tell me About Spots and Acne

[Adrenaline Junkie]

Hey, I made a help thread a few months back about a spot problem i had on my back. Well i have a little update/escalation of the problem. Well basically i sought a doctors advice and i got an information sheet (which i lost) and some cream to apply each day. I applied the cream daily and it did nothing, it improved it a little but no improvement at all after about a months of usage. I then just gave up on it, now i properly scrub my whole body twice a day whether it be in the shower or the bath. Now i am having spot problems on my face and i am always tempted to pop them because they are horrible to look at when unpopped. But basically i have seen no improvement whatsoever, i think its horrible because i get really really greasy aswell, my forehead especially, my nose also, my back has become out of control also. I was told by the doctor that i was acne and it has now started to spread over my shoulders and onto the front of my chest which is worrying since its not a pretty thing to look at, i have a few little scars on my back already from the spots that burst as a result of everyday tasks like sitting down etc. I need a solution to this and unfortunately i can't seem to find anything at all that is working. Any suggestions, advice, or help would be greatly appreciated. Btw, just for the record i have just got through my first day today of eating less crap. So hopefully if i can keep up my face will clear up a bit but still my back is an issue and now my front chest is becoming an issue. I can post pictures if it will help, as sick as they may be i do really need help and advice on this before i scar my back and face too much. Thanks alot

[R.D.735]

Check the active ingredient in the cream, for a start. If a month hasn't done anything to decrease the problem, just try something with a different active ingredient. From what I've read, and my own experience, 5% benzoyl peroxide is effective and won't lose its effect over time. It takes 3-4 weeks to reach its full effect, but it is well worth it. I've also read that scrubbing too often/vigorously can make the problem worse by stressing the skin. Oily skin is only part of the problem. The sebacious glands in the skin actually collapse, trapping bacteria regardless of how clean your pores are. Well, I hope that helps. Good luck!

[badassbob]

Have you tried going to your local gym and using the sauna? Steam is supposed to be the best way to properly cleanse the pores of your skin. You could get one of those face steam thingies to clean your skin properly every day, then it would probably help if you wash your face twice a day as well to keep your skin clear of grease. Also, I don't know if you're interested in regular non-prescription spot creams, but I found that Clearasil Ultra worked well for me.