Best shape of my life and I don't go out because of acne

[jinraiden]

dwsfsdfs

[Turtleneck1971]

I would hit a Dr. bro and try some of the perscribed medications. I cant remember the names but I know someone else will.. good luck.

[Shaptown]

I'm sure you have already heard this many times before, but DO NOT PICK OR TOUCH SKIN THAT IS BREAKING OUT. It exacerbates it ten-fold. The following should clear you up fairly well with minimal scarring:

1. Accutane 10-20mg ED for 6 months or so
2. Minocycline
3. There is an Rx topical called Ziana. It is incredibly effective, but I found it to be ridiculously expensive if you dont have prescription coverage.
4. Go tanning- since it sounds like you are incredibly self-conscious, visit an indoor salon where you can tan in a bed with a higher UVA:UVB ratio than normal sun so that you gain the benefits of UV radiation with minimal burning rays.
5. Up until these other treatments kick in, I would continue to use OTC treatments inclucding Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide.
6. Once the treatments kick in, cease #5, as this will dry the shit out of your skin. At this point I would begin to apply moisturizing creams to the particularly effected areas.

[bigcac13]

I just saw one of those infomercials on Accutane saying if you or a loved one has tried this product and had certain side effects call this number lol makes me not even want to touch it.

[Turtleneck1971]

Shaptown hit it on the head and I definately agree, tanning really helps that stuff out a ton..

[jinraiden]

I just saw one of those infomercials on Accutane saying if you or a loved one has tried this product and had certain side effects call this number lol makes me not even want to touch it.

.

I saw this a few nights ago and I just had this "wow fuck" look on my face. I was heavily considering using it. I'll take the acne over serious health problems.

I've tried the tanning, the salycic acid body wash, 10% benzoil creams. The only thing that really did help was the tanning. The creams just reduced the sizes of the acne but if there's one coming, it's coming, cream or no cream. The benzoil creams actually ruined a few shirts of mien too.

To the person that asked if I ran proper PCT, yea. I ran pharmaceutical grade tamoxifen and never encountered a decrease in sex or limp dick.

It's so hard to find motivation to diet and hit the gym right now. I feel like just quitting and getting off my diet. I talk myself out of it all the time.

I'll look into Ziana and see how much it cost. I can't let this shit ruin my summer like it has so far.

[Turtleneck1971]

You'll get it straightened out bro, Never give up...

[1badmofo]

I'm sure you have already heard this many times before, but DO NOT PICK OR TOUCH SKIN THAT IS BREAKING OUT. It exacerbates it ten-fold. The following should clear you up fairly well with minimal scarring:

1. Accutane 10-20mg ED for 6 months or so
2. Minocycline
3. There is an Rx topical called Ziana. It is incredibly effective, but I found it to be ridiculously expensive if you dont have prescription coverage.
4. Go tanning- since it sounds like you are incredibly self-conscious, visit an indoor salon where you can tan in a bed with a higher UVA:UVB ratio than normal sun so that you gain the benefits of UV radiation with minimal burning rays.
5. Up until these other treatments kick in, I would continue to use OTC treatments inclucding Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide.
6. Once the treatments kick in, cease #5, as this will dry the shit out of your skin. At this point I would begin to apply moisturizing creams to the particularly effected areas.

I've never ran accutane, so correct me if I'm wrong.... you have to avoid the sunlight right? So, I'm just saying you might not be able to do #1 and #4 at the same time. Also it can be liver toxic so no orals and limit alcohol right?

[Miss Muscle]

Time to go see a doctor.

[Shaptown]

I've never ran accutane, so correct me if I'm wrong.... you have to avoid the sunlight right? So, I'm just saying you might not be able to do #1 and #4 at the same time. Also it can be liver toxic so no orals and limit alcohol right?

Yes on the ladder, not on the former. It is indeed true that accutane and minocycline both increase photosensitivity, however that is why if one utilizes a high output bed (high UVA:UVB ratio) the risk is minimal in comparison to even "normal" outdoor sunlight exposure.

[valiantmiller16]

im on minocyciline and it's working great face has cleared up back still not perfect but cleared up a hell of a lot i think in another 2 months it should be gone completely just go to the doctor.

[Blondie_Bombshell]

I agree with MM, you need to go see a dermatologist. The medications that you can get OTC will only help with the inflammation of the acne. A dermatologist can actually give you pills to stop the break outs from occurring. Good luck.

[fuzzislipperz]

Theres a chemical called "green soap", tattoo artists use it to clean the skin before and after the do a tattoo. It works great to clear up acne on the skin, and they will be gone quickly after rubbing on. Only problem is it wont stop the breakouts.

[R1rider]

ya im running minocyclene and it works great for me. dont give up man, go to the doc and get a script

[the Dragon]

Are you using any ai's, my brother? If not, there's the culprit. You my not have symptoms of gyno that would prompt people to implement an ai, but you've obviously got other estrogen related sides. Acne being one of them. Get urself some letro. It will help, if not clear you up altogether. Good luck.

Just sort of thinking of this for myself, but would you recommend doing letro SIX months after his cycle?

Would the acne still be because he has high estrogen in his body? Even if he did a proper PCT, never had any limp dicks etc.

Could it not be that the acne started due to estro and even though the hormons corrected themself you would still have the acne shit due to the fact that the pores have some fat deep down in he tissue and the bacteria feeds of it.

Just trying to understand the whole issue as I have some on my fucking arms and shoulders.

[H0lydiver]

Are you using any ai's, my brother? If not, there's the culprit. You my not have symptoms of gyno that would prompt people to implement an ai, but you've obviously got other estrogen related sides. Acne being one of them. Get urself some letro. It will help, if not clear you up altogether. Good luck.

Wish I woulda read that well on my cycle :S I had letro on hand and didnt take any because wasnt getting any gyno but got some nasty bacne and a bit on my chest, im like 3 weeks in PCT its clearing up slowly ....very slowly would letro help now ? or too late.

[juced_porkchop]

I did a 14 week cycle of test enanthate and my last shot was dec 30 of 2009. Here I am at the end of may, in the best shape of my life, shredded @ 210 and all I do is go to the gym and stay at home because I live in a small town and my chest, arms and back are still full of acne. Shit fucking sucks. I just needed to vent bros. I've tried all the over the counter medications and nothing.

Just something for you guys thinking about taking test to think about. This is no fun.

4-5 oz of APPLE cider vinagar ed
tan about 2 times a week.
DONT over shower! 1-2times a day is nuff. over washing could make it worse.
also i found when on letro on cycle acne was ALOT less, i think toomuch estrogen is also the cause, maybe you could look into that also?

also just your horomones beign on aroller coaster ride (ups and downs) coudl cause this.

just a few thoughts that may help.
and TRUST me apple cider vinagar is a GREAT thing.
and stay away from accutain!
nvm liver toxticity GENETIC damage is done. law suits are already building with the original makers of it.
stay away from that shit.

monocyclin "spelling" anti-biotices are a better choice but there not 100% safe ether.

[juced_porkchop]

I just saw one of those infomercials on Accutane saying if you or a loved one has tried this product and had certain side effects call this number lol makes me not even want to touch it.

one of the the many things going on.

sides with this drug may even happen YEARS down the road after stopping it, so think about that.

[the Dragon]

I am gonna try Apple cider bro. Will report back to ya.

[Johnnny]

ALONG, with the letro as da man ChipTRT suggested, I would run a systemic antibiotic that is azithromycin, most people have heard of zpacks.
Which are ridiculously expensive in the States if that is where you are at. So order 10 zpack of 500mg tabs, there are 3 in each pack, and you split them in half, so each pack will last 6 days, but actually about 9 days b/c of its slow excretion from the body. Making it a perfect, one a day treatment.

Order 10 zpacks from 4rx.com and I believe it cost me 80$ last time, if you have a prescription, the same amount will cost you 400$ from drugstore.com.
So since this is a long term antibiotic systemic regimen, you are foolish to pay pharmacy prices for this, just order overseas, its not controlled so it will come thru.

Now just split the tabs in half and take for 60 days, 250mg/day, there are 30 tablets total in 10 zpacks of 500mg strength. Usuually you can take 1 zpack for a mild infection.

You need systemic therapy coupled with an AI.

There ya go, problem solved medically, no need to pay for a doctor.

And you can google azithromycin therapy for acne and it will all say the same as this one
[url=http://dermatology.cdlib.org/134/original/azithromycin/bardazzi.html]Azithromycin: A new therapeutical strategy for acne in adolescents[/url]

[LANDSCAPE1]

if u don't mind me asking, what were the doses and what brand of gear were u running ?

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

acne is bacterial the uv from tanning does the best thing for me. the Proactive cleanser helps too.

[Johnnny]

I reiterate my suggestion of a systemic antibiotic for a systemic acne vulgaris, azithromycin is the way to go for 60 days Which means ten zpacks from 4rx.com at a dose of 250mg/day half a tab
OR just take one of the zpack 500 mg tabs every other day

10 500mg zpacs consisting of 3 tabs will last you 60 days.

If you dont treat systemically with antibiotics you will not ever be cured, tanning will not help and, can make it worse. The only way to treat a skin bacterial problem is with a broad spectrum antibiotic. The ease of use of azythromycin at one a day or every other day makes it the ideal choice.

With the idea of scarring for a lifetime and not going out of the house. Dont do herbal or ad hoc therapies. go for the right prescription medications


Abstract

AIM: To study the efficacy, safety, and compliance of 500 mg azithromycin thrice weekly for 8 weeks to treat acne vulgaris in adolescents. METHODS: An open-label, non-comparative study was carried out for 8 weeks. Fifty-two teenagers with moderate to severe papulo-pustular acne vulgaris were enrolled. Azithromycin, 500 mg orally thrice weekly for 8 weeks, was prescribed. No topical treatment was permitted. At the baseline visit, patients were scheduled to return at two-weekly intervals for 8 weeks. Efficacy was gauged by the percentage clearance of papulo-pustular acne lesions. All patients were also evaluated at four months post-treatment. RESULTS: A majority of patients (47/52) showed remarkable improvement in the first 4 weeks with a more than 20 percent reduction of their inflammatory papulo-pustular lesions. Maximum clearance was observed in 32 patients at 8 weeks. Slow improvement with eruptions of new lesions was seen in 6 patients. Adverse events, such as heartburn and nausea, were reported by 3 patients. All patients completed the 8-week study period. The beneficial effect was maintained at 4 months after the conclusion of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Azithromycin, 500 mg thrice weekly for 8 weeks, appears to be a safe and effective treatment for acne vulgaris in adolescents, with excellent patient compliance.


Introduction

Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory disorder of the pilo-sebaceous follicles. It is a multifactorial disease and its pathophysiology centers on the interplay of follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization with Propionibacterium acnes (PA), increased sebum production, and inflammation. This disease has a high prevalence, occurring mainly in adolescence. Although the peak of prevalence is around the 17th year of life, acne lesions can appear earlier and are not uncommonly observed in the age group ranging from 12 to 14 years, in which the condition is underreported [1]. In a recent study the prevalence of acne among teenagers in various European countries was calculated to range from 70-87 percent, according to different methods of classification [2]. Early and adequate treatment helps to reduce psychological stress caused by acne lesions and the long-term risk of scarring. Diverse therapeutical options are available in the treatment of acne [3, 4, 5].

Antibiotic therapy has long been found useful in the management of moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris. Mechanisms of action include suppressing growth of PA, reducing the production of inflammatory mediators, and acting in immunomodulation [6]. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include tetracyclines, doxycycline, minocycline, limecycline and erythromycin [5].

Recent research has been carried out to demonstrate the role of azithromycin in acne treatment and its efficacy [7, 8, 9]. There are no reports in the literature of PA resistance to azithromycin [10].

We performed open-label, non-comparative study that was not sponsored by any pharmaceutical company, using an 8-week pulse-therapy regimen in adolescents who were not currently using any other topical or systemic treatment.


Methods

The primary focus of this study was to assess the efficacy, safety, tolerability and compliance of 500 mg of azithromycin thrice weekly for 8 weeks in the treatment of acne in a cohort of adolescent patients.

Azithromycin is an orally administered macrolide that has a wide spectrum of activity. It is characterized by rapid and extensive uptake from the circulation into intracellular compartments following oral administration and by a long half-life (68 h). The drug remains in the tissues for prolonged periods, from 2 to 4 days, at levels higher than the minimum inhibitory concentration for many common pathogens [11, 12], making azithromycin a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics.

Fifty-two patients underwent a clinical session with a dermatologist during which a global assessment was made, including a full face count of papular and pustular lesions [13] (Table 1). The number of lesions was calculated at the beginning of the treatment (baseline, day 1) and at 2-weekly intervals for 8 weeks (day 14-28-42-56). The difference between the number of lesions observed at baseline and the number seen in subsequent examinations was used to evaluate the efficacy of the therapy (Table 2). A difference equal to or greater than 50 percent was considered "good-excellent", between 20 and 50 percent "moderate," and less than 20 percent "poor".

Furthermore, all patients completed the dermatology life quality index (DLQI), a questionnaire that is simple to administer, reproducible, validated, and designed to be practical and of clinical value when used in a busy clinical setting [14]. At every check-up we assessed the clinical response to the acne treatment, any adverse events, and patient compliance.

Patients with relapsing acne previously treated with antimicrobials such as doxycycline, minocycline, lymecycline and erythromycin were eligible to be enrolled in the study after a six-month wash-out period. No patients had previously been treated with oral isotretinoin. The main exclusion criterium was a history of macrolide sensitization.

Azithromycin (500 mg thrice weekly for 8 weeks) was prescribed to the patients. No topical therapy was associated. Patients were advised not to undergo any beauty procedures, such as chemical peels, bleaches, or facials, during the study period.

All patients were also evaluated at a 4 month, post-treatment follow-up visit. Only topical rinse-off cleaners were allowed during follow-up.


Results

Fifty-two adolescent patients were enrolled, 37 males and 15 females, ranging in age from 13 to 17 years and all suffering from moderate to severe papulo-pustular acne vulgaris. Forty-seven patients (90.4%) showed remarkable improvement within the first 4 weeks, with a significant reduction in their inflammatory papulo-pustular lesions (23 showed "moderate" reduction and 24 "good-excellent"). Maximum clearance was observed at 8 weeks (Table 3)



Figure 1a Figure 1b


Figure 2a Figure 2b


Figure 3a Figure 3b
a Figures: before treatment
b Figures: after treatment
Pustular lesions showed a major degree of clearance, but comedones persisted as would be expected. All sites showed an equal degree of clearance. Residual post-inflammatory pigmentation and pitted and linear scarring represented the aftermath of the relapsing pattern of acne. Six patients (11.5%) showed "poor" results characterized by slow clearance with eruptions of new lesions whilst on treatment; they nevertheless completed the 8-week treatment. Adverse events, such as heartburn and nausea, as a result of gastrointestinal intolerance, were reported by three patients (5.8%). These patients were advised to use the antacid, magnesium trisilicate, before meals. This successfully alleviated the symptoms.

All patients completed the 8-week study period. In 25 (78.1%) patients out of the 32 patients labeled as "good-excellent responders," the beneficial effect persisted during a follow-up of 4 months without any therapy.

DLQI at the end of treatment confirmed the improvement in the quality of life after 8 weeks of treatment in all the patients who obtained a reduction rated as "good-excellent". In the remaining patients the results of DLQI were variable and not related to the percentage of reduction in mean lesion count.


Discussion

Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder among children and young adults that carries enormous financial and psychosocial impact. Approximately 40 percent of adolescents below the age of 15 years develop physiological acne and in 15 percent of these patients the acne is sufficiently troublesome to merit a visit to a dermatologist [2]. There is no doubt that early and adequate treatment will reduce the severity of the problem and the long-term risk of scarring.

The choice of treatment depends on the clinical severity. A patient with mild acne should receive topical therapy. In moderate-to-severe acne, systemic treatment is required in most cases, using antibiotics, hormonal therapy, and oral retinoids [10, 15, 16]. As a first line systemic treatment in adolescence most authors recommend the use of systemic antibiotics, including tetracyclines, doxycycline, minocycline, limecycline and erythromycin [5, 6]. Recently, azithromycin has been added to this list [9, 17]. Comparative clinical trials have shown that the tolerability profile of azithromycin is superior to that of erythromycin and doxycycline [8]. Moreover, tetracyclines can cause both mucocutaneoeus and systemic adverse effects [10].

The unique pharmacokinetics of azithromycin, together with its effectiveness, make it a highly suitable agent for the treatment of acne. The drug shows an affinity for inflammatory tissue and demonstrates activity against many anaerobic species, including PA. Clinical isolates of PA are known to be highly susceptible to azithromycin [19].

In selecting the appropriate antibiotic for patients, the clinician should take into account the severity of the acne, the safety profile of the drug, the potential for development of resistance, and the cost-effectiveness.

Azithromycin has many advantages compared to other antibiotics. It is more stable than erythromycin in low gastric pH; it produces fewer gastrointestinal side-effects and presents no major drug interactions [20]. It also appears to be safer than the new tetracyclines such as lymecycline, in pediatric patients. Finally, the possible efficacy of a less frequent dosage improves compliance, cost-effectiveness and tolerability.

The widespread and long-term use of antibiotics over the years has unfortunately led to the emergence of resistant bacteria. Resistance to tetracycline and cross-resistance to doxycycline are also common. The incidence of PA resistance in the UK is estimated to be approximately 65 percent for erythromycin and clindamycin and 40 percent for tetracycline and doxycycline [5], whereas there are no reports on resistance to azithromycin [10, 21, 22]. The global increase in the antibiotic resistance of PA may be a significant contributing factor in treatment failures.

Recently some studies have been published on the effective use of azithromycin in treating acne in adults, but until now there is scant published information on azithromycin use for acne in the adolescent population [7, 8, 9, 10, 17]. Our study confirms that azithromycin is a safe, effective, and tolerable antimicrobial agent with minimal side effects and good compliance, even in adolescent patients. Moreover, it is not photosensitizing; fifteen patients in this study were treated during the summer months with no photosensitivity problems. Azithromycin proved to be successful within 8 weeks of treatment in 88.5 percent of patients. Patient compliance was excellent and only three patients had gastrointestinal disturbances in the form of heartburn and nausea.

Differences between the patients' personal assessment (DLQI) and the mean lesion counts are explainable by the fact that healed lesions often leave hyperpigmented macules, which patients evaluate as active lesions; an additional factor may be their excessive expectations.

All patients found azithromycin easy to take, and the majority found it effective in controlling and clearing their acne. Perhaps, the ease of this pulse regimen contributed to patient and parental compliance.

No comment about absolute and relative cost of azithromycin treatment for acne can be made because the cost of this medication is variable in every country. In Italy, National Health Service (NHS) distributes antibiotics to citizens free of charge. However, considering the price imposed by this institution for these drugs, the cost of 8 weeks of therapy with azithromycin (3-250 mg tabs/week) would be 137,68 â***8218;¬. This is higher than the cost of therapy with doxycycline (100 mg BID), which would be 23,46 â***8218;¬. In the US, the typical retail cost for 8 weeks of generic azithromycin therapy under the suggested regimen would be approximately $440, although different pharmacy prices may vary widely. Because there are patients who do not respond to or tolerate the tetracyclines, we think that azithromycin is a valid alternative.

Finally, a few studies have compared azithromycin with other antibiotics [10, 22, 23], but there are no data about the optimum dose of azithromycin for treating acne in adolescents or in adults. Further randomized, controlled comparative trials are needed to assess this point, and to establish the duration of the treatment in patients with acne.

References

[2005GTOrr]

Go to the Dr. and see if you can get some "Doxycycline" 100mg tabs, i work in some of the worst countries in the world where Malaria is very contagious, it works great for acne!!! me and a couple of my buds started taking it for the Malaria and wow everyone in a couple of weeks had no acne, if you look into it you will find it is used to treat acne also.

[the Dragon]

4-5 oz of APPLE cider vinagar ed
tan about 2 times a week.
DONT over shower! 1-2times a day is nuff. over washing could make it worse.
also i found when on letro on cycle acne was ALOT less, i think toomuch estrogen is also the cause, maybe you could look into that also?

also just your horomones beign on aroller coaster ride (ups and downs) coudl cause this.

just a few thoughts that may help.
and TRUST me apple cider vinagar is a GREAT thing.
and stay away from accutain!
nvm liver toxticity GENETIC damage is done. law suits are already building with the original makers of it.
stay away from that shit.

monocyclin "spelling" anti-biotices are a better choice but there not 100% safe ether.

I can´t send you a PM. I was gonna ask you if you drink it or rub it on the skin?