Pred and Acne
 

Hi,

Any one here find any good solutions to the Acne that comes from Prednasone? Its really been my only side effect from the medication so far and its really getting to be bad. I went to a dermatologist and he said that any of the prescription acne medications would probably do little good. I figured I would ask in here and see if any of you had any input on this?

Regards,

John

hello just jumping in from the MS forum I use an apricot scrub and I also use witch hazel and hot water and clean the skin well. its very annoying that is one of my major annoyances from prednisone, good luck

HEy there! Retin-A always works wonders for me! Great stuff!!!!!

Hope this helps!

Erin

Hi John,
I had terrible Acne in my teenage years (was on prescription meds all through school) but thankfully haven't had that side-effect with my pred. (phew!). I still use Acne solutions foaming wash by clinique and would HIGHLY recommend it! I used Tersaseptic (a shampoo/body wash for acne prone skin) at my worst and still found the clinique as helpful and not as drying. The Tersaseptic was great for my back though - you should be able to get it at any drugstore or chemist)! Clinique does a clear spot treatment gel too which is good for big spots on the face. I hope you find something that works for you! I know how much acne sucks!
Take care,
Kathy

Guess I spoke too soon yesterday! Woke up this morning with a MASSIVE pimple on my cheek. I know one doesn't count as acne, and I don't want to belittle your experiences but I thought it was so funny after writing that post yesterday. Arrgh - 30 years old and still getting zits!! Ah well! C'est la vie!
~A rather spotty Scotty Kat (hee hee)

Hey Kathy,

I'm 36 an still get pimples!!!! and here was I thinking it went away after puberty sometime. When I first went onto pred it cleared up, wow, it was great, a nice clear face, but that was short lived. Now I just live with it, as everything I've tried doesn't seem to work.
redtail

Me too!
 

When I first started on the pred, my face was as smooth as a baby's bottom, but then after a few weeks, it erupted! Acne everywhere! My back, arms, legs, neck, face, etc................It got so bad that I went in for labs - my doc was worried it was some sort of weird rash - it wasn't - just zits!!!!:(

It has cleared up, but now that I'm back @ 60, it will prolly come back.....The REtin-A really did help me though!

I bought tubes and tubes of it!

Erin:D

If you only have a few pimples, did you know that toothpaste is effective in drying them up?

Try dabbing on a smidgeon, but don't expect long lasting results.

Toothpaste will dry out pimples because it's an anti-inflammatory agent.

It can reduce redness if left on overnight, and results can usually be seen within 24 hours. It's not designed to stay on your face all the time though. It's supposed to be washed off, like on your teeth.

Ref: The Sunday Examiner Newspaper. Jan18, 2009.

Use a really good face wash, but pay attention if it is too drying. I like a gentle bar called Basis and this is the one I use most often:
http://www.drugstore.com/qxp16628_33...n_bar_soap.htm
When I have a really bad break out in the summer or after working out or if I've been on prednisone, I will use something stronger for a few days. Some of the stronger things I use include Cetaphil for Normal/Oily Skin or Neutrogena Oil/Free Acne Wash. Always wash immediately after perspiring. And dry with a clean, dry cloth. I use lots of cloths for drying. If my face gets too dry, then I use an Oil of Olay cleanser for a few days. (As you can see, I have a few cleansers hanging around!)

For me, what works best is using Retin A (RX) once or twice a week. It lasts a looong time this way. Then I use (especially when on prednisone or when breakouts are an issue) another RX cream called Benzaclin almost nightly. For me, the Benzaclin works wonderfully to stop/prevent breakouts.

Since I am 40+, I use an eye cream (ROC) almost nightly as well. It is over the counter and you can get it at most drug stores. And I use a Vitamin C cream several nights a week too! I'm always looking for ones that are not too expensive, but have real Vit. C in them.

I mix and max this routine, depending on the seasons (summer is worse for me) and various situations (like if I'm taking a med like Pred. that is causing a problem for me).
Again, the cleanser I use most often is something 'mild'.

However, I totally understand your situation. When I have been on prednisone, breakouts have been an issue and I just use the Benzaclin more frequently and a stronger face soap more frequently as well. I think I got some good ideas at the skin/dermatology threads at WEB/MD for the facial cleansers...but again...I tried not to let my face get too dry...that seem to be counterproductive for me. All of this takes a little thought, but my method has really worked.

I do believe taking vitamins regularly might be helpful. Make sure you are getting Zinc and Vit. A in a multi vitamin, for example.

I usually put a little extra Benzaclin on a really bad pimple, followed by a dab of Clearasil. However, a dab of toothpaste is not a bad idea at all!!!

One more thing...always rinse very well...and dry gently with a fresh, clean cloth each time. Being bacteria free is key. My aplogies for the little brag here...but people often compliment me on my skin and although I have a few products lined up in the bathroom, I don't pay too much for them really...