Endometriosis and Acne

[Harpyiai]

Hello, I will keep this sort and sweet as much as possible.

Was diagnosed with endometriosis when I was 17, and for the past four years my skin has been awful! Have a constant flow of spots on my cheeks and jawline which will not let up!

Every time I contact the doctors they put me on topical creams in which either burns my skin or makes my eyes swell up. I have been on all of the acne contraceptive pills (including Yas/Yasmin) and have been on dianette now for way over a month.

I have spent way to much money on skincare routines which will "cure" acne, and I have got to the point I cannot leave the house without feeling ashamed.

Has anyone been going through this? Is there any advice?

[Catness]

YES! A million times yes. My acne started in my early twenties and I’m nearly 29. Mostly on the cheeks and jawline and then little bumps on my forehead and I was a picker too so that didn’t help!

Because of the stage my endo was at and bullying consultants I had the mirena coil fitted which was just a big red rag to a bull and I got severe acne everywhere. I went to a dermatologist who said my acne was so bad it was now a disfigurement and put me on isotrentinion/ accutane. I went on a low dose for a lot longer than most people and built it up gradually. My dermatologist (who I saw privately) was very sympathetic to my other illnesses including endo and I said I was very worried how it would affect my mental health. He kept a very close eye on me and in all honesty as my skin got better my mental health got better too. My only side effects I suffered were dryness, red skin, dry lips and dry eyes with the occasional aching joint but as someone in chronic pain daily anyway I didn’t really feel this too much.

I think I was on the medication for around 10 months and my skin completely cleared. However since being on the medication I have changed every habit when it comes to my skin:

- I change my pillow case every night as if you have acne it’s a breeding ground for bacteria.

- I had terrible acne on my back also so I change my PJ top every night also.

- I don’t tough my face unless absolutely necessary and even then I wash my hands first.

- I changed my skin care to La Roche Posay Effaclar 3 step program. It’s pricey however my dermatologist recommended it and it’s been great at keeping my skin in check. The salicylic acid in the toner is particularly good.

- I worked out that nuts, especially almonds break me out as I was trying to be a healthy vegetarian and was eating a lot of them.

- I went on the endo diet (am still on it) as it has been proven that many of us have a sensitivity to gluten and sugar. If you want to know more about the endo diet google Carolyn Levitt and ‘endo resolved’. She has also released a cook book called ‘recipes for endometriosis’ which not only gives you food ideas but also goes into the science of the endo diet and justifications for it.

- Dairy is not your friend at all, ever.

- you don’t say if you wear make up, but just in case you do have a look to see what kind of make up you’re wearing and if it is comodegenic ( pore clogging). I changed all my make up to ones which are oil free and non-comodegenic and wear more high end make up as the ingredients are much better. This is the same for skin care. I use water-based foundations and my favourites are the Urban decay naked skin, Charlotte Tillbury Magic foundation (more fuller coverage) and the Charlotte Tillbury Light wonder foundation. You will also need a water based primer to work with these that are also non comdegenic such as the Hourglass mineral veil primer. In line with this have a look at your face products too such as contour, blush and bronzer (if you use them) at the indredients. Some pigments in mineral make up and blush can really ignite and inflame acne too. If you want to know more I can recommend a brilliant you tube channel which is so informative about acne and also make up - search for Cassandra Bankson and browse her videos she’s amazing.

- ask your GP to refer you to a dermatologist if you’re not already being seen by one. It’s all very well trying everything they are suggesting however it does get to a point where you may need to see someone who specialises in tricky skin.

That’s all I can think of for now but if you have any questions please let me know as I’ve been through the ringer acne-wise, I know how damaging it is to self-esteem and if there is anything I can do to help I will xxx

[Harpyiai in reply to Catness]

OMG thank you for your reply!

I am 21 years old, just got my first house and got engaged yet still feel like I look like a spotty teenager! Gahh! I know people judge.

My mental health is severely affected by my acne, and I put myself down way to much!

How much was seeing the derma privately (if you don't mind me asking)? As I would LOVE to but I seriously don't have the funds!

In regards to your suggestions:

- Pillow case changes, that is a life changer! I have been doing that and it has helped. Have silk pillow cases too! Would recommend.

- In regards to not touching your face. At the moment I am waking up with huge, pus filled spots (gross IK, sorry). What do you do with them? As no make up will cover that mountain!

- Makeup yes! I use Lilly Lolo, mineral acne-fighting make up. Again, would recommend.

- Cutting out dairy, yes! Has diet really helped you? I love my food, its my comfort (I am not overweight, I give myself limitations).

Thank you for your help. Just knowing someone understands ... its really lovely (and horrible at the same time, as going through endo and this, is horrible!).

[Catness in reply to Harpyiai]

Hello,

I think the private derm was expensive. Around £180 for initial consultation which went to £145 for follow ups and as I was private I was paying for private prescriptions also which were very costly, so I would ask your GP to refer you to an NHS dermatologist if this is too much at the mo - it’s an insane amount of money and I was in a very lucky place where at the time could afford it.

Yes diet really helps and I too use food as a comfort but the endo diet it quite strict and I do find it massively helps. I am still learning that food isn’t a comfort if afterwards it makes you feel crap but I love sugar! But can’t have it. Ahhhh it’s so annoying!

In regards to the spots if you have been prescribed something like epi duo or benzyl peroxide I use that as a spot treatment (IE just on the spot) rather than over my whole face. It dries them out much faster xxx