Acne :( :( :(

[ChickenLittle]

Hi all, 

 

Since starting T in July my acne is OUT OF CONTROL. I look like I have the chickenpox or something, and it's leaving scars on my face, chest, arms, and back. My dermatologist agreed to let me try accutane, but requires monthly blood tests to be on the medication (even though the most recent medical literature suggests only baseline testing and a retest at 8 weeks). I can't afford the $250 per blood test every month for the next 6-12 months! I'm so frustrated. I've tried two different types of antibiotic pills, four or five prescription topical meds, and everything over the counter I can find. Not really looking for advice, just really upset and fed up with my body not cooperating. It feels neverending. I'm hoping my GP can refer me elsewhere. 

[Jani]

I don't have advice for your acne concern but I can suggest a different route for blood testing.  I found Private MD Labs to be much cheaper than what I would have paid even under my insurance; in the neighborhood of $55 to $75 depending upon the test.  And they send you 10% discount codes after the first time.  It works really well.  The tests are administered by Lab Corp, so there are plenty of locations available.  Turn around is real quick.  

https://www.privatemdlabs.com

 

Jani

[ChickenLittle]

Thanks, Jani! The cost is definitely a factor, but I failed to mention that I have a severe needle phobia. I have to take very strong sedatives for every blood test, which knock me out for pretty much the entire day, not to mention the nausea and panic attacks I get days in advance of every blood draw. I just can't do labs every month. 

[Wolfbane]

I get with the needle phobia, ChickenLittle!  Sometimes it's just a matter of waiting it out and sweating it out. Because of my own intersex condition, I have always had more testosterone anyway, causing periodic breakouts.  When I hit my 50s and went on injectable T, they went wild but settled down after a couple of years.  I still wash my face with an acne cleanser and use a spot treatment and salicylic acid gel combo on my face every night, and my wife uses a salicylic acid wipe on my back nightly, but the really bad stuff is gone.  If I eat any nuts or chocolate other than dark chocolate, I will have a mild breakout even now.  Just think of it as going through a second puberty.  It takes a few years for the body to adjust.  Hang in there!

[dandy1harper]

there is an opinion that testosterone has nothing to do with acne. After all, men without exception do not have acne? Everyone has high testosterone. they also say that everything is tied to the liver / intestines, how they cope with their basic functions

[dandy1harper]

for anyone who is struggling with acne...work on your liver, drink hard drinks, move more. There are ready-made complexes that just improve the functioning of the liver, as Aeno capsules that contain ingredients that will help the liver cleanse better. After all, the skin is a detox organ... just like the liver. and if the liver can't cope, it starts to eliminate toxins in different ways (excessive sweating, oily skin, acne)

[Justsam]

How long have you been on T? When I first started T it's basically a second puberty and I suffered badly with acne the first time. The second time was no different. But it did settle down after a while. As for the scares, I use bio oil. It's great for reducing scaring