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Posted 6/23/2010 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
I'm in the 20mg week of the tapering of Prednisone and for the past 2 weeks have noticed my skin is really oily and acne is starting to get worse around my mouth and on my nose. I had acne as a teen into my early twenties and thought I was passed this nonsense. Now at 37 I have to feel like a 16 year old again. It's embarassing and I don't know what to do. I wash my face 3 times a day and take Oxy but it's not really helping so far. I'm this close to growing a beard to conceal it all. Luckily I see my Gastro doctor in 6 days so maybe he can suggest something. I just hope it doesn't last too long. Anyone have any over the counter ideas to help treat this? I've read taking Vitamin C can help. I'm desperate!
Posted 6/23/2010 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
I had bad acne last time I was on Prednisone. Luckily, it cleared up and I haven't had it this time yet. But, yeah, it was embarrassing having it at 26 when I never even had it as a teen.
I actually found that the more products I tried, the worse it got. I had the most success with plain old Noxema
Posted 6/23/2010 2:51 AM (GMT 0)
I am from the Lupus forum but I am having the same problem with acne. Never had it as a teen. But it is getting on my nerve. It has actually started going down my back and in my hair. I am currently tapering off 40mg of prednisone. It sucks, but I am going to call my doctor if it doesn't clear up soon.
Posted 6/23/2010 8:20 AM (GMT 0)
I have been on prednisone for the past month and I decided to buy Proactive this time and I havent broken out too bad at all. I'm 33 and got total pizza face last time I was on it. I'm drinking a ton of water this time too and eating very healthy.
Posted 6/23/2010 11:30 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah I use Acne Free (cheaper Proactive) or like, the round pads are always good. One time I got an Aveeno bar of soap and it seemed to be good too.
Oh, and, I've read that the soap I used for my piercings works very well on acne. I've used it on my zits a couple times and it does seem to help quickly. It's called Provon. I couldn't find it anywhere til I went to a tattoo/piercing parlor to get some stuff done. Might be worth looking into!
Posted 6/23/2010 2:01 PM (GMT 0)
The best advice I ever got was to use a toner that is labeled "balancing." Treatment doesn't have to be strong to work, sometimes you need something that calms your skin, rather than just dry it out, especially if you're not a teenager any more!

Another favorite is Kiehl's Centella Recovery Skin-Salve. It has aloe vera and heals breakouts quickly. Not harsh, but healing. It's also great when I get too much sun on my face. Kiehls products are sold at department store cosmetic counters (or online), it's about $40 but a tube lasts a long time.
Posted 6/23/2010 4:57 PM (GMT 0)
I break out with tiny little bumps on my forehead usually. I try to drink alot of water, and I also have a juicer that I make fresh veggie juice with. My favorite is Cucumber, Dandelion greens, Spinach/Kale, and sometimes carrots. I am sure it helps my skin. 2 years ago when I took prednisone I totally broke out.

Watch out with washing face too much. Once in morning and at night is enough.
Posted 6/23/2010 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
Also sometimes when I start washing my face it gets worse before it gets better. I think it draws stuff out lol
Posted 6/23/2010 5:36 PM (GMT 0)
Aveeno Daily Face Wash works pretty well for me. Pretty soft on the skin. I still get little zits here and there but otherwise, pretty clear.
Posted 6/23/2010 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
I've suffered from acne my whole life, even took accutane for it (which i believe caused my UC, but that's another story) I still get small break outs around my period, but otherwise I have found my cure. TEA TREE OIL!!!! I buy it in "bulk" from Swanson vitamins cause its way cheaper there. (at most health food stores a 0.4 oz bottle is about $7 Swanson's 4 oz is $9 i think) You get a big zit, just dab a cotton swab in the the oil and dab it on your face. Wait for it to dry. Do it about 3-5 times a day. In 2 day that zit will be gone. It does have a very strong odor but you get used to it. I also use Swanson tea tree oil scrub daily in the morning which is great and not harsh at all. Keeps my skin smooth and helped peel away years of scarring.

I've also recently started applying extra virgin coconut oil directly to my skin every night. I know it sounds weird to put oil on your face, but the medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil are actually very healthy. It has noticeably made my skin smoother, softer, less oily, and less broken out in just the 3 weeks I've been using it. IF you try this though make sure you get extra virgin or at least virgin coconut oil. Cooking coconut oil or deodorized coconut oil is no good for your skin, it's just for cooking.

oh yeah, even when i'm tapering pred or on it as i am right now, the tea tree oil works wonders.
Posted 6/30/2010 8:55 PM (GMT 0)
Prednisone messes with your hormones so that is likely causing your breakouts. I have struggled with acne since I was a teen (24 now) and until now have never had a solution for it. After spending hundreds of dollars on prescriptions and copays at the dermatologist, I finally found what works. Go to your local pharmacy and ask for a ZNP bar. It is over the counter, but you have to ask for it at the pharmacy. I use that morning and night with Vanicream lotion (I'm naturally dry). For any girls out there with acne issues, switch to Bare Minerals makeup. These three things have completely cleared up my face. I wish I had known when I was having steroid breakouts :(

Here are links to products if you'd rather order online:
www.amazon.com/Stiefel-Laboratories-ZNP-Bar-4-2/dp/B000P1TYG0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=beauty&qid=1277931225&sr=8-1
www.walgreens.com/store/catalog/Moisturizing/Moisturizing-Skin-Cream-With-Pump-Dispenser/id=prod383407-product?V=G&ec=frgl_&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=sku383408

For $20-$25, my problem was solved! Hope this helps all of you with acne issues.
Posted 7/2/2010 8:15 AM (GMT 0)
Wash your pillow cases and towels often. Keep your skin as dry as possible. Don't touch your skin.
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