BAD ACNE - Plz help???

Shock · #1 (**permalink**) 08-22-2003, 11:44 PM

Hey guys,
Currently I am on gear for 6 weeks now. My acne is going from bad to worse. I am getting sopts all over my back, shoulders and some on my upper arms and chest. I am also getting some on my face. So what I have done is reduced my dosages of gear. I used to take 500mg enethate and 200mg deca per week. now I am taking 250mg enethate and 2oomg deca per week.
I have been alos on anti biotics (doxyciline) and taking B5. I am showering twice a day, and keeping clean etc. None of its doing any good for me. One friend of mine has suggested that I go of gear, but its week 6 and it probably has only just started to kick in now.
What can I do? PLease I am dying for some advice.
Thanx

twistedneck · #2 (**permalink**) 08-23-2003, 12:30 AM

Vets, please comment on Guggul for acne. I have heard this works.

Update: it works via the same mechanism of vitex. Increases estrogen. kind of like when women take birth control pills to stop acne. I guess this is completely f'd up for a high androgen environment.

Regards, Twistedneck.

Bigbadasian · #3 (**permalink**) 08-23-2003, 01:41 AM

|--[\\\]>---------- Well, looks like you are too far in to quit. i say ride it out, THEN take some time off...you're right, it's already in your system so don't stop cold turkey. As far as taking the anti-b's, they are kinda working against you too...double edge sword so to speak, anti-b's cancel the effects of AAS. Your best bet is to try and talk to your derm and have him/her perscribe accutane for you..i'm on it now for the 2nd time and it's fucking incrdible....i told the derm that i got sick on ALL anti-b's and accutane was the only thing that i could handle, he knew i was bullshitting him, but what could he do...i'm the patient and told him that i felt sick, he had to listen.

Shock · #4 (**permalink**) 08-24-2003, 12:24 AM

thanx bro, but i'm pretty disappointed with this board as there is not many replies. Even on the post I put in the training board a few days ago.

Got Juice · #5 (**permalink**) 08-24-2003, 02:26 AM

jeeze dude, no reason to bash the board because they couldnt answer your question.. i think a lot of people (like me) have problems with acne.. to tell you the truth i think BBA put it how it is.. accutane is it.. i have been on doxycycline for 6 months, it helps but i stil have a decent acne problem.. there isnt a lot of help besides what you have said, like washing regularly, using antibiotics, etc... also BBA, i dont think that doxy hinders gains from what i know, big a , also seemed to think that doxy didnt effect AS, but im not 100% sure.

Take care,

Todd

Daveb19 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-24-2003, 05:18 AM

try to tan, scrub the shit out of it 3x daily no mostirues, b-6, accutane, other anti-biotics..

kronah · #7 (**permalink**) 08-24-2003, 12:50 PM

Shock To understand how we can treat acne we must first understand a little of the Pathophysiology. Acne is caused by the combination of three main factors 1) sebum production-this is produced by the sebaceous glands in the hair follicles, increased levels of sebum are produced when taking androgens. 2) Bacterial colonization –propionibacterium acnes (name of the bacteria) metabolizes triglycerides from sebaceous glands to free fatty acids that diffuse from the follicle and are chemo-attractants for inflammatory cells (not really a big factor in bodybuilders). 3) Keratinization- this is a fancy word that means excessive numbers of skin cells under the skin surface.

You will notice that all of the acne treatments available will target these three pathways to try to control acne. Now with this said most bodybuilders get acne because they have sebaceous glands that are hyperresponsive to androgens. When people take androgens (testosterone) is converted to dihydrotestosterone in the sebaceous gland causing the gland to enlarge, differentiate and secrete sebum.

Now stepping back a bit, I hear a lot of people taking doxycycline. This is a wonderful antibiotic for people with cystic acne. This acne is caused by a certain strain of bacteria. There are two problems with doxy, the first is that it causes photosensitivity which is not pleasurable during the summer, and the second, it can impair absorption of oral medications (this is important if you are including oral anabolics in your cycle). Doxy works great for people with bacteria pathology. Most of the other topicals that you buy over the counter work by decreasing the bacterial count within the gland.

For bodybuilders we are faced with decreasing sebum production. To date there is only one drug that I know of that combats the sebum production and the name of the drug is Isotretinoin (accutane). Accutane is hands down the most effective anti-acne drug available, but like anadrol (most powerful oral anabolic) it has many side-effects. Before you go online and order some or ask your doctor for a prescription you should be cognizant of the risks/side effects. First off accutane is hard on your liver as well as your lipids (high triglycerides) so you should have these monitored while on the drug. It can also cause dry mouth, nose and eyes, photosensitivity, chapped lips, and skin dryness. People who I have talked with who have taken accutane for just 6 months and stopped say that they never get acne at all anymore. It’s a powerful medication that completely halts the sebum production and stopping the acne problem at its core. I strongly suggest though if you decide to try it to make sure you get the proper blood work done. If you have a significant other you could ask him/her to apply Retin-A cream on your back to also help alleviate the acne as well. Washing with soap will help mildly to decrease the overall bacteria count which in your case is probably small since you are on doxy.

neversaydie · #8 (**permalink**) 08-24-2003, 06:44 PM

The only proven way of fighting acne in a genral sense is Accutane. Antibiotics work somewhat but accutane is the best.

Accutane has been around since 1986 or so. After one treatment acne tends to go away permanetley. Go to a doc and get a script. Hope you have insurance as it is very expensive due to its effectivness.

I have had trouble with acne all my life with out test. After taking a cylce of Accutane I have not had a reoccurence in over 5 years.

I still cycle and no acne. There are side effects, and the doc will have to do blood work to test for liver enzymes. I would not take any orals while on but with a blood test you will be able to monitor your liver very closely.

I think you ahve to take the stuff for six weeks. The side effects are worth the outcome.

Shock · #9 (**permalink**) 08-25-2003, 04:06 AM

thanx guys.