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Dear Helen,

I had a gynecologist test for polycystic ovaries - the result was negative so prescribed Dianette but it makes me feel unwell, constant bouts of nausea and headaches and mood swings. Topical treatments Retin A etc., just burn and redden my skin as I am very fair and sensitive to certain products containing soap and harsh ingredients as did the M.D. Formulations Glycolic Acid. At the moment the Dianette controls the acne in a way but I cannot tolerate the side effects. I had a months break from it and now I have spots on my chest and back and shoulders - ordinary spots, blackheads and open pores. My face has open pores, a very oily T-zone, blocked pores, blackheads which are visible, and dull skin. It only looks bright minutes after cleanser than it's dull and lifeless. The spots are a mixture of hard purple-ish lumps under the skin around the jawline, chin and behind my ears! Some other spots start off as blackheads and become swollen and turn into spots with tiny heads but most don't, they become painful, unsightly, hard lumps that take a long time to heal then red marks are visible where spots have been. There are scars on my chin and cheeks from acne, and the pores and blackheads are like little brownish pin prick holes around my nose, forehead and chin. I have tried everything I can think of. My doctor has become very unhelpful and says there is nothing more he can do for me. I feel very upset about the state of my complexion and don't want to be seen without make-up. I just want to wave a magic wand to make it go away. I'm not looking for perfect flawless skin but just a complexion I'm not ashamed of.

Please help.

Thank you

JB PS:

I hope the above gives you a good insight into my problem, certain products make my skin feel taut i.e. soap etc.

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Dear Helen,

As well as the redness and the burning sensation on my face, sometimes I also suffer very badly from bumps on my face, some clear, and others with pus. The forehead, templs and cheek area, but worst of all is the jawline and upper neck area from ear to chin. I also get raised red or blotchy patches. I am very distressed and confused by the whole thing, and as a result got very depressed, and I am undergoing treatment at the moment. I basically haven't left my house for 12 months. My self-esteem is so low. I am so self-conscious, I am also confused and feel so alone. I had to beg my GP to send me to a dermatologist, as she told me there was nothing wrong with me - but all she did was diagnose me, put me on antibiotics, and that was it. She didn't explain the condition to me, talk to me about it, what to eat or not eat, what skincare routine to use, nothing. My sister-in-law told me about you. She faxed my name to you.

Please help me.

C.Moore

P.S. Since my teens I have had acne vulgaris in a mild form usually around my period time. I have had acne rosacea for the last year or so.

Another client writes:

I could write reams about how it affects my life, the best way I can say it is - "totally. I am sure you hear the same from many of your other clients."