I started getting cystic acne at 26. In September 2005, my dermatologist put me oral doxycylin, plexion cleaning cloths, benzaclin, and differin (adapalene, a type of retin-a). She encouraged me to go on a hormone, either Seraquil (sp?) or birth control, Yasmin. I stuck with the oral antibiotic for 1 month and continued with the three topical treatments. I was clear in one month. I had three cysts until...

a nasty, nasty break out in November 2006. What a mess! I was put back on doxycyclin, but it did not help. I persisted with three rounds of doxycyclin in addition to the three topicals. Finally, over the Christmas holidays, my dermatologist called in azithrymycin (Z-Pack). Within 48, the cysts were gone.

Since cystic acne is stress related, I started working with oral medication in addition to the three topicals. I, too, was nervous about Yasmin. But, when I saw a cyst growing near my chin. It was also the first day of my cycle, so I decided to start the Yasmin. (I filled the prescription, but was hesistant to use it.)

Yasmin made me moody, nauseous, and larger-breasted but it has also made me skin 100% clear now. I have had three pimples since then. One white head, two pustles. The pustles dried up in a matter of days. When they scabbed, I put Neosporin on.

Cystic acne is often caused by extra testosterone. What Yasmin does is bind the "free testosterone" so it can't create cysts. In severe forms, it would be polycystic ovary syndrome. Only a reproductive endrocrinologist can tell you if you have polycystic ovaries- I've yet to get checked.

My regimen is now:

Plexion cleansing cloths 3x daily (generic Prascion, sulfur-based)
Benzaclin topical (am)
Differin (pm)
Yasmin OCP

PM if you want to talk more!