A
female
age
16-17,
anonymous
writes:[WARNING GROSS STORY. SORRY!] This is So embarrassing. So, I REALLY like this boy. and we are currently dating. He tells me I'm pretty but I feel like I'm the ugliest girl in the world. This is because I have horrible skin.I have acne and stuff, nothing no one else don't have. But. My whole body. My pores are all clogged and even down there has pimples! I have A lot of ingrown hair. I wash up and stuff, but I guess I'm not going a go enough job? I though I was.Down there. I have bumps and scars from popping them. [god talking about this is so nasty...] Some are oily with w/e comes out. Some are with hair mixed with dirt. And Some are really dry and hard. And some just have Puss in it. I have these dry spots too. and Sometimes I have these hard dry spots, and when You pick at it, the Dry hard dirt comes out. Sometimes with hair.I hate Talking about this, because it's so gross. I read somewhere that if it's dry or something and shaped like a cauliflower, it's a genital wart. but it's not shaped like that. it's either a little small bump [like a regular pimple], or a dry spot and it's a bit deep in my skin. those usually feel like scabs or something.I even thought I had crabs or something. I have no idea how crabs are or w/e. So I shaved. It didn't itch or anything. I just thought I had them. I kinda wish I didn't. Because it looks so bad down there.When something is there that I don't like, I'll pick at it to make it go away. I hate that. and I hate this. I just want it all to go away and be clear. Tips please? I am VERY VERY VERY sorry about this horrible story. I felt like puking while I was writing it. :(Also I'm tired of using acne products on my face, because it makes it so dry! And I really don't like that. and I really don't shave the way my hair goes because the razor won't cut it. or maybe I'm not doing a good job. once again. gees.So can you guys tell me:- What can I used to clean my body better?- What can I used to clean out my pores?- What can I used to help prevent ingrown hairs and stuff- what can I use down there that isn't going to hurt it- what can I do to remove scars- what can I use OTHER than acne Treatments- if there is something I can use that is sorta like an acne treatment, what is it?and If I missed anything else you can help me with, please say it. :( I'm really sorry once again.
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female
reader, satindesire +, writes (22 October 2009):
 I just wanted to make this note for all the people reading this: It's actually a very common beauty/skin myth that pores can 'open and close'. In order for them to do that, they'd have to have muscles. Pores don't have muscles, they're actually very stationary.
http://www.beautyfool.net/skin-myths-can-pores-open-and-close/
http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/cleansing/myths/pores-in-hotter-water.htm
Fact is, you need to see a derm, period. I had terrible cystic acne when I was a teen but Proactive made my skin worse, the methods I use now were okayed by my doctor as were the products I buy. You can try a dozen things, or you can see a specialist who should probably help you way better than we can.
Good luck sweetheart.
A
female
reader, Tisha-1 + ♥, writes (22 October 2009):
 Let me add to the aunts who are telling you to see a professional, and STOP picking and DON'T apply ANYTHING without a doctor's approval. Why do I say that? Well, when I was in my 30s, I wound up with some adult-onset acne and rosacea on my face. I thought I could clear it up on my own, used over-the-counter products, cleansers, lotions, creams, makeup to hide it. Sound familiar? Nothing I used made it better. Sound familiar? In fact, it seemed to get worse. Sound familiar?
Well, what I thought I could clear up by myself with topical stuff was a systemic condition that needed oral antibiotics and prescription creams. You HAVE to see a dermatologist to have your various bumps and pustules examined--you may have more than one thing going on. It may be acne, but it may be something else on top of it. What you're doing could be making it worse, and if you are popping stuff and scarring, it sounds like it already it.
Ignore your sister, it's none of her business anyway.
Get to the doctor, seriously, you could go on like this for ages and might be doing your skin some lasting damage.
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/acne-vulgaris-when-to-call-a-doctor
Good luck.
P.S. My face cleared up and I felt much better after I saw the dermatologist. I think it was a combination of hormonal changes and stress. Sound familiar? ;)
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A
male
reader, Cerberus  + ♥, writes (22 October 2009):
 It's nothing to feel embarassed over, I too had horrible acne all over my back for years and it really did hurt my confidence. After a visit to a dermatologist and using the steroid cream he gave it cleared up in a matter of weeks. I know feel more embarassed that I let it get to me.
While lots of people here have given great advice, it is not a substitute for treatment from a dermatologist so that is the most important next step for you. By all means take their advice and follow it but make sure you go to a professional.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (22 October 2009): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionOh thank you, quiet-echo!That's REALLY helpful!
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A
female
reader, quiet-echo  + ♥, writes (22 October 2009):
 Your followup wasn't on my screen when I posted my reply so disregard my mention of ProActive, but the other things should help. As for your sister's meddlesome questions about sex. A dermatologist is a skin specialist not an ob/gyn. Remind her of that fact if she gives you a hard time. If you can make the appointment without her knowing, alls the better.
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A
female
reader, quiet-echo + ♥, writes (22 October 2009):
1. To clean body better – use a body brush every couple of days to exfoliate dead skin cells. Be sure and use moisturizer after every bath or shower. Use hot water (to expand the pores) to wash and give yourself with cool water (to tighten them) just before stepping out of the shower. 2. To clean out pores – exfoliate regularly, but not too often as to dry out the skin. Dry skin in your case will encourage production of oil. Start with toner (something containing salicylic acid or benzoil peroxide). You can get these at any drug store. Use a foaming cleanser also containing above ingredients. Apply moisturizer after every wash. Pro Active has a redefining Mask which is quite good.3. When shaving I suggest you trim the area to be shaved first. This reduces the amount of times your razor drags across the skin which can lead to unsightly razor burn and ingrown hairs (it also saves money on blades). Soak the area in hot water, then shave with a new blade (you can re-use a blade on legs or underarms, but because the bikini area is sensitive always use a new blade there). Use soothing shaving gel. Rinse the area in cool water. Apply a products such as Bikini Zone or PFB (I prefer the latter) to prevent ingrown hairs. Apply moisturizer. Use the Bikini Zone or PFB for a few days afterward. Exfoliate every couple of days when you shower. 4. Trimming the hair, preferably with an electric shaver or beard trimmer (the latter cracks me up) or failing that, small scissors and using a good shaving gel should render shaving painless. You might want to have a hand held mirror handy to check your progress so you’re not going over the same area several times (this leads to razor burn).5. You cannot eliminate scars completely but you can reduce their appearance. There are some lotions out there, but you should talk to your doctor. 6. Good quality sleep, drinking a lot of water and eating plenty of vegetables REALLY does have an effect on appearance. Reducing stress helps too. Do some light stretches before bed to help you relax. I’ve read that using a white face cloth is preferable. I’ve also heard toothpaste on pimples helps. 7. If you insist on picking at acne or ingrown hairs, be sure and wash your hands thoroughly before and after, and cleanse the area with rubbing alcohol beforehand.
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A
female
reader, katyayni  + ♥, writes (22 October 2009):
 Hey,You are most welcome. And if you want more such solutions, I will be more than glad to share them with you. Mom and I have been researching herbal remedies for years now, since Mom was 13. So, give it a shot and let me know. AND DON'T LACERATE THE ACNE. DON'T EVEN TOUCH IT. The more you touch, the longer their cycles get (and every acne takes around a week to heal). So, really, you have little to worry. Lots of Love :)
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (22 October 2009): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionThank You, 2old4this.
I will let her know.
thank you everyone again.
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A
male
reader, 2old4this + ♥, writes (22 October 2009):
 It's none of your sisters biz-ness and if she must know then just tell her you want to see the dermatologist. She will know that has nothing to do with sex.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (22 October 2009): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionOh, ProActive never really worked for me or my brother. only a little bit. And I don't wanna use Accutane if there is risk of liver damage!
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (22 October 2009): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionThank you! Thank you katyayni!
I will try that! I never heard of Multani Mitti. I will Try it! Also I buy A lot of stuff that says it will help moisturize my skin. I will try what you said! Thank You again! Thank You everyone! If Anyone else has some ideas, I would love to hear. and I will try to get my sister to take me to dermatologist soon. Thank You!
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A
female
reader, katyayni + ♥, writes (22 October 2009):
Hey, I forgot to add that you should do it twice weekly and the more you let it dry, the oil it sucks off your pores, so really, don't leave it too long.
Also, drink lots of water. And, don't worry, it will go away. You can also occasionally mix it with some sandalwood powder (like 1tsp). This pack can be applied all over, including your face, and then apply an oil-free body lotion. Also, moisturize your skin regularly.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (22 October 2009): This is nothing to do with sex. It's a skin condition, and likely inherited. My wife has something very similar, and my eldest daughter seems to have it as well. It's not simple acne, from the sounds of things. Rosacea, or perhaps cystic acne. Nasty stuff that doesn't respond to skin cleansers, and leaves scars.
If it's what I think it is, there are no over the counter remedies. Nevertheless, try ProActive as a first step. If that doesn't work, see a doctor about Accutane. Accutane is not something you do lightly -- there's risk of liver damage, and it's absolutely not something you can be on if there's any risk of becomming pregnant. But getting ahead of the problem can save you scarring. See a doctor.
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A
female
reader, katyayni + ♥, writes (22 October 2009):
Hi
You seem to have a very oily skin. So, try a completely oil-free body wash. The ones that promise to moisturize your skin contain glycerine and stuff that make skin oily.
Now, here are a few solutions that work wonders for skin. You have heard of mud-packs? Well, I want you to hit any Indian store (as in the country India) and purchase a big pack of "Multani Mitti". It is beautifully scented mud and then mix it with some rose water, some lim juice and a dollop of honey. Apply it over your wet skin to form a layer, let it dry a bit and then wash it off. It will control the oils, clean up the pores and give you a nice healthy glow. (this is completely natural so will have no side effects).
Also, DON'T TOUCH THE ACNE. Don't burst them or poke them or anything. Such scars never ever go away. But, if you leave them, they will generally dry out in a week and leave your skin clear of any scars.
Again, remember, you will probably face this issue till you are around 20, though it will lessen with age (part of the whole hormonal imbalance). So, follow what I told you... and if after a month you see no changes then see a dermatologist.
Best of Luck
Love :)
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (22 October 2009): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionI'm not the one asking myself if I had sex. you would have to talk to my sister about that. she always brings that up when it has to do with something "down there."
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (22 October 2009): What does a dermatologist have to do with sex? That makes no sense and the two things have nothing to do with each other. The dermatologist will give you Accutane and that will clear it all up. If you let it go you'll just get more and more scarring and that won't go away.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (22 October 2009): Vaginal pimples are not uncommon; hell, I'm 37 and I get them from time to time). They are especially common in teens because of puberty, so there is no need to feel dirty. You should avoid squeezing them, but if they become too uncomfortable, try putting Neosporin on them. I've also dabbed peroxide on them (be careful!) and that seems to help as well. You may want to talk to a dermatologist about getting some oral acne treatment, but I honestly think this is something that will get better once your hormones even out. Please don't stress yourself out over this; if this guy thinks you're beautiful, he means it. The two of you probably haven't been dating long enough for you to be showing him what you've got going on "down there" anyway.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (22 October 2009): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionI'm scared to asked to go to the doctor. Cause then my sister is going to ask if I had sex or something. and I really don't wanna answer the questions she ask me.
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A
male
reader, 2old4this + ♥, writes (22 October 2009):
You really need to see a dermatologist. I think it would be best to get their answers on this because you are certainly not alone.
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