[ozzy1313]

I have had horrible deep marble like painful red acne all over my jawline for a while now. Lots of it- at least a dozen. I am 39 and never had this. When I thought about the timeline i think it started when I started lithium. My self esteem is tanking and I feel ugly. I am making a dermatologist appoint but I am already using epiduo and it doesn't help. Maybe birth control pills could help but I don't want to gain weight. Do I have to choose sanity or looks because not sure which I would choose.

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Retin A did wonders for my skin. I had cystic acne when I got off the pill and it was awful. I would try that before switching psych meds.

[HALLIEBETH87]

Lithium caused that for me too. When I stopped it they went away.

[wiretwister]

I noticed you also take lamictal,, tell that to the dr you see ... you definitely need to see a dr ...

[ozzy1313]

Can lamictal cause acne?

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[Hashi/bipolar mom]

Usually it's Lithium that causes it. I just started Lithium about 5 weeks ago. I don't have the cystic (knock on wood), but I have gotten pimples on my cheeks and I'm in my 40's and have always prided myself on my skin! Seeing a dermatologist is a good idea. There are topical treatments that they can give you so that you don't have to get off Lithium or take another pill. Also, cystic acne can be caused my acidic fruit. Do you drink Grapefruit juice, Orange juice, etc? Keep us updated! Hugs!

[~Christina]

A member here used Tazorac its a prescription and it cleared her right up, it is expensive. I'm broke so I bought some Retin A .. Worked wonderfully it did take about 3 weeks to clear everything up.

Don't over wash your face, and dont touch your face unless your washing it or applying medication. Yes very hard thing to do,but hands off.

[emptyspace]

Lithium will cause this, but sometimes it goes away. This link said it takes about 6 months of being on the med to clear up...When Lithium Causes Acne - Bipolar Disorder Center - Everyday Health

I once read that taking probiotics can help and lowering your lithium dose even slightly might help.
Retin A as someone suggested seems to be successful for alot of people.

I started lithium in my early 20s and had regular acne from it. I used alcohol wipes and drank a ton of water. I have been on lithium since and no longer have that symptom. Good luck.

[jules77]

i have been on lithium for 5 years now and suffered from acne before that, but i never thought that maybe it got worse after i started. i was a younger teen also, so perhaps that is simply why it was/is bad. i get the cystic acne that does not get better with prescription creams/gels. only for a few months in the last 5 years have i had reprieve from the painful bumps on my face, chest and back. all i can really say is you are not alone. always reminding myself of the pros and cons.

[scatterbrained04]

Lamictal gave me the worst acne

[ozzy1313]

Ugh- this med combo works well for me but my face looks like crap

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[ozzy1313]

Finally went to the dermatologist today and she rx spironolactone once a day. Reading online it seems it can cause huge weight gain so that would be awful.

She did agree that it is probably the lithium causing it though

Lithium can cause acne from what I've read.

I've battled acne my whole life and am 40. Retin-a (When I can afford it) is a miracle for me. It did wonders for my skin. It takes awhile to get used to though.

Sending you ((HUGS))) I hope your dermatologist can help you with this. I know all too well how self esteem can tank due to those nasty inflamed bumps all over.

[jules77]

i'm interested this popped up again. I've seen other websites talk about cystic acne with lithium, and it was like an awakening for me. i've been on lithium for 5 years, starting as a teen, so i had bad acne anyway. however, the lithium changed the acne into the cystic type - horrendous. i hate it, it's painful, and frustrating. my self confidence improves as my mood does, but the meds that help keep my mood high are giving me this issue that lowers self confidence at times. very annoying.
i do not wear makeup on my skin anymore as i find most kinds don't cover up the acne like i want them to, or they might be making it worse.
dermatologists can be very helpful. water is essential, and trying not to pick at the skin. i have that habit of opening scabs - not as a compulsion, but just out of annoyance that the pimples haven't receded. wishing luck to anyone dealing with this.
EDIT: in addition, one thing i had tried with dermatologists is antibiotics. a hassle to take another pill, didn't work great, and sometimes i wasn't able to get them at all due to their ridiculous pricing and pharmacy issues and insurance mishaps. topical gels and creams FTW~!