Acne from being at the hospital???

[loveoutloud]

So this may sound wierd but I think it is true.

Althroughout highschool and my first year of university, I had perfect skin. However, when nursing school started, this all changed. It seems like I get acne whenever I am at the hospital. I don't think it is correlated with stress because during community rotations, my skin seems to clear up fine (even though community has just as much work, sometimes even more becuase it is alot of "busy" work). After my wonderful community semester of clean skin, I had I 1 month break from school where I just worked full time. Then, as soon as clinical started up again BAM- pimples.

Has anybody else experianced this? What did you do to clear it up?

I am very good with drinking lots of water, eating healthy and keeping my skin clean. During the worst flare up, I was on a oral med and it did nothing. Retin A cream and gel have also not been beneficial in clearing up breakouts when they occur.

Never did I think that I would have acne at 21:(

I graduate in january, and since my acne seems to be related to hospital I have little hope of having clear skin:*

[stylishgurl]

Don't lose hope see a dermatologist I have bad acne too.Bad in a way they are scarring and can be painful finally I landed to a dermatologist who prescribe me something that works.Don't give up.I had to change my previous dermatologist coz her treatments seem to be common and they were not effective.

[Kuriin, BSN, RN]

I use Clindamycin topical 1% ointment gel which has kept me acne free for the past 4 years. I love it.

It does sound stress related, though. Sorry! =|

[Compassion_x]

Stress brings acne. Sounds like that's a major factor for you.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

You may also not notice yourself touching your face, which carries more bacteria than any other part of the body. Really. More availability of pathogens in hospitals than in community settings means your hands carry more things to your face.

Other considerations: Stress, as noted; masks; heating/air conditioning; dietary changes specific to the venue or time schedule to be/get there. Don't forget that it can be more than one thing, and they can be additive.

Derm consult.

[krisiepoo]

I had perfect skin until I hit my 20's and THEN I got acne. I wasn't in a hospital or anything, it had nothing to do with nursing or stress, just a change in hormones apparently

[hardworkinmama]

I had perfect skin until I hit my 20's and THEN I got acne. I wasn't in a hospital or anything it had nothing to do with nursing or stress, just a change in hormones apparently[/quote']

Same here. It was so bad for a few years that now I have scars, though my acne has improved dramatically. I think you should definitely go to a Dr. Can't hurt !

[mrsboots87]

Agreed with what others are saying. Its is likely not solely due to the hospital, but that may play a part. Hospital are filled with acne cause "air". Likely you are more stressed but don't realize it, hormonal change from getting older. Diet change. all sorts osf possibilities. Make an apt with a Derm and see If they can help.

[PixieRN14]

I am a licensed skin care therapist and a nursing student. I don't think the hospital is the sole cause, but a contributing factor. Be mindful of touching your face. We touch all types of fun yucky stuff that can cause flare ups. Stress can be a huge factor in breaking out too. Also your skin is not static. It changes and you could be going through a change. A good home skin care routine will help combat your skin woes. I clean my face twice a day with my Clarisonic and use a Rosewater witch hazel toner to remove any residue left behind. If you have the time, treat yourself to a facial. Not only will it help clean up your skin, but it may help you relax a little.

[elprup, BSN, RN]

And all the nasty phones we put up to our faces!

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

Chronic acne "sufferer" here. I've had acne for well over a decade, cystic since I was in high school.

I'm now 25. It has JUST now started to clear up! If there is one piece of advice I can give, it wouldn't be about skin cleansers, diets, stress, or hygiene, although all of that is immensely important.

Instead, it revolves around this one little principle: don't pick at it!

I'm a nurse, and I think most of us nurses were made with Type A personalities that want control over the things in our life. It's irritating enough when you can't control the things around you. When your skin rebels and flips you a zit-laden bird, it's natural for many people to go after it--that instinctive "I'll show you!" response. I did just that for almost as long as I've had acne. I've just started to figure out in the past several years that not picking at it almost completely resolves the problem.

You can tell when my hormones are changing. On a monthly basis, my acne flares up, my skin becomes more oily and sensitive, and it heals slower than molasses running down a cliff. It's a matter of beating the compulsion to pick that is finally breaking the cycle of acne.

I'm not completely clear, but I left the apartment today without wearing foundation. Absolutely none. Five years ago, I'd never have done that. I wouldn't have been clear enough and then even if I had been, I wouldn't have believed it. Those commercials with the airbrushed women and their perfect skin took their toll on me until I realized that that isn't the standard.

So to you, I say, keep an eye open! Watch for when it flares up and what trips it. You'll probably be able to establish a pattern. If you can find a cause, do what you can to decrease the cause. If it's something you can't help like hormones, be aware, be ready, and be patient!

Best of luck to you!

[jinglebellrocks25]

Some tips and suggestions:

Keep your hands away from your face

Wipe down phones

Remove mask immediately after use

Don't wear foundation

Do no over scrub, wash, etc

Change pillow cases frequently

"Try" to get some rest