Acne and working with patients

CoffeemateCNA · Apr 8, 2011

I have the same problem. Whenever my acne flares up, my self esteem drops and it feels like high school all over again.

I just try to remember that everyone is there to benefit from my help, not to judge my appearance (I seem to do a good enough job at that part by myself!).

Sometimes I feel a bit better when I see coworkers get huge zits -- it reminds me I'm not alone in this.

jjjoy, LPN · Apr 8, 2011

Can you cover it up with flesh tone paper tape (the kind that is gentle to the skin) or one of those small circle bandages or even one of those slightly larger square bandages? It may feel weird to have a bandage/tape on your face, but I'm more comfortable with someone staring at that than at a glowing angry red welt on my face. Bandaging/taping also keeps me from fidgeting with it. Just a suggestion that may or may not work in your case.

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Apr 9, 2011

Is it red? Because they make medicated cover-up for that.

LaterAlligator · Apr 9, 2011

I just try to ignore it, but since I work in a dementia facility, my residents will point it out (a few of them, anyway). I just say "Yep, that happens sometimes!" and move on. Other than that, I like those whipped texture foundations, and have had good luck with Loreal dream matte mousse staying on through my entire shift, even when I sweat.

jjic3982 · Apr 10, 2011

HI there,

I had acne problems for a long time. I am now 19 years old. I have a lemon tree growing in my backyard and found that diluted lemon juice is very good for the skin (according to a book that my sister had on skin and many online articles such as acne.org)

http://www.acne.org/lemon-juice-applied-topically-reviews/73/page1.html

Check this page out, a lot of success reviews.

I first tried rubbing the sliced lemon on my face, but it dried my skin. And too much. So I now used diluted lemon (just placed sliced lemons in container and filled it with water) and now my skin doesn't flake and my skin is so fresh!

I still get pimples, but that's when I sweat and do not use the lemon water to wash my face soon after.

Use higher concentration of lemon juice (should be diluted still) on your oily spots (such as forehead) and where your huge zits are (if you have any). I apply more juice directly on my zits and it works very well!

If skin flakes, use moisturizer and mix it with some water too since too much oil will cause pimples to grow (i like to use the sesame oil, forgot the brand). But the flaky cheeks that I had are now moisturized (after moisturizing for a week) and do not have pimples anymore!

Some pimples will just die down but will not disappear. I do not know the reason, but they do become less visible as the days go by.

Hope this works and good luck! I know having acne might be a little embarrassing sometimes (shouldn't be if you are washing your face everyday and if it is not your fault). But nevertheless I'm sure it will get better!

chouxpastry · Apr 16, 2011

being someone who is blessed with good skin, i am never the least bothered by or uber-scrutinize people whom i know get breakouts/struggle with acne. i don't know if that makes you feel any better...i guess what i want to tell you is that you are most likely your own worst enemy in thinking that it somehow affects your care :) (but i can sort of understand in a different way...my weight fluctuates a loooot and when i'm heavier i feel like i'm somehow less worthy when i'm working......not true!)

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Apr 16, 2011

Besides, if a resident wants to insult you, they'll find a way. Most of them don't care what you look like but there are a few who try to upset you. You're fat, your butt is too big, your hair is gross, you're all teeth, you have a big nose, you're a 4-eyes, etc. I've heard them all.

yousoldtheworld · Apr 16, 2011

Ohh yeah. When I worked in geriatrics, there was a resident who loved to tell me that I'd be pretty if I weren't so fat. And it really got to me at first...but I found that it would help to just remind myself of why I'm there, and to remember that most of the residents don't give a crap and are happy just to have me there.

chouxpastry · Apr 17, 2011

@yousoldtheworld: yup. couldn't have said it better myself. i don't care if smeagal is doing my peri care (or maybe i do) - if i feel secure during a transfer, have a pressure sore-free, clean hiney, and am well cared for, i don't care what you look like - you are awesome to me!

jjic3982 · Apr 18, 2011

Haha it seems like no one cares for my recommendation. Oh well, best of luck to you guys and gals! Let me know when your acne cures!

Sincerely,

jjic

Penny82 · Apr 18, 2011

I went to a dermatologist. A resident pointed out my zits one day in front of everyone and it became this big deal. Even the nurses were talking about it to me and offering me advice on what drugs to take and what not. I couldn't deal with that anymore. I just decided enough was enough and bit the bullet and saw a doctor. It took a few months, but guess what? I have clear skin now. If I do get a pimple it's not so deep and painful and goes away relatively quickly.