Persistent acne on neck/jawline

Hi everyone,

I've been taking Yasmin for over a year after my GP told me I couldn't continue taking Dianette after nine months without being referred to a dermatologist. I wasn't willing to wait three/four months for a referral so I asked for an alternative. I transitioned onto Yasmin with no problem but I have encountered a couple of side effects; my nails have really suffered since switching to Yasmin (they're ridged, pitted, thin and too flexible), and I keep getting hard, sore spots on my neck, jawline and around my ears. From about ten/eleven years old I've always had a problem with spots but I've never had spots as bad as this or as frequently. Basically they affect almost every area where my lymph nodes are located (I've attached a picture so you can see what I'm talking about). I have to admit that I do squeeze them when the pressure gets to a certain point because they drive me mental; they're very sore and sometimes they itch, and getting rid of the gunk provides some relief. I know I shouldn't because it risks scarring and spreading infection but they're so irritating.

I'm currently using a skincare range called Good Things which is vegan friendly as it contains no animal ingredients, mineral oils, parabens or SLS, and I've been using it for a couple of months but honestly it hasn't made much of a difference. My face is very oily - definitely not combination as I have no dry patches - but as soon as it gets wet it dries out really quickly and can be tight, although the skin on my neck and jaw is completely balanced yet it suffers the most breakouts! The rest of my face is ok; the odd spot here and there but nothing serious at all. I've tried treating the spots on my neck with all sorts of lotions, serums and creams but nothing seems to help with the inflammation. Even Savlon tends to aggravate them (but I don't like using it anyway because it's got such a greasy texture).

This morning I woke up with four inflamed spots - three on my neck and one on my jawline - and I'm currently treating them with distilled witch hazel and later I'll dab on a bit of Sudocrem, but I guarantee by tomorrow new spots will have appeared out of nowhere. It's also worth mentioning that these spots aren't affected by my cycle; they're just as bad during the rest of the month.

Any help, advice, hints, tips and tricks would be massively appreciated!


NB: I get spots in all the areas my lymph nodes are located but the worst by far are the tonsillar and submandibular areas. Parotid and preauricular are second worst affected.

Oh crikey I'm a bit worried now =s

I have considered requesting to switch back to Dianette because I'm getting really fed up of these spots. I'm also convinced Yasmin has contributed to the weight I've gained over the past twelve months because I've never been this heavy in my life. The last time I saw a GP was in November (they always plonk me with a new one whenever I go) and I enquired about my weight issues and he wanted me to get tested for hypothyroidism. I have to hold my hands up and say I've been naughty and still haven't been to get tested - I'm bricking it! - but after seeing the responses so far I'll make an effort next week to book myself in.

I wasn't aware of any Yasmin lawsuit. Where did you hear about that? I'd be interested to read up on it.

Thanks for the comments so far

I know all about the risks associated with Dianette but I'm really worried about the possible effects of switching to a new pill. I was lucky not to encounter any problems with Yasmin but I've heard all sorts of horror stories about severe mood swings and depression with other pills. I'm particularly worried about this because I spent most of last year in therapy for an anxiety disorder I've struggled with for years. I know I can trust Dianette because it didn't mess with my head, but I also know it shouldn't be used as birth control (it was prescribed for my skin in the first place and it did the job). Yasmin was given to me on the premise that it would keep my skin clear without all the nasty health risks associated with Dianette... but it's ruined my nails, brought me out in ghastly spots wherever my lymph nodes are located, and contributed to a 20lb weight gain in just over a year. I've never tried any other kinds of pills so naturally I'm apprehensive about the effects =/

Blimey... =s

Now, I can't remember how many migraines I got while I was on Dianette, but on Yasmin I seem to get a lot of them. Only two have been bad enough to leave me bedridden, but the rest are all characteristic of migraines without aura (shooting/stabbing pain down one side of the head and face - always the right in my case). Next time I see my GP I'll ask if Seasonale would be a viable option for me as Yasmin hasn't done anything I was told it would. It was pitched to me as the 'wonder' pill; I was told it would clear my skin, lighten my cycle and even help me to lose a bit of weight - yeah right!!

Thanks so much for the advice so far. It's really opened my eyes!

Lol I hardly ever take calls on my phone but I'll make sure to give it a proper clean nevertheless

A while back the GP took a look at my spots and said I could try one of two topical treatments: Duac (clindamycin) and Zineryt (erythromycin), and I chose the latter which seemed to work well for a couple of weeks but then it was as though the spots became resistant to the formula. When I go back for an appointment I'll try the Duac if it is offered to me as an option. Never tried Accutane though have had about unpleasant side effects, but again if it's an option I'll give it a go.

Err, we've been together for nearly ten years. And the only reason I put up with the side effects is because I like the fact that I can control my periods. I take them for me, not for him. I will be switching to a different pill though.


@SecretB5StopsAcne: I'm busy all throughout day so attempting to cleanse several times would be a real inconvenience. Currently I'm treating the affected areas with a tea tree and witch hazel gel which seems to be helping a bit.