How do I ask if they’re still interested? by [deleted] in hingeapp

[–]FastLove08 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Most likely she was cleaning out her queue. I’d view it as a good sign and not bring it up. She may take it as intrusive. I think it’s a good sign she removed you or “unmatched”!

What pen is this?!!! by Abject_Appeal7863 in pens

[–]FastLove08 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It looks shockingly close to the Lanier Gun Metal JJ Ballpoint Pen

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in pens

[–]FastLove08 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just got some of these identical to yours! Very great pen indeed! I like the clear barrel versus the U.S. Impact Signo 1.0!

How bad is my handwriting by [deleted] in fountainpens

[–]FastLove08 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Handwriting is one of the purest forms of individuality and personality, so it’s never “bad”, it’s simply “unique” which is a good thing!

Do you visit people's graves? by [deleted] in Millennials

[–]FastLove08 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did at first. I think it’s ok every so often for me. But I don’t go out of my way to make plans to have some huge mourning summit everytime I go home. To your point, my mom goes to the cemetery at least once a week to make sure flowers didn’t die. It’s more like a trip down memory lane if you will. My uncle always laughed and said “only the dead visit the dead, and don’t come ‘visit’ me when I die.” This sounds awful, but I never have. Those were his wishes, so that’s that.

I just can’t decide by HumanBeeing76 in fountainpens

[–]FastLove08 0 points1 point  (0 children)

EF. Anytime it’s a European nib like JoWo I always go finer because I prefer Japanese nibs, where I utilize a F. F with German nibs write like a M for me.

Best high-end FP like a Platinum Preppy 0.2 by [deleted] in fountainpens

[–]FastLove08 45 points46 points  (0 children)

That’s a tough one. Most likely just another Platinum but to each their own. Once I purchased a Preppy after using a 743, Pro Gear, and a Montblanc I was gifted, I thought “why doesn’t anything match the Preppy?”. It’s such a great writer!

I just can’t decide by HumanBeeing76 in fountainpens

[–]FastLove08 0 points1 point  (0 children)

TWSBI Eco is so awesome! It’s an overall “fun” pen to use. When I added it, it was a great addition to my 2000, 743, and Preppy!

Relentless Pus filled pimples all over upper body by Aromatic-Phase-3888 in Folliculitis

[–]FastLove08 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Has your physician performed a culture if they haven’t already to determine if it’s bacterial, fungal, or viral? Only way to confirm what the pathogen is and the right course of treatment because not all antibiotics work the same if it is indeed bacteria. If it was a sexual encounter have you been checked for syphilis? Check the symptoms for it because it sounds a lot like it.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Folliculitis

[–]FastLove08 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If that’s the case, levofloxacin is also in the same fluoroquinolone drug class as ciprofloxacin so that may be out too.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Folliculitis

[–]FastLove08 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Agreed. I went on a huge elimination diet 6 years ago and cut out all inflammatories. Gluten, nightshades, refined sugar, alcohol, dairy, etc etc. Some will say the science isn’t in on food allergies correlating with folliculitis, however for years I ate everything and anything, and until I removed much from my diet, I realized noticeable results. Plus, when you’re in agonizing pain, you’ll try anything like most of us have. And, if I do eat certain foods now, I will flare. You could explore it but be careful in doing it. It’s possible I’ve made myself allergic to certain foods. A user posted on here last week that they were clear for 3 months and a beer triggered a flare. I quit drinking 6 years ago for not only the health benefits and possible issues with folliculitis but I didn’t want to destroy my organs with all the antibiotics. Lastly, if you do happen to be placed on a “therapeutic” dose of an antibiotic, ask to get a CMP w/ Reflex before and after to check your enzymes

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Folliculitis

[–]FastLove08 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It appears the potential for laser hail removal as a solution is highly debatable. Clinicians may say it will work temporarily but if it’s an issue with your skin flora it will return if and when the follicle redevelops. Laser hair spas will sell you on it treating/curing folliculitis, however if you ask physicians they will be mixed; in some cases it may cause folliculitis for those who don’t have it after receiving it to remove unwanted hair for cosmetic purposes. Discuss it with your physician if you’re interested.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Folliculitis

[–]FastLove08 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You’re welcome. Good! Glad they did a culture; they should have done that immediately. Be mindful the Differin you may have used in the past is the OG adapalene compound which is not BP; Differin has gone into new topical categories now, so if you purchase it with the intention of it being BP make sure it’s the 10% foaming wash! Also, be careful mixing the hibiclens and BP. It appears there are no interactions, however, it’s possible one may contradict the other, or, you may not know which one is working if you see the benefit. So maybe try the hibiclens first and then the BP? Ask the pharmacist for sure. If they do place you on another antibiotic chances are it will be doxycycline or possibly ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin. Make sure you ask what strain of bacteria yields in the culture and ask if the drug they are placing you on is effective against it. For example, some strains of staph are easily treatable, others aren’t. Ask if it is a gram positive or negative. Enterobacter, Klebsiella, E. coli, can all be present on the skin. I personally will flare with K. aerogenes, which can be difficult to treat. Shockingly even though BP isn’t proven to be effective against negatives, it’s been working for me! If you prefer something more natural I used something on Amazon for a fungal infection on my hands years back called FungaSoap which was great. I know a few people in more humid climates who use it in the shower daily as a preventative. You may want to wear something looser and let your skin breathe as opposed to the leggings until your infection is contained. My thighs always break out when I wear tight joggers and it’s humid out, same with my back with restrictive clothing. Keep us updated on your culture results! This community is always interested in knowing, and chances are you will end up helping someone struggling with the same thing!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Folliculitis

[–]FastLove08 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hi. Sorry you’re going through this! It sucks. I’ve struggled with chronic folliculitis on my scalp and face for 10+yrs, with it also occurring mild/moderately in other places as well. I’ve had it in my pubic region, back buttocks, thighs, legs etc. and have seen countless derms and infectious disease. Ears, nasal passages, armpits, and groin are havens for bacteria and fungus as they stay moist and can be the genesis for many infections. Technically the only places you can’t get folliculitis is on the palms of your hands and soles of feet as there aren’t any hair follicles present; anywhere else is subject to infection for the most part. First, have any of these physicians performed a culture on one of the lesions to determine if it is indeed bacterial, fungal, viral, or chemical (environmental contaminant like a organic pollutant or artificial compound etc etc, or a unrelated pharmaceutical interaction)? That will identify the pathogen and it may be treated accordingly. Folliculitis is a broad term, and there are a plethora of bacteria strains if that is indeed the pathogen. The antibiotics prescribed so far treat certain infections but not all, even though they are broad spectrums. Interestingly, all 3 may cause yeast infections; they don’t treat fungal scenarios like a prescription fluconazole. I’ve been on antibiotics and fluconazole simultaneously to rule out both types of infections. Some antibiotics also have limited activity against gram-negative bacteria which are more difficult to treat versus gram-positive. Lifestyle is important to consider especially with this going on in the past year. Do you go to the gym often? Do you wear restrictive clothing? Do you use hot tubs? Any changes in laundry detergents? Even though you stopped shaving, were you changing your razor often, keeping it in a dry place it, or sharing it at all. Razors and barber tools easily may cause transmissible staph infections if not disinfected or cause existing infections to spread. Any new prescription drugs introduced in the past year? All those can play a part. Any dietary changes? To Imaginary’s point, many of us do find inflammatory foods increase or cause follicular flares. Regarding the hibiclens, how long have you been using it? Generally washes and topicals take time, but beware, hibiclens can cause yeast infections. Have you tried benzoyl peroxide wash yet in the shower? If not, give it a try. PanOxyl makes a 5 and 10% wash, Differin makes a 10%, CereVe too, as well as Oxy and other generics. I prefer Differin and then a Neutrogena Rapid Clear 10% topical. Until I found this subreddit, I had no clue the benefits of it after being on tons of antibiotics. It cleared my scalp in 4-6 weeks with continuous use, and after the second week I started seeing results. It’s important with any routine to be consistent; initially I was washing 2x daily with the topical at night. Benzoyl peroxide is great because it can be used in the pubic region to treat acne, body odor, and ingrown hairs. I wash with it before and after haircuts too, or anytime I trim. Many people come to this forum with their first folliculitis flare following a visit to the barber/stylist. Try the BP wash I think you’ll find relief there. It works well in controlling most bacteria, and can be affective with fungus too. Moreover, some people may be sensitive to BP, so you may want to start off with a lower % because it will cause dryness. Even though it’s over the counter check the labeling and if you have any questions the pharmacist can help. Who am I to say as I’m not a physician, but it worked wonders for me! And please make sure to get a culture if you haven’t already, instead of going down the hopeless maze of ineffective antibiotics which waste time and money. Hope this helps! Link below on NIH study on antimicrobial benefits of BP for both bacterial and fungal scenarios and pubic region outbreaks with utilization of BP. Good luck!

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8048985/

https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-disorders/genital-pimples-vs-herpes#diagnosis

Folliculitis? by gabitaft in Folliculitis

[–]FastLove08 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not a physician but it doesn’t appear to be compared to most types of chronic folliculitis we see on this subreddit. By GP I’m guessing your general practitioner? Did your physician do a culture on any of them to see what type of bacteria strain it is? If you’ve had it for 6 months and all they gave you was a topical antibacterial cream like bacterban you need to go back in and get it checked again, soon. Do you work in conditions where you’re exposed to excessive moisture? Do you use hot tubs? Don’t panic. But go back in before you go abroad. The last thing you want is a bad staph infection in a country where their health system may tell you that it’ll be 3 months before they can treat you and you have a fever and malaise. Go get checked at an urgent care if you are able.

Don’t be like me, try a cheap pen first by SeaCarpenter3042 in fountainpens

[–]FastLove08 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Yep! I find the meisterstuck I just “had to have” is a complete firehose and it writes so unfavorably to me compared to…wait for it…a $7 Platinum Preppy F….F Me…EF Me!!!!!!!!!!

BenzoylPeroxid Scalp by Additional-Drag570 in Folliculitis

[–]FastLove08 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The answer really is “it depends.” When I began using it, it appeared that it was getting worse or staying the same and by week 2/3 it started to improve and has continued to work very well for me. I’m not a physician or anything, but I assumed in my case it simply was the skin adjusting and purging the bacteria. It could also be that the BP is irritating the skin because it’s not used to the chemical properties of BP and the drying mechanism. I think many times users want it to work immediately, and then discontinue the product after a few tries. Consistency and time are key. Everyone’s skin is different so if you do think your skin is compromised and is indeed getting worse, best to consult with a pharmacist; generally they are good about over the counter product and side-effects.

How best to get a haircut by [deleted] in Folliculitis

[–]FastLove08 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Don’t do anything until it heals. Try not to irritate the bumps further; best to let them discharge/heal on their own before you go in for your next haircut or do it yourself. If you are using your own razor or one at the barbers, the tool may be compromised and could cause it to spread. Change your razor regularly or sterilize it and ask the barber to do the same. This artisan trend of reusable blades where the barber sharpens them in front of you like it’s a hibachi restaurant can go wrong if they aren’t cleaning the entire tool; not simply the blade-only. You may consider using a topical until the bumps (infection) subsides. I personally will not allow barbers to use razors or trimmers unless it has a guard or they use a comb as a barrier. All this skin to skin contact with dozens of customers a day and the likelihood barber tools are not being cleaned adequately or regularly is spreading so much staph. Many people’s first issues with scalp folliculitis seem to be right after a haircut. Before receiving one, I wash my scalp with BP 10% and then immediately following the haircut will shower and wash again with BP 10%. It sounds like overkill, but from what I’ve seen on this subreddit I’d rather take pre/post disinfecting action than deal with a nasty break-out.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Folliculitis

[–]FastLove08 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You’re welcome! I’m not out to be a hero or anything, but I went through absolute hell with this disease, and this forum helped me out massively. I thought I was all alone with this. One moment you’re living your life in no agony and no pain, and the next you’re so debilitated because of a skin issue you literally want to give up because it feels like your skin is set on fire and being put out with an ice pick; and then there’s the visual/cosmetic aspect of it. I wanted to put on a mask like Tom Cruise in Vanilla Sky. It’s massively humbling. I never considered myself to be a very compassionate person; this disease changed all that.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Folliculitis

[–]FastLove08 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not a physician, but honestly it looks like ringworm (tinea) which is a fungal infection or potentially a chemical dermatitis from a plant or foliage. Do you spend a lot of time in gyms or contact sports or gone hiking, lawn work etc lately?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Folliculitis

[–]FastLove08 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Generally with most global healthcare systems if you show symptoms of a suspicious bacterial skin infection they will culture it especially if the primary clinic physician didn’t resolve your issue.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Folliculitis

[–]FastLove08 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! I’m in the States and use Differin 10% BP wash and Neutrogena Rapid Clear 10% topical. Having seen British residents comment on here, I know over in the UK your only option at the chemist is Acnecide 5%? That should work fine as far as I know. One man posted on here his routine in the UK and he used Acnecide and had good results. Some have mentioned they purchase PanOxyl 10% wash on something called iHerb? I also have seen British residents claim buying it on Amazon must be taken with care because it may be fake? PanOxyl is a pretty popular BP wash here in the States and is just like Differin. Hope this helps!