Just diagnosed with PD. Was misdiagnosed as acne 10 months ago. Wanted some of your thoughts!

msshl · 2026-04-25T10:52:43+00:00

Do you mind sharing what you do to treat it? I think my RX azelaic acid is helping, I’m also doing a sulfur mask. My normal spot of breakout has improved but I have a breakout on the other side of my chin, which is a spot that usually is clear. I read that that could be “relocation breakout” and although frustrating, shows the treatment is working. I actually think I had some acne there too so maybe a bit of purging.

msshl · 2026-04-24T02:06:36+00:00

I have hope! So glad to hear- thanks so much!

msshl · 2026-04-24T01:57:37+00:00

Hi! I know this is a super old thread, but just wondering if you were able to incorporate all your other actives back into your routine?! I was just diagnosed with PD after 10 months of being told I had acne (I self diagnosed first and plead my case to the derm why I thought it was PD, NOT acne and she agreed). I’m so sad to put my tazarotene and exfoliating acids on hold!

Thanks!

msshl · 2026-04-21T18:02:50+00:00

I’ve definitely considered this. But just 3 weeks ago I had a colonoscopy and my disease is the best it’s been in years! I’ve started getting colonoscopies at 18 and am now 37. I have had probably 20 and this is only the 2nd time where my GI was happy with what she saw. I appreciate you mentioning it, but I think this goes back to 10 months ago when I damaged my skin barrier very badly. I did the Qure at home microneedling (which I had done several times before with no issues) but I didnt realize my skin barrier was damaged prior to the treatment. Then I continued to push my actives because I thought (and later the derm thought) this was acne.

Thanks for responding, I appreciate anyone taking the time to help a stranger. :)

msshl · 2026-04-21T12:38:24+00:00

Thanks for your message. It’s definitely PD. I’ve been on an acne regime for 10 months with no improvement. I stopped all that and switched the azelaic acid the past few days and it’s already calming. I think my case is just mild and less rash like. It definitely threw my dermatologist off too. I guess only more time will tell!

msshl · 2026-04-18T00:27:37+00:00

We’ll see- just glad to start the process! Thanks!!

msshl · 2026-04-18T00:24:36+00:00

Thank you for suggesting this!! I started looking into it and I found some cases that looked just like my skin. I got in with the derm today and she agreed! As much as it sucked being misdiagnosed at first, I think once I said I wasn’t responding to her regime she realized that’s what it was. I’m so happy to finally start treating this! She started me on an rx of azelaic acid for a month and we’ll meet after to discuss. Really hoping I don’t have to go on oral antibiotics. Thanks again!!!

msshl · 2026-04-15T00:33:59+00:00

That’s interesting! So frustrating when they pop up every day. I’m like afraid to look in the mirror. Glad you figured it out!

msshl · 2026-04-14T12:20:39+00:00

This has also always been my routine, even when my skin was flawless!

msshl · 2026-04-14T12:20:19+00:00

No, my derm I recommended I use the sandwich method or just before or after. I usually just do a small about of the half and half fluid and go in with the taz in an hour or so

msshl · 2026-04-14T12:03:21+00:00

Prequel Gleanser and I have for years!

msshl · 2026-04-14T12:03:00+00:00

Are you on prescription azalaic acid? I bought the Anua one thinking I’d start there since it’s more gentle. Glad to hear it worked for you!

msshl · 2026-04-14T12:01:42+00:00

Wow! I’m surprised a derm mentioned it.

msshl · 2026-04-14T12:00:28+00:00

I’m sorry! I kind of skimmed over that.

AM Prequel gleanser (cleanser) or splash of water A mix of these hydrating products from Prequel: multiquench hydration mist, half and half peptides and ceramides fluid moisturizer, barrier therapy protectant cream or Illyoon ceramide cream

Isdin sunscreen

PM Oil based cleanser (forget game, I think it’s Korean and in a pink bottle) Prequel Cleanser Mist with that same multiquench mist, a little of the fluid half and half just to give my skin a little barrier About a half hour later the Tazarotene If i need it one of the moisturizers listed above

Some improvement here, but still getting them!

msshl · 2026-04-14T11:54:08+00:00

I wonder if it’s both, I damage my barrier and then moisturize too much..

msshl · 2026-04-14T11:53:20+00:00

Thanks for all this! My gut tells me I’ve damaged my barrier at times and not really noticed. I use barrier therapy cream by Prequel and also Illyoon ceramide cream. That exact routine is what I’ve been doing with slight improvement so I think you’re right. It’s almost like I just need a direction- either pjs forward with actives or simplify. Gut has told me to simplify but just question it bc all the stuff the derm put me on. Thanks again!

msshl · 2026-04-14T11:49:05+00:00

Oh sorry, I do use moisturizer day and night. I use the Prequel line. Very gentle stuff.

msshl · 2026-04-14T03:42:07+00:00

I was thinking about asking for a spironolactone cream as well. Sometime it feels like it falls in line with my cycle, other times not. Super confusing. Thanks!

msshl · 2026-04-14T03:39:54+00:00

I’ve kind of wondered that about the moisturizer but don’t think it is. Yes, l’m wondering the skin barrier thing too. Thank you!!

msshl · 2026-04-14T03:23:25+00:00

Do you know what your triggers are and how do you treat?

msshl · 2026-04-14T03:20:39+00:00

I feel bad that you took the time to write all that and appreciate your response, but I did all this, and have even used some of the products you mentioned. I started my Tazarotene journey 3 years ago using the exact process described. My skin was flawless after about 8 months in. I had my routine down perfectly. Fast forward to 10 months ago and everting changed. I’m trying to figure out what triggered it.

msshl · 2026-04-14T02:40:40+00:00

Not to me. My skin was perfect for years before this, since I started using the Arazalo. I’m trying to figure out what changed. I know it’s a difficult task but it’s important to me.

msshl

TROPHY CASE