Assistance for Delayed Wound Healing
I’m a 29-year-old female weighing 222 pounds, a non-smoker currently on medications such as Plaquenil, Imuran, and Citalopram. My medical history includes a diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome, along with anxiety and depression. For the past six months, I’ve been taking azathioprine to manage my Sjögren's symptoms. Recently, I experienced a severe breakout attributed to my menstrual cycle. Regrettably, I found myself picking at some of the blemishes, which has resulted in scabs and persistent acne on my upper back, chest, and face. It’s been three weeks since this occurred, and despite my efforts to avoid further picking, the spots show no signs of healing. The acne takes an unusually long time to resolve even when left untouched. I do my best to keep my skin moisturized and treat it gently, but I am eager to find ways to enhance the healing process. I’m feeling quite overwhelmed. I contacted my rheumatologist regarding this issue, and she advised me to consult a dermatologist if my condition doesn't improve. Unfortunately, accessing a dermatologist is a challenge for me due to insurance coverage limitations.
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 4:50:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a challenging situation regarding delayed wound healing and persistent acne. Your concerns are completely valid, especially considering your medical history and current medications. Let’s focus on a few strategies that can help enhance your healing process.
Summary of Key Points:
- Your medications and condition can contribute to delayed healing.
- Gentle skin care and dietary adjustments can support recovery.
- Consider alternatives or over-the-counter treatments to assist with acne and scarring.
Explanation: Delayed wound healing, especially in relation to acne and scabs, can be influenced by several factors, including your auto-immune condition (Sjögren's syndrome), the medications (like azathioprine), and how your body responds to stress and inflammation. Both anxiety and depression can impact your skin health, creating a cycle of stress and skin issues.
Next Steps:
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Moisturize Effectively: Continue using a good moisturizer but choose one that is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores). Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
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Practice Gentle Skin Care:
- Avoid harsh scrubs and products with alcohol.
- Clean your skin with gentle, fragrance-free cleansers.
- Avoid squeezing or picking at acne, as you've been trying.
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Optimize Nutrition:
- Include foods rich in vitamins A (like carrots and sweet potatoes) and C (like citrus fruits) which are known to help skin repair.
- Consider Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish and flaxseed) to help reduce inflammation.
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Topical Treatments:
- Over-the-counter options such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid may be beneficial in treating acne. Start with a lower concentration to see how your skin reacts.
- Consider using silicone gel sheets or silicone ointments, which can help minimize scarring and enhance healing.
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Stress Management: Since anxiety and depression can exacerbate skin conditions, incorporating stress-relief techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or gentle exercise may provide benefits.
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Monitor Progress: Keep track of any changes in your skin condition with a diary. Note any improvements or worsening of the acne or healing process.
If there’s no improvement in the next few weeks, or if the situation worsens, seeking alternatives to a dermatologist (like telehealth services or clinics with sliding scale fees) can be another option.
Remember, healing takes time, and it's important to be gentle with yourself both physically and emotionally. If you have more questions or need further assistance, I'm here for you.
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