A 19-year-old woman from Haywards Heath in West Sussex, Harriet Curtis, has shared her struggles with painful cystic acne that has affected her face and body. Harriet’s acne first appeared when she was 14 years old, leading to bullying at school and difficulty sleeping. Some children at her secondary school would bully her because of it, causing her distress. She was prescribed a contraceptive pill that helped clear her skin for several years. However, last summer, stress from her A-level exams triggered another breakout, leaving her feeling out of control of her appearance.
According to the NHS, cysts are the most severe form of acne, appearing as large, pus-filled lumps with a high risk of causing permanent scarring. From November 2023 to March this year, Harriet experienced a severe acne flare-up, making it painful for her to sleep on her side and necessitating heavy makeup to conceal the spots before leaving the house. During a trip to South East Asia with friends, Harriet noticed an improvement in her skin due to the hot climate. Combined with effective skincare products and a change in medication, her acne cleared up, although she is unsure of the exact cause.
Returning home in July, Harriet experienced some minor breakouts but nothing major. She expressed anxiety about her acne worsening again, as it is emotionally challenging to deal with. Throughout her journey with acne, Harriet highlighted the heightened emotions and frustrations that come with uncontrollable breakouts, emphasising the impact on self-esteem and daily life. She hopes to find a sustainable solution to manage her acne in the future.