How do you know if you have cystic acne?

Does anyone know if Yaz birth-control can cure Chronic Cystic Acne caused by Lithium?

• I'm just looking if anyone has some knowledge on the two pills combined. Lithium is for Bipolar Disorder and Yaz is a form of birth control. Lithium causes chronic cystic acne, which despite what some people say, never lets up even after 6 months. And I am trying to find something to possibly combat it. I've been in and out of dermatologist's offices (various ones) and been through all of their different creams and antibiotics and face-washes over the course of several years. Nothing had any effect on the acne from the lithium. I do know for a fact that the lithium is the cause, because there was a point in time where I was off it completely and my skin just was perfectly clear. The acne is very painful, as it forms huge welts on my face, so it is not just the outward appearance that bothers me. Recently I began researching on birth control pills. And my doctor wants me to be one one anyway before prescribing me back my lithium, so I was wondering which is the best one for me. I like Yaz because it seems to have a better effect on controlling excess weight gain, which psychiatric meds do tend to cause also. Trileptal is also in the picture and is another psychiatric med. Please do keep in mind that I am a 20 year old young lady, and I do care about my appearance! So please any best advice would be appreciated! Thanks, E

• Answer:

  I wouldn't trust any opinion but your doctors on this one. This is a good forum for asking about things like weight loss, but not a great place to ask about how drugs interact.