Anorexia/Eating Disorders/post anorexia facial acne

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 9/25/2009


Question
Hello Jeanne

My daughter suffered with anorexia from 15-19 and then went directly into bingeing/bulimia/self harm.  She's now 25 and though outardly much, much better, her sense of well-being, self esteem and confidence haven't risen from rock bottom, partly due to her ongoing facial acne(?) which was non existent before her illness.  It's a vicious cycle as she uses all sorts of unguents to scrub and cleanse etc and then slaps on makeup to cover it up daily.  As she's living at home, I make sure that her diet is well balanced, freshly prepared, with plenty of fresh fruit and veg.  I've a layman's hunch that her bodily chemicals have been  badly put 'out of synch' by anorexia, as she also seems to be chronically tired for much of the day, struggling to keep awake at work.  Is there  a natural pick-me-up and cure for her bad skin? I've looked on various internet sites, but can't distinguish truth from fiction behind the claims.
Can you help?  I'd be eternally grateful if you could pass on any suggestions.  PS  Are tiredness & skin condition related to the anorexia, or am I barking up the wrong tree?

Sincerely,

Frances Channon (mother)

Answer

jeannie Rust, PhD
Dear Frances,

Thank you so much for writing!  It's so hard to see one of our children struggling so much....

If she were my daughter, I would take her to a good dermatologist -- I wouldn't fool around at all with over the counter creams, scrubs, etc.  Today there are medications that truly miraculous for acne.  I think the acne could be a part of the anorexia.  Anorexia can throw a person's whole hormonal system out of synch -- a good naturopathic physician or sometimes even a good gynecologist can help.

Tell your daughter not to despair -- there is plenty of help out there for her!  It also sounds to me that she is suffering from depression which is evidenced by her fatigue.  Is she seeing a therapist?  It could help the depression and self-esteem tremendously.

It's wonderful that you're feeing her properly -- as I said, I really understand how painful it is for the parent as well as your daughter to see her live like this.  I know it sounds like all I'm doing is suggesting professional help -- but this is exactly what she needs to be able to live the kind of life she truly dreams about.

Let me know how she does!

Warmly,
Jeannie Rust, PhD
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com

Jeanne Rust, PhD

Expertise

I have been treating eating disorders for over 25 years and I have a doctorate in clinical psychology. I am an expert in anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders and in co-occurring disorders as well -- depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. I was the official eating disorder therapist for the University of Arizona athletic department and love working with girls and women of all ages! 12 years ago I started my own treatment centers in Arizona where we treat adolescents and adults. I love working with people and have been helping people online since 1994. My hearts go out to the people out there who are unable to find help, who aren't sure whether they need help, and who don't have much of an understanding of the terrible consequences, emotionally and physically, that go hand in hand with the eating disorder. I view eating disorders as coping mechanisms that people use when they are under stress. I believe that eating disorders most times have many similarities whether it is anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. The good news is that people can heal from an eating disorder and learn to create the lives they would like to live.

Experience

I have 25 years of experience in treating eating disorders of all kinds. I also do consultations for people who are starting treatment centers.

Education/Credentials
Northwestern University -- BA Masters in Counseling Doctorate in Clinical Psychology -- Saybrook institute

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