N-Acetyl Cysteine

Nahannah, I did exactly what you did: tried NAC at 600 mg/day and stopped it because it wasn't working; then started again, this time at 1200 mg/day. It has helped some but hasn't cured the problem.

I've seen scholarly articles in peer-reviewed medical journals that provide encouraging but not definitive support for the use of NAC to reduce or eliminate the picking urge. Often the sample size (number of people participating) is too small. The articles usually recommend between 1200 mg and 1800 mg per day 2 - 3 pills per day). The pills are slightly unpleasant to smell and taste. The articles suggest that the NAC "kicks in" around 6 to 10 weeks. BTW, the ordina

Here's what else I've been doing, and it's helping:
a) made an appointment with a compassionate dermatologist after an unfortunate experience with an uninformed and cruel first dermatologist ("Why don't you just stop?");
b) steroid injection (one) to quell much of the inflammation;
c) ultra-high-potency prescription steroid cream (Clobetasol), used in tiny amounts on the worst of the damaged skins
d) prescription Lidocaine ointment 5% (5x stronger than over-the-counter) to stop the itching;
e) monthly dermatology appointments for dermatologist to monitor my progress;
f) use of over-the-counter CeraVe skin products with salicylic acid ("SA" is on the label), one hydrating cleanser with which to wash in the shower, and one lotion to calm the skin; and
g) occasional swabbing of area with astringent (witch hazel, alcohol, or diluted white vinegar), followed by CeraVe lotion.

It's helping, but the progress is slow. Once the area is sufficiently clear, the doctor plans to use 3 treatments of a light laser to reduce scarring and skin discoloration.

Nahannah, I did exactly what you did: tried NAC at 600 mg/day and stopped it because it wasn't working; then started again, this time at 1200 mg/day. It has helped some but hasn't cured the problem. I may increase to 1800 mg/day (that's 3 pills per day).

I've seen scholarly articles in peer-reviewed medical journals that provide encouraging but not definitive support for the use of NAC to reduce or eliminate the

picking urge. Often the sample size (number of people participating) is too small. The articles usually recommend between 1200 mg and 1800 mg per day (2 - 3 pills per day). The pills are slightly unpleasant to smell and taste. The articles suggest that the NAC "kicks in" around 6 to 10 weeks.

Here's what else I've been doing, and it's helping:
a) made an appointment with a compassionate dermatologist after an unfortunate experience with an uninformed and cruel first dermatologist ("Why don't you just stop?");
b) steroid injection (one) to quell much of the inflammation;
c) ultra-high-potency prescription steroid cream (Clobetasol), used in tiny amounts on the worst of the damaged skin;
d) prescription Lidocaine ointment 5% (5x stronger than over-the-counter) to stop the itching;
e) monthly dermatology appointments for dermatologist to monitor my progress;
f) use of over-the-counter CeraVe skin products with salicylic acid ("SA" is on the label), one hydrating cleanser with which to wash in the shower, and one lotion to calm the skin; and
g) occasional swabbing of area with astringent (witch hazel, alcohol, or diluted white vinegar), followed by CeraVe lotion
Also, I keep a large blue gel pack in the freezer. I apply it at night to stop the itching and let me get to sleep.

It's helping, but the progress is slow. Once the area is sufficiently clear, the doctor plans to use 3 treatments of a light laser to reduce scarring and skin discoloration.