Hello, I'm new.

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone. I'm new to the group and very happy to have a place

to discuss this condition. I have had EN for about 12 years (I'm 27).

I was first diagnosed by my pediatrician when I had my first outbreak

at 15, and they blamed it on birth control pills. I switched pills 3

times and it never fully went away. Then a couple years after being

diagnosed my sister who was not on the pill had breakouts for one

summer. Hers went away after the season and never returned. Up until

this most recent outbreak, I would get a few bumps with the change of

the season. It was like having my own personal weather center inside

me because I would know when the weather was turning with my break

outs. Usually the bumps would come and go in one month. I am in the

midst of my worst outbreak ever, which at this point has been going on

for over 6 months since my seasonal outbreak last winter. My left leg

is covered in very large deep bumps, some even feel like a bump has

grown on top of another bump. Just a week ago the right leg started to

break out as well. I usually get them in the lower shin area but now

I have them up near the knee and on the top of my foot. I have been

researching the internet like crazy and can't seem to get the same

advice from site to site. In the last 6 months I joined a gym and do

a fair amount of cardio (running, elliptical) and read that exercising

during an outbreak can prolong it, does anyone else agree? I also

switched from Yasmin birth control to Yaz about 6 months ago and don't

know if that is making it worse. Anyone else on that birth control

and feel it was a factor? I read that a compression bandage can help

so I usually wrap my shins with an ace bandage during the day and then

to sleep because it does provide some relief. I am going to try a

homeopath to see if they can offer any alternative solutions. I am

not a vain person but at the point I am SO embarrassed for anyone to

see my legs because they usually look horrified. It was a rough

summer to say the least. Ok, enough babbling. If anyone has any

insights on my story or questions I would really appreciate it.

Thanks so much. Jackie