Please get some professional assistance. A counselor or therapist can be helpful to talk to to ease your mind, and learn about your own behaviors. Your diet and health is important, but any changes you make in that realm can be for naught if you are so clearly stressed.

Good luck.

Sounds like you got processed through the normal GP mill, where they just rapid fire write up prescriptions for your symptoms (can't really blame them, that is what they are taught to do.) You've exhausted dietary options, this is likely bigger than diet. Time for a doctor who actually knows how to help, like a naturopath or endocrine specialist who can actually take the time to run enough tests and figure what the hell is going on.

If you didn't start depressed, it is obvious that you are suffering from depression now, and the reason for that may or may not be related to your other health issues. Certain bacterial infections can affect mood as well as acne, targeted antibiotics could very well be helpful. As scary as antibiotics can be, they do have their place.

If you went into this with damage to your gut or dysbiosis, no matter what you eat and how many supplements you take, you could be still be suffering from malabsorption of your nutrients and continued deficiencies. I know I say this all the time, but are you getting enough salt? So many people around here who are struggling seem to be deficient, and that alone can cause depression.

Edit: P.S. It is normal to still have basic run-of-the-mill puberty-based acne at age 20. If that is what is specifically is getting you down, time will likely take care of it, so check that off of your list of crushing medical concerns. It doesn't necessarily mean anything other than you are young. So, focus on treating your depression with the help of a therapist and lifestyle augmentation: you need sunlight, you need exercise, you need to be needed-make yourself accountable to someone else by volunteering and helping someone who is having and even rougher go of things than you.

Your "question" strikes home for me. I've had severe rheumatoid arthritis all throughout college, and it's put a huge damper on my social life, nay, my entire life. Nearly all foods trigger it. I have tried "everything" and been let down innumerable times by remedies/protocols people suggest to me. I take what the western Docs give me and it still is a huge strain on my life.

Specifically, all I can say to try to help is that I have a friend who's severe acne is triggered by eating conventionally-grown fruits. She reacts to the pesticides on them.

I feel you, man. I really do. It's not your fault. You're living in a time and place filled with toxic waste, both physical and spiritual. People with sensitive bodies are bound to take the brunt of the suffering. There is nothing wrong with you. There is just something wrong with this world we live in.

Do you think it's an auto-immune problem?

I feel for you buddy, it can be a wilderness trying to figure out what's wrong with you. You come across as quite stressed, I kept wasting money on specific supplements too. People here will tell you to tweak this and tweak that because that's what this site is all about. But a biggy for me was getting to grips with my depression and that meant antidepressants (I should have gone on them years ago!) I'm only planning to go on them for a year. I liken it to being trapped in a lake, and they are the helping hand that hauls you out, dries you off gets you on your feet. It's a lot easier to stop from slipping back in than to drag yourself out in the first place!

Depression can be a cause for a whole host of things, specifically digestive problems which in turn can make a lot of things even worse; it can affect sleep, skin, energy, happiness, contentment etc. Depression itself is like a mental drain, thoughts rush about your head and you wake up each morning exhausted.

I am by no means happy with my health but I feel a billion times better than before, I've stopped crying every day for a start! You sound a little like me in some of my earlier posts so the best advice I can give to you is to go on prozac, at least for a little while to see if it helps. It's hard to spot when it's yourself who's depressed, especially if you're a guy.

Despite what some say, Paleo is no panacea!

I am sorry that I need to tell you this but life will only get worse. It always gets worse as a rule. If it gets better is an exception. The universe doesn't care whether you feel good or bad. So at least you might feel good, even though nobody likes you and nobody cares.

Your life doesn't have a purpose per se but you, and how you live your life can give it a purpose and a meaning. Paleohacks cannot do it for you and nobody else can.

You need to give it a purpose. Because you are living your life. Nobody else is going to live it for you.

Lack of vitamin A can cause acne. Eggs, and liver once a week are good sources. It can also be applied topically.

It sounds to me that you have some gut issues. I agree with trying probiotics to build good bacteria and maybe add some aloe vera in your water to soothe the gut.

Many traditional docs don't know much about gut health or nutrition. I'd try working with a functional medicine doc or find a Chek (http://www.chekinstitute.com/index.php) or FDN practitioner (http://bonesandhormones.com/fdn) that can find the cause of problem and give you a targeted program to heal yourself.

Don't give up on yourself or your future by quitting college. There is a pathway to healing and its sometimes bumpy. You can do it but you may have to fight to get there.

I have a hard time believing that at the age of 20, while you are doing proper paleo for years, your hair start falling out (let alone the acne). You see, Paleo is NOT just about what you remove from the diet, but what you ADD to it. Do you have fermented foods daily? Goat Kefir? Bone broth? Offal? Shellfish?

IF you are doing all this and you're still sick after 6 months, then the only thing I can think of is this:

1. An undiagnosed genetic disorder.
2. Environmental problems, exposure to chemicals or radiation without your knowledge.

high doses of niacin and an iron supplement. plus if you don't like paleo stop, its not a sin.

That sucks dude. I've suffered from acne, seborrheic dermatitis, since puberty, then digestive problems from 20. Your story sounds very familiar, only significantly worse. I've mostly solved the acute digestive problems with diet (PHD minus fruit and nuts) and I've made improvements in my acne (fruit is the worst for me (besides something like wheat...)) but I haven't solved my acne or dermatitis yet.

A few things you might try which I didn't see mentioned in you question which you might try:

Raw milk kefir (homemade) and Green Pastures CLO/butter oil blend have really helped my skin. It didn't clear up my acne or solve my dermatitis though (but my skin is so smooth!...)

Activated charcoal seems to help my acne, especially when taken after fruit or other foods which trigger acne for me. It's just masking symptoms, not a long-term solution, but I'll take what I can get.

Topical honey has really helped my seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. It's another short-term solution that I'm sure doesn't solve the underlying cause, but honey is also relatively cheap and doesn't sketch me out like some of the prescription stuff that doctors have tried to push.

Chris Kresser's recent post on diet and skin issues has piqued my interest in biotin. Folks like us with likely gut issues might very well be low, and apparently it can lead to seborrheic dermatitis, which I've had since infancy. Paul Jaminet suggests that it should be safe to supplement in his book, so I'm going to give it a shot. (Haven't started though). Again, probably not quite getting to the root of the issue though.

So... The root...

I've thought on and off over the past few years about trying to get a stool transplant, but my problems aren't quite bad enough to warrant the trouble I'd have to go to to find a willing doctor or figure out how to follow some of the DIY directions out there.

But if I were in your position, I would drop everything and try to find a good doctor willing to consider doing a stool transplant to reset your gut.

Good luck. If you manage to figure this stuff out, I want to hear about it!

Have you considered consulting with a Paleo nutritionist? Amy Kubal is one that I know of, and she offers consultation through Robb Wolfe's website. She can also be found on fb -> https://www.facebook.com/#!/wirlwindamy Maybe she can offer some insight or troubleshooting that hasn't been suggested yet?

I'm sorry that you are having such a frustrating experience! I know for me, acne is largely hormonal & I haven't been able to find the right balance yet to clear it up completely, but I noticed a huge improvement when I cut out dairy. I went to a dermatologist who prescribed everything from creams to pills & antibiotics, none of which cleared it up completely. Hoping things will improve for you soon!

It's always hard when you have so many health problems hitting you isn't it? I am in the same boat as you. I would definitely encourage you to get your thyroid checked, as that turned out to be my problem, on top of the other issues I have. While I am taking the medications like they tell me to, I am also pursuing paleo as a way to make sure I am getting healthy fats to promote healthy hormonal regulation.

Please don't give up on a paleo way of living. As others have suggested, it is also about what you add to your diet. I include sea vegetables as they are the best source of iodine out there and make sure I "time" what I eat to ensure my thyroid is getting the best source of vitamins and minerals when it is at it's peak (which is early in the morning for me).

I hope your doctor will run some further testing and that you can also stick to one way of eating for a while. Hang in there!

Way to try to heal yourself. I second those who are saying you need to keep trying to get professional medical help. But I think the people who are telling you that you need mental health assistance are FOS. You're sick. That's depressing. Treating the depression isn't going fix the problem. You'd be crazy not to be depressed by being so sick.

Make a list of your symptoms. If you can, use the list to make a differential diagnosis (a list of possible problems that would explain as many of your symptoms as possible). Then ask a competent physician to test for those possible diagnoses. The alternative is to take in the symptom list. But with so many symptoms, doctors tend to get overwhelmed and hone in on patching one surface problem at a time, as you have observed. You need them to go for the big picture. It shouldn't be this way, but you have to help them do that.

My bet would be on a rheumatologist, but consulting an endocrinologist or dermatologist might also make sense. You can get recommendations about good and bad local folks in these specialties by asking around at patient groups. E.g., if you think you have celiac (or lupus or rheumatoid arthritis or gout or whatever), look up patient groups, contact local chapters, and ask who's good/bad at diagnosing/treating that type of problem in your area. An alternative is to go to a center known for diagnosing difficult cases, like Mayo Clinic.

You don't know what's wrong with you because it's a complex puzzle. Not your fault.

Can't believe I didn't think of this right away. For the acne, there is this awesome stuff: http://www.isclinical.com/active_serum.

Maybe you will have no luck with it because you are so sick. Keratosis pilaris can look like acne when it happens on your face. Other skin rashes can also be mistaken for acne, and tons of skin rashes are associated with different underlying diseases (especially endocrine and rheumatological disorders). You need a workup, and your doctor isn't up to it. Find another.

Similarly, Aquaphor is the best stuff for dry lips (they refer chemo patients to it) - http://www.swansonvitamins.com/EUC004/ItemDetail?SourceCode=INTL405&CAWELAID=550269291&cagpspn=pla&gclid=CO7wtqyak7ICFQoFnQodfy0A9g. And dandruff can respond to tea tree oil. But no one-off, potentially symptom-addressing Band-Aid is going to help you get a global diagnosis and treatment for the big picture.

SO sorry you are sick.

I'd look into Ray Peat as it will broaden your perspective.Hope you'll do good in the future though!!

First step - RELAX.

I can literally feel the tension in your opening post. *hugs*

Second, do you have access to psilocybin mushrooms or other entheogens?

3rd, do GAPS, but supplement with Probiotic + O3s + Magnesium. If you're getting acne, you need to avoid dairy 100%. Not even fermented dairy.

Have you tried probiotics? I know I sound like a broken record but it seems like there is something going on with your gut. Try a refrigerated one and also test it out on milk to make sure it is potent.

I would go with probiotics rather than fermented foods for the simple reason ... they are stronger.

Another thing to try is doing Weston Price or Ray Peat instead of very strict Paleo.

http://www.westonaprice.org/ask-the-doctor/acne

A strategy for dealing with acne begins with effective "bowel cleansing" and healthy bowel flora (the normal lacto-bacteria that live in our intestines). This has always been considered the cornerstone of every natural acne treatment. The best remedy for this is for your teenager to eat about 1/4-1/2 cup of fresh, unpasteurized traditionally made sauerkraut every day and then take one teaspoon of Swedish Bitters in warm water before bed. You can make the sauerkraut yourself following the recipes in Nourishing Traditions. There is also a brand called Bubbies, found in the refrigerator section of a good health food store. There are also scores of other lacto-fermented vegetables, fruits and drinks described in Nourishing Traditions that you can try. Sauerkraut, however, should be the cornerstone of treatment as the high sulphur content of the cabbage is especially valuable in skin cleansing. (Cabbage juice is valued in Irish folk medicine for giving a beautiful complexion.) Another area of importance is the inclusion of the proper fats in the diet (such as good quality butter and olive oil) and excluding the commercial vegetable oils and hydrogenated margarines and shortenings. Your teenager should also take 1/2 teaspoon or 3 capsules cod liver oil daily and 4-5 capsules of evening primrose daily as supplements. Raw foods should be included liberally in the diet, including vegetables, fruits, milk and even meat.

But I would start with probiotics. You wrote that you were taking antibiotics, so probiotics is a must.

I feel your pain. Don't give up - try different things. One of them is going to work for sure!

Have you tried contacting one of the more legitimate Paleo sites about anything directly? I know Robb Wolf has the whole Paleo Physicians Network up and running, so you might check that out and see if there is anyone near you that is paleo-inclined and has a medical background. This is definitely not a job for us internet forum folk. You're going to get a big list of "try this and this and this" without any real wisdom aimed at YOU specifically.

If you can't find a paleo physician, perhaps you can look to paleo resources for how to get a good check-up on the appropriate biomarkers. You could do this at any doctor, but then disregard their recommendations and look at paleo resources to interpret your results.

It certainly sounds like there's something more fundamental than your diet at play here. It's pretty crazy how complex hormonal imbalances can become.

Best of luck!

I can't come up with anything close to what the others have posted. Excellent and well thought out contributions and suggestions. As for myself, all I had pop into my head were these three questions. The first question came into my mind rather quickly because over the last few years I've had a dozen fillings removed and you wouldn't believe the number of health problems that when with them.

Do you have a lot of amalgam fillings? What kind of metals are you cooking your foods in? What is your water source?

this might be random from a nutrtition and physical standpoint, and idk know your faith, but have ever tried Jesus, and opening your heart to him?

Yeah, all i would say to that is what others may have said. Go through your daily eating habits with a nutritionist who has the same idea of nutrition as you do "paleo" or something close to that. Like said before, paleo is not the best for every one, and i truly believe this. Try taking Dr. Mercola's nutritional typing test. Just google it and it will pop up. See if you're even a protein type or not. If you are, then Paleo should work well for you. If you're not you might need a new meal plan!

Something else would be to get a blood test done and see if you're lacking in anything. And also a hormone test. You don't have to agree to any prescriptions a Dr. might offer, just take the test and keep the paper work for yourself and see if there are natural ways to fix things. I know that high testosterone can cause bad acne and hair thinning. Sometimes a high protein diet can boost your testosterone. Also it can be genetic.

There are just too many factors that you need to take into account. I hope you figure out a way to fix these ailments and get to better health!

I'm sorry to hear all of this. I sincerely hope it all get resolved.

I'm unsure if you wrote this just to release your frustrations or to get input on your various ailments. If it's the latter, there are a few things that I thought of while reading your post:

• Dandruff - I recently bought my husband a neem oil shampoo bar (specifically, this one). He too has horrible dandruff, paleo has helped but it never fully remedied the situation. This suggestion may seem like another unfruitful attempt, but if you're inclined it is an inexpensive alternative.
• Acne - it seems like you've spent your fair share of time experimenting and perhaps going to a dermatologist? Have you ever sought the care of a naturopath? They prefer modalities that are less invasive, as well as, ones seeking to find the 'root' of the problem rather than just riding you of acne. For instance, they might take your blood and look at hormone imbalances, proliferation of certain proteins, etc. or even try acupuncture, etc.
• As for your frustration, I do hope that you don't lose hope. You mention dropping out of college and that your home helps calm your mind. If you choose to do the former, ask yourself how such an act will better your life. Are you feeling this way because of fatigue and health issues? or is it because you are dissatisfied with your course of study? Additionally, what is it about your home life that is so calming? Is it because you are an introvert and need more 'alone' time? Should you then incorporate more alone time into your schedule so that you are happier? Are you closer to your family? etc. What is it that calms your inner-being and contents you?

Keep calm and carry on.

do you digest your food properly? maybe some sunshine and digestive enzymes could help your skin and general mood overall, hope things clear up for you soon

I'm 20 too, in the past 2 years I've got: blood vessels appearing in eyes, vertical nail ridges, acne and keratosis pilaris.

Tanning for Vit. D definitely helps keep chest and back acne at bay in my case.

About the KP; The only thing that I see working for now (remarkably quickly on the face, and rather slow on the body) is eating pork liver 2 times a week, I would really suggest to get on that. I've tried carotenoids, they are not the same as real Vitamin A and they just flat out don't work. At best they can keep your current retinol levels but not get you out of an existing deficiency (I've read studies about this).

You need preformed retinol from animal sources and liver is the only thing that will get you it. There is a massive crusade against Vitamin A in the mainstream. At this point, I don't even care as I just want something to work, but I don't have any symptoms of toxicity (yet). I get around 60000IU per week (5oz. every 3-4 days). The plugged follicles all over my face are getting softer the more liver I eat. The KP on my arms is a bit harsher and will take longer.

New acne on my face is quite rare now and only get a few whiteheads on my chest or back each month (that I would like to get rid of hopefully). Never had the more severe forms of acne thankfully, but have a lot of red marks on chest & back from old inflammation.

I don't know what is causing the nail ridges but they appeared within a 6 month span starting around the time I quit dairy (Calcium? B vitamins?) Supplementing the B complex starting a few days ago.

First, try finding a doctor on the Paleo Physicians website. They will be a better doctor to go to with your problems than to a doctor accustomed to writing scripts for everything.

Second, I'm in the same boat as you. It doesn't matter what I eat or do my face will still break out WHEN I'M STRESSED. so let's attack the stress and then your face will brighten up again :-) Stress: it seems that one problem you had turned into two, which multiplied and made 4 problems...and so on. Therefore, "just relaxing and livin' life to the fullest" like some people are saying on here isn't going to help. you've passed the point where you can return on your own and "just start livin' life." well you could but it would be hard on your own and take a lot of time. You should see a therapist and move back home to help clear your mind. Can you finish college while living at home? commute? maybe transfer to a college closer to home and finish out your education there?

Talking to a therapist will help you sort out your frustration, you'll have someone to vent to, and they can give you support and encouragement. They can also help with any other problems you're dealing with emotionally and mentally and give you suggestions on how to fix them. then everything else, the eating, the clearing of the face will all trickle down into place :-)

I really hope my advice to you helps. Please keep in touch, would love to hear how you make out.

Are you familiar with the Bulletproof diet? It is basically a stricter form of Paleo with a focus on ingesting the fewest toxins as possible, by eating high quality foods, preparing them properly, supplementing whatever you can't get from your diet. It addresses certain issues Paleo doesn't. You've tried everything else, it is definitely worth a shot.

http://www.bulletproofexec.com/the-complete-illustrated-one-page-bulletproof-diet/

I have done the vicious circle of diets from lowfat/low cal, to processed vegan, raw vegan, intermittent fasting, vlc and just paleo and I'm only 17. Personally, it was saint johns wart, vitamin d, niacin and stop dieting that gave me back my life. I eat paleo, but I don't fear fruit, starches and honey when I want it. Its especially important for me to get enough calories whether that be 2000-5000. I gauge how I feel and go from there. Its most important to me to avoid food with more than one ingredient, especially pufas. Other than that I don't stress and that came from at least 3-6 months of taking saint johns wart (2-4) a day everyday and niacin. Also 6000-50000 units of vIT D depending where you live. I lost all my friends from being so regimented. It has been especially important just to get outside and exercise (skiing, skating, dance and just have fun). I even had to take almost a year off of highschool to make it through. But I'm graduating with high marks and doing great. Shape paleo to work for you. Don't restrict what you don't have to. If you want to cure your acne, I found the most effective treatment was 35% hydrogen peroxide (diluted), wash it off and than apply coconut oil (do this before bed cause its greasy) and than sleep on a new pillow case. Go to bed when tired, get up without an alarm. Rest, relax, rinse and repeat! Also Apple cider vinegar for those really bad cystic acne/pores. Cheers, for asking for help. But make your parents aware too. Talk to a natropath who is open minded and do your own research. x