I went through a period of high stress starting about 3 years ago. This peaked when I ended a relationship 2 years ago and then it took another year to sell the jointly own house and business. My body has not be right during this time. I suffer from depression, lack of energy and motivation. I have also had really bad skin - spots on my face, as well as noticing an increase in hair growth on my face. I also could not loose any weight - I am probably 1.5 stone over my ideal weight. I suspected I was suffering from excess cortisol the stress hormone. I have seen my doctor but was just sent away with the details of a website that helps people deal with stress.

Due to the lack of help from my doctor I have tried to balance my body myself. I only eat healthy food, do not smoke, and only have the occasional glass of wine. I drink 2 litres of water a day. Eight months ago I started going to the gym 3 times a week and have seen progress in my fitness and strength levels. My body fat % has dropped from 34% to 25%, and my weight is now a stone lighter.

This approach would certainly seem to be helping. However, my skin has not improved, if anything it has got worse. I have a number of large spots or cysts on the back and sides of my neck. Initially I thought this was to do with sweating more while at the gym, and thought they would eventually stop appearing. But they take ages to clear - a few months each. Before they go down there are more coming through. They are very painful and make me upset, self conscious and tired as I can always feel them.

They start off as small painful spots but under the skin, then become larger and redder. The next stage is they go hard and stay like that for quite a while - but they itch. Then a slight crust forms on the top and sheds a few times, each time the lump is slightly smaller.

Is it the exercise causing them? I wash afterwards to ensure the skin is kept clean. But I know I am still stressed as my living and working situations are not ideal. Any help you can provide would be very appreciated.