Hi!,

Thank you for posting the query,

Pimples are multi-factorial ,and therefore one has to find the exact cause of it.
It can be because of wrong use of soaps to moisturizers or any fairness creams which one is using , to hormonal disturbances if anybody has(esp in females).So,a complete work up is necessary in all patients.Also one should remember that its not a short course treatment,but a matter of say 6 months or so if pimples are sever .

Treatment depends upon the cause and severity of acne(i.e. stage or grade of acne ) . Minoz OD 100 which is nothing but minocyclin ,is a good medicine for mild case of acne .Its an antibiotic which does help good,but has to be taken for long. Other antibiotic which is very effective is azithromycin tablet. Again this needs to be taken for long .A pulse dose is usually preferred in this case.Since you have problems of black head and white heads too, you should avoid use of any cosmetic creams or moisturizers you are using on face.Even oily soaps should be avoided .There are specific face wash and soaps (medicated) available for acne .Kindly use them.Next would be use of a good anti acne cream for day and night time (like clindamycin or adapelene or benzoyl peroxide).

The above said treatment I would say is a conventional treatment .In case you are not satisfied with the conventional treatment, then one of the wonder drugs for acne is oral retinoids .Retinoids(Isotretinoin) is a wonderful medicine for acne,provided one gets all the relevant investigations and takes care of all the precautions associated with it.There are certain precaution which your dermatologist would tell you before giving this .Firstly it is only given if acne is sever or acne is not responding to conventional medicines. And it has to be taken strictly under dermatologists supervision .

No doubt that it has wonderful results ,but then everything comes with a cost.So it has certain side effects too and has certain precaution too which needs to be taken before starting the tablet.
This medicine is given for sever acne and resistant cases only.
Precautions to be taken are as follows :
1) one should get a liver function test done before taking the medicine.
2) Lipid profile should be normal.
3) Counts (complete blood picture) should be normal.
4) You should avoid wearing contact lenses till you are on this medicine.
5) Avoid donating blood till you are on this.
6) If you get headache after taking this medicine then you should discontinue taking it.
7) Avoid taking other antibiotics along with this(esp Minoz OD) .
Dryness of face is another problem associated with this medicine.
This a prescribed drug and not a OTC(over the counter) drug. You not only need a prescription from a dermatologist ,but also needs to follow up properly while you are on it.Unfortunately some chemist shops do dispense them without prescription ,but please don't take it by yourself.

Your dermatologist is the best judge for the treatment of you acne ,so let him decide the treatment for you.You can just discuss these points with him.

Kindly XXXXXXX a experienced dermatologist who can understand your case properly and treat you . Please don't plan for laser or any beauty parlor treatment .
General measures like intake of 7-10 glasses of water daily ,avoidance of all cosmetics , good 7 hr sleep in night should also be maintained for good and faster results.

Hope I've answered your query.

Should you have additional concern regarding the same ,I would be happy to address it.

Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.

Regards,
Dr.Bharat chawda XXXXXXX specialist, Dermatology.

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