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Suggest Medication For Cystic Acne
Question: Hi I'm a 19 year old college student in XXXXXXX ..have had cystic acne for years...have used Accutane and oral and topical antibiotics...I m experiencing a flare up again and being covered under Anthem Bluecross in California I am not able to see a dermatologist in Massachusetts. can you prescribe something.
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Brief Answer:
Require repeat course of accutane; Need to visit a dermatologist in person
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX Thank you for writng to us
I have gone through your query and I have also reviewed the Image.
You have a severe grade of acne and this type of acne has chances of scaring and therefore treatment should be started as soon as possible.
Unfortunately we cannot prescribe you online through this portal. You need to arrange for a personal appointment with your dermatologist as soon as you can. However I would like to share some knowledge with you.
Though, Accutane is considered to be the most effective drug for severe acne but some patients may require repeat courses (sometimes 2 or 3 courses of accutane) specially those who have severe acne.
This is especially true if accutane was initially not prescribed for the recommended duration Or a total cummulative dose of at least 120-140 mg/kg was not completed. Cummulative dose of 120-140 mg/kg is considered to be an adequate treatment course with accutane else patients have more chances of relapse of there acne.
Underlying hormonal imbalance (as signified by irregular/ scant menstural cycles, coarse facial hair etc) is another reason for relapse of acne as soon as accutane is stopped and this requires an entirely different line of treatment e.g spironolactone tablets Or monthly hormonal pills e.g ethinyl estradiol and cyperterone acetate pills.
In addition to oral isotretinoin (accutane) I would suggest you to use a topical antiacne antibacterial e.g benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel for day time application and Adapalene 0.1% gel for night time application.
Use a gentle cleanser for face wash e.g cetaphil cleansing lotion.
Regards
Require repeat course of accutane; Need to visit a dermatologist in person
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX Thank you for writng to us
I have gone through your query and I have also reviewed the Image.
You have a severe grade of acne and this type of acne has chances of scaring and therefore treatment should be started as soon as possible.
Unfortunately we cannot prescribe you online through this portal. You need to arrange for a personal appointment with your dermatologist as soon as you can. However I would like to share some knowledge with you.
Though, Accutane is considered to be the most effective drug for severe acne but some patients may require repeat courses (sometimes 2 or 3 courses of accutane) specially those who have severe acne.
This is especially true if accutane was initially not prescribed for the recommended duration Or a total cummulative dose of at least 120-140 mg/kg was not completed. Cummulative dose of 120-140 mg/kg is considered to be an adequate treatment course with accutane else patients have more chances of relapse of there acne.
Underlying hormonal imbalance (as signified by irregular/ scant menstural cycles, coarse facial hair etc) is another reason for relapse of acne as soon as accutane is stopped and this requires an entirely different line of treatment e.g spironolactone tablets Or monthly hormonal pills e.g ethinyl estradiol and cyperterone acetate pills.
In addition to oral isotretinoin (accutane) I would suggest you to use a topical antiacne antibacterial e.g benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel for day time application and Adapalene 0.1% gel for night time application.
Use a gentle cleanser for face wash e.g cetaphil cleansing lotion.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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