Suggest Treatment For Acne And Pimples When On DHEA

Posted on Thu, 27 Nov 2014

Question: Hi Doctor,

This is XXXXXXX you have previously supported a lot of my queries.

My thyroid levels are now normal with the regular medication
My doc also prescribed me to have my dhea for 6 weeks(3 times a day)
I have completed almost 4 weeks

What I have noticed is there is a great increase in my acne since then. my face is all filled up with pimples and new ones keep coming

I am also having oosure and macfolate once daily

Also completed a 5 day course of goodova 50 (1 tab per day)

Could any of these have lead to increased skin problems

What can I do to reduce them?

Answered by Dr. Shanthi E (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
DHEA is most likely responsible

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Good to hear from you.

I am glad to hear that your thyroid levels are now normal with regular medication. Continue to take your medications regularly.

The great increase in acne in your face is most likely to be due to DHEA use. Definitely, one of the common side effects of DHEA use is acne and oily skin, and other skin related problems.

I do not think it is because of Oosure or Macfolate or even Goodova for that matter.

As a part of your treatment regimen, I would suggest that you continue DHEA for 2 more weeks and then stop it completely. Once you stop this treatment, your acne would go away too.

For now, I suggest that you go by what your doctor has prescribed since conceiving is important to you more than having acne at this point.

To reduce them, I suggest frequent washing of your face every 3 hours in the day and at night before going to bed.

I would also suggest that you take plenty of fluids orally along with fruits and fresh vegetable salads.

Also, avoid oily and fatty food.

Wish you good health. Let me know if you have more queries.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Shanthi E (14 minutes later)

Doc,

I am feeling pregnant.

My last period started on 5th Oct. We had intercourse on 13, 14, 23 and 24th

I got back from our Diwali vacation on 27th and was down with cold and fever.

I have been feeling fatigued since last week. I thought it would be due to fever but the feeling persists. Also my breasts are a bit sore and last night I had spotting. My chums havent started though

Is it just in my head or am I really pregnant?
I had over enthusiastically taken a home pregnancy test on 1st which came negative

I plan to take another tomorrow

Regards, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Shanthi E (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
wait until 12th November 2014

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

It is too early to comment on anything now. It can be just in your head or it can be that you are really pregnant.

Taking another home pregnancy test tomorrow is a bad idea in my opinion. I would suggest that you wait until 12th of November 2014. If you still do not get your periods, you can do the test then.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Shanthi E (5 minutes later)

Ok I shall wait then

One last query on this thread. My DHEA has been difficult to find in the medical shops. There is only one in my neighbourhood who keeps some stock

Unfortunately his stock was over too and I shall only get it this evening. I have missed the medicine since two days. Is that Ok? Does it make sense to complete the next 2 weeks of dosage now

Please let me know

Answered by Dr. Shanthi E (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
it is ok

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

It is ok to miss 2 doses of DHEA. Yes, it does makes sense to complete the next 2 weeks dosage now.

Wish you good luck.

Regards,

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari