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Suggest Treatment For Drug-induced Acneiform Eruptions

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Posted on Mon, 2 Jun 2014
Question: About three months ago I started to develop horrible acne mainly on my chest and back but also my face. It appears I may also have some melasma above my upper lip. This is the worst I have ever seen my skin and do not know how to treat it. I've tried different face washes, home remedies, and all natural products nothing has seemed to work. Im not sure what to do next.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Hardik Pitroda (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
acneiform eruption, drug induced

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for posting on HealthcareMagic.

I appreciate your concern regarding your skin condition and i will try to solve your query in best possible way.

The definitive diagnosis of your condition is difficult to make unless a direct physical examination or review of good quality photographs.

From your history and description, it seems you have got drug-induced acneiform eruptions, which could be due to either of the drugs which you are currently taking.

Acneiform eruption is a skin condition that resemble acne vulgaris. Acnelike eruptions develop as a result of infections, hormonal or metabolic abnormalities and drug reactions.

Since you have not mentioned in your history for which conditions you are on Celexa, Wellburtin and Imitrex tablets, i am not in position to ask you to omit the drugs but definitely i would suggest you to consult the doctor who prescribed them and ask them for suitable substitute.

Melasma on the other hand is a sin condition where pigmentation develops in patches over exposed areas of face dictated by hormones and sunlight. Rarely, some drugs like OC pills can also trigger melasma.

As for your acneiform eruptions and melasma i would suggest you consult a qualified dermatologist for proper management.

Management of drug-induced acneiform eruptions usually include withdrawal of the offending drug and its substitute by other drug(s).

In my patients, i usually start with oral antibiotics like doxycycline or oral isotretinoin for few weeks.

Along with oral drugs i also prescribe, cream/solution containing antibiotic like clindamycin and a gel containing benzoyl peroxide combined with adapalene.

A bar/facewash containing benzoyl peroxide, salicyclic acid etc can be additionally helpful.

Avoid pricking/picking of lesions as it can cause secondary infection.

For Melasma, the management begins with proper history like menstrual history, use of OC pills etc and investigations for diabetes, thyroid or any other hormonal imbalance.

I usually advocate oral antioxidants combined with topical therapy.

Topical therapy includes use of triple combination containing cream (Hydroquinone, tretionoin , flucinolone acetonide).

Other agents like kojic acid , azelaic acid, glycolic acid can also be tried.

Also enquire from your dermatologist about procedures like chemical peeling, microdeermabrasion or laser therapy .

Use broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 and above) for regular use.

Take plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet.

Hope this answer will take care of your issue.

If any further query is there, let me know otherwise kindly rate the answer and drop your valuable review at the following link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-hardik-pitroda/67169

Thank you
Dr Hardik pitroda
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Hardik Pitroda

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1489 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Drug-induced Acneiform Eruptions

Brief Answer: acneiform eruption, drug induced Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for posting on HealthcareMagic. I appreciate your concern regarding your skin condition and i will try to solve your query in best possible way. The definitive diagnosis of your condition is difficult to make unless a direct physical examination or review of good quality photographs. From your history and description, it seems you have got drug-induced acneiform eruptions, which could be due to either of the drugs which you are currently taking. Acneiform eruption is a skin condition that resemble acne vulgaris. Acnelike eruptions develop as a result of infections, hormonal or metabolic abnormalities and drug reactions. Since you have not mentioned in your history for which conditions you are on Celexa, Wellburtin and Imitrex tablets, i am not in position to ask you to omit the drugs but definitely i would suggest you to consult the doctor who prescribed them and ask them for suitable substitute. Melasma on the other hand is a sin condition where pigmentation develops in patches over exposed areas of face dictated by hormones and sunlight. Rarely, some drugs like OC pills can also trigger melasma. As for your acneiform eruptions and melasma i would suggest you consult a qualified dermatologist for proper management. Management of drug-induced acneiform eruptions usually include withdrawal of the offending drug and its substitute by other drug(s). In my patients, i usually start with oral antibiotics like doxycycline or oral isotretinoin for few weeks. Along with oral drugs i also prescribe, cream/solution containing antibiotic like clindamycin and a gel containing benzoyl peroxide combined with adapalene. A bar/facewash containing benzoyl peroxide, salicyclic acid etc can be additionally helpful. Avoid pricking/picking of lesions as it can cause secondary infection. For Melasma, the management begins with proper history like menstrual history, use of OC pills etc and investigations for diabetes, thyroid or any other hormonal imbalance. I usually advocate oral antioxidants combined with topical therapy. Topical therapy includes use of triple combination containing cream (Hydroquinone, tretionoin , flucinolone acetonide). Other agents like kojic acid , azelaic acid, glycolic acid can also be tried. Also enquire from your dermatologist about procedures like chemical peeling, microdeermabrasion or laser therapy . Use broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 and above) for regular use. Take plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Hope this answer will take care of your issue. If any further query is there, let me know otherwise kindly rate the answer and drop your valuable review at the following link: http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-hardik-pitroda/67169 Thank you Dr Hardik pitroda