Brief Answer:
Acne vulgaris; Oral antiace antibiotics and Topical antiacne preparations

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have gone through your query and I have also reviewed the images.

You seem to have developed Acne as is evident from the Images.

Acne is not necessarily due to dust or sun exposure though these factors can exacerbate pre-exisitng acne. In females acne is usually in response to hormonal imbalance specially around about the time of menses Or due to other factors like stress, oily or greasy cosmetics, weather conditions.

I suggest you to use a topical antibacterial antiacne preparation e.g either benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel Or clindamycin 1% gel, twice daily.
At night I suggest you to use adapalene 0.1% gel over the whole affected area. Adapalene is comedolytic and antiinflammatory therefore it helps resolve existing acne as well as prevents new acne formation as part of maintenance regimen.

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser e.g cetaphil cleansing lotion, twice daily.

Avoid vaseline on face for the time being as it is greasy and cause clog pores therby causing acne.

Since you seem to have inflammatory acne i.e red papules therefore If I was the treating doctor I would also start you on an Oral antiacne antibacterial e.g either Minocycline tablets Or Doxycycline capsules/ tablets.
Oral antibiotics would be more effective in controlling inflammatory acne along with topical antiacne preparations.

These are all prescription medications (oral and topical) and should be taken under supervision of a dermatologist.
I suggest that you visit a dermatologist in your vicinity for the needful.

Regards

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Brief Answer:
Topical benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin gel are safe in pregnancy

Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thank you for informing me. Obviously, now my advice would change in view of pregnancy.

I won't suggest Oral doxycycline. Topical adapalene too is not advocated in pregnancy.

I suggest you to use just topical antiacne preparations e.g Benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel alone twice daily Or Clindamycin 1% gel during day and Benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel during night. You may use these for 2-4 weeks for a noticeable improvement.

If you feel that your skin gets dry and you need to use a moisturizer you should look for a moisturizer that mentions non-comedogenic e.g cetaphil moisturizing cream.

Regards

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Brief Answer:
You may start with topical treatment

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

I think you should treat it as they can worsen Or leave marks, if left untreated. Side effects of topical medications like mild redness, dryness are minor and not worrisome.
Yes, you should stop topical treatment once your acne settles down.

Regards

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Brief Answer:
Dilute it 1:1 with a moisturizing cream

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

That is a bit stronger for face though it works fine on back acne.
Use it just once daily at night. Apply only as a thin film over affected area Or you can dilute it 1:1 with a moisturizing cream and that would make it 2.5%.


Regards

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Brief Answer:
do it exactly as you say

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Yes. You got it right. Clindamycin for day time application and benzoyl peroxide for night application (1:1 dilution with cetaphil moisturizing cream).

Regards

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Brief Answer:
use clindamycin gel Only, after redness subsides

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Ok. That can happen.
Benzoyl peroxide can easily cause redness and irritation in sensitive skin.
Dont worry. This will subside in a day or two by itself.
Once redness and irritation subsides you may then start with clindamycin 1% gel. Use clindamycin only, twice daily.
Clindamycin does not cause irritation.

Regards

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Brief Answer:
S/E are transient. May use a moisturizer Or hydrocortisone Cr. X 1-2 days

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

I have reviewed the Images.

There is redness (Rt>Lt). The skin would be dry. Benzoyl peroxide causes dryness (and consequent itching), redness (more in fair skin) in almost all acne patients. Some may have more of these side effects and others less.
These S/E are transient and will reverse on its own. Not to be worried. This is also what I tell to my patients.
However, those who may want to see a faster improvement I ask them to use either a plain moisturizer (like cetaphil moisturizing cream Or any other) Or a mild topical steroid i.e hydrocortisone 1% cream, twice daily for just 1 or 2 days. Hydrocortisone is available otc.
Avoid soaps as they can further dry skin.
Thereafter use clindamycin gel topically for acne. It is not irritating unlike benzoyl peroxide.

Regards

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