What Causes Acne Of Face Inspite Of Having Pain Medicines?

Posted on Mon, 23 Jun 2014

Question: Have had terrible facial breakouts . I'm in my 60s, Have seen a couple of dermotologists who seem too busy to bother with me. Pores are so tight that I cannot get them cleaned and have used many drugstore remedies as well as two doctor prescriptions. I'm too imbarrassed to go out in public except for doctor appointments. I wonder if it can have something to do with the meds I'm taking. Since 2009 I've taken meds for heart, depression, pain meds, etc. I've had a triple by-pass, treatment for eColi. Pain in knees and hips continue almost like before surgery. It's been a long 5 or 6 years. My doctor is good but does not talk very much and doesn't want to spend a lot of time trying to figure out problems that I think mqy be linked to each other. By the way I am nearly 66 years old

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Remove cause if possible:current treatment regimen

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

Many anti-depressants have side effects like acne and various other changes to the skin. There are a dozen other medications which can also result in such side effects.

Sadly, the reason why most doctors tresting patients for conditions like depression do not mind the appearance of side effects like skin changes is because depression (and other similar conditions) are quite difficult to treat. If a patient is responding well to a particular medication, a doctor would not like to change it even if it is causing some undesired side effects.

The reason for this is because a change in treatment could result in reduction/absence of side effects, but not provide the desired response to treat the more worrying condition (in your case- depression).

Please understand that this is quite a dillema for doctors to resolve. But as you are intensely unhappy with the skin changes, I would suggest you to schedule an appointment with your doctor and express your discomfort. If your doctor thinks it is possible, he/she shall surely try a different treatment regimen.

Also, in my opinion treating the skin condition with medications might not help much, as the source/cause will have to be removed. For this, the course of medications might have to be changed. This does not necessarily have to mean the anti-depressant, it could even be due to the heart ailments. I cannot accurately say without the names of medications.

I hope you find my response both helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be mofe than happy to help you.

Best wishes.

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. Prasad