Hi. Thanks for posting your concern at HCM
Acne is the most common skin problem that affects young people today.
I would like to gather some more information regarding your concern in order to help you better...
Do you have any irregularity in Menses?
Do you have any facial hair growth that is coarse and thick? If yes, is it bothersome?
Do you experience acne flare at the time of your menses?
Management of acne requires diligence as well patience both the part of the patient and doctor.
General measures:
>Use a mild cleanser like cetaphil twice daily
>Avoid all the regular use creams, moisturizers, sunscreens that you may be using for the time being till you are on anti-acne treatment.
>Avoid taking facials.
>Avoid picking your acne.
>Use an Anti-dandruff shampoo since acne is worsened by dandruff.
Specific Anti-acne treatment:
Oral Antibiotics: For inflammatory acne(papules and pustules) i advice my patients to start with one of the oral antibiotics leither Azithromycin/ Doxycycline OR
Minocycline.
Topical treatment: Is a valuable adjunct to any form of acne treatment. Mainly two classes of drugs are used topically
1)Topical Antibacterials: Dermatologists around the world prescribe topical gels/creams containing topical antibiotics like either
clindamycin 1%/
benzoyl peroxide 2.5% OR
Nadifloxacin during the day time.
2)Topical Retinoids: Either
Adapalene 0.1%/
Tretinoin 0.025% OR Azaleic acid (10%/20%) at bed time.
Topical treatment regimen especially the one which includes one of the retinoids that i mentioned above also helps to gradually fade away the black spots (
post acne hyperpigmentation)(PAH).
take care
regards