I m 53 years old and for the last year have been dealing with painful acne and a lot of it. It seems to cluster - 2 or 3 close together under the skin. Right now I m sitting here with boil ease on one, it s throbbing. The one on my left cheek is 3 weeks old today and just resurrected. I ve learned that all the bumps in the cluster have to surface (seems like when one heals the next one will surface) and they take weeks to go away. I ve been in menopause for several years and just had blood drawn today to check my levels. I m on compounded progesterone and estrogen. My doctor cut out my testosterone, I seemed to be making it on my own again. I ve been under dermatologist care since December. Two different antibiotics with no change. Added sprironlactone for pr a while but off now. Switched to topicals (finacea in the am. And just increased strength to .1% trazorac pm. I ve been cleansing with pan oxyl. I had a period from March to the beginning of August where I was mostly clear. Now it s starting all over again. I ve had cystic acne in my 20 and 2 rounds of accutane. It seem to knock it out. This is different but just as painful. I m starting to have anxiety issues when I wake with a new one every day. Do you see anything we overlooked or have suggestions?
Understanding your concern. As per your query you have painful acne on face since last year which shows severe infection known as cystic acne . As you are taking medications but not getting benefited. It occurs due to onset of puberty, hormonal changes and when clogged pores of sebaceous gland filled with sebum ,dead skin and bacteria get infected. You should get your hormones levels monitored. I would suggest you to consult dermatologist again. Doctor may prescribe antibiotic like minocycline 50 mg daily in morning and isotretinoin capsule. You should apply benzoyl peroxide face wash and give cold compresses. He/she may prescribe clindamycine gel for applying twice daily or retinoid gel. You should go for latest methods such as laser therapy, microabrasion and chemical peeling as well.
Hope your concern has been resolved.
Get Well Soon. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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Suggest Treatment For Painful Acne
Hi Dear, Welcome to HCM. Understanding your concern. As per your query you have painful acne on face since last year which shows severe infection known as cystic acne . As you are taking medications but not getting benefited. It occurs due to onset of puberty, hormonal changes and when clogged pores of sebaceous gland filled with sebum ,dead skin and bacteria get infected. You should get your hormones levels monitored. I would suggest you to consult dermatologist again. Doctor may prescribe antibiotic like minocycline 50 mg daily in morning and isotretinoin capsule. You should apply benzoyl peroxide face wash and give cold compresses. He/she may prescribe clindamycine gel for applying twice daily or retinoid gel. You should go for latest methods such as laser therapy, microabrasion and chemical peeling as well. Hope your concern has been resolved. Get Well Soon. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari