Can Adapalene gel be used to reduce inflamed papules?
Hello doctor,
I am a 22-year-old female. Two years ago, I started developing mild to moderate acne. My dermatologist suggested I use tablet Doxycycline, Adapalene gel 0.1 %, and Clindamycin Phosphate solution for one month. After the second month, I started developing new inflamed papules. So, my doctor prescribed the tablet Doxycycline again with a dosage of 200 mg daily for the first two months and 100 mg for the next two weeks. I have also used capsule Isotretinoin and tablet Gentamicin in the past. Unfortunately, there is minimal improvement by the end of three months, and I am still developing new inflamed papules. Should I use a higher concentration of Adapalene gel? Kindly advise.
02 May 2024 - 1 min read
Is it normal to experience a few pimples after applying Tretinoin cream?
Hi doctor,
I was put on a low-dose course of Accutane, and I took it for about 13 months (20 mg). My dermatologist was always going to prescribe cream Tretinoin after the course to help address my scarring or pigmentation. My question is that she prescribed the cream to be used after I have zero spots after a whole box of pills. However, I had almost finished the box with no spots on my skin and decided to stop taking the medication. I waited a month and now am taking the Retin A cream. However, I am experiencing little spots (after around three weeks of every other day application). Is this normal, and would I experience some purging? Or did I make a mistake? But then, would this purging have happened anyway by finishing the rest of the pills? Kindly help. Thank you.
23 Jan 2024 - 1 min read
Is it possible to contact HIV infection through an open wound?
Hello doctor,
I am highly stressed as I had intercourse with a sex worker with a condom that did not penetrate inside. But after taking out my penis, I masturbated myself with the condom on, and now I am worried about a few things. First, I always have a cut on my thumb as I keep biting, and it bleeds sometimes. So can that be a risk if her vaginal fluid on the condom came in contact with my wound? Second, I removed the condom and masturbated, so can the vaginal fluid on the condom enter my penis tip from my hands? Third, I got herpes zoster after a month of exposure. Is that a symptom of HIV? Please help.
07 Dec 2023 - 1 min read
Can thinning of my hair be related to frequent shampooing and exposure to heat?
Hi doctor,
I am 17 years old, and my hair is thinning gradually. I feel a significant difference from what it is now to a few years ago, and everyone I have asked has also said it looks very thin. My hair is prone to getting greasy quickly (every morning), so I try to wash my hair minimally as possible, usually every two days. I have colored my hair in the past, and I used to expose heat to it daily. But I have withheld from doing it for at least half a year, and I do not see any differences. I am worried I am going to lose all my hair. I consulted several doctors, who told me that all they could do was a blood test to see if I had any deficiencies, but everything was fine. What can I do? Please help.
10 Oct 2023 - 1 min read
Can Biotin cure hereditary baldness in 36-year-old male?
Hello,
My 36-year-old husband weighs around 169 pounds and has a height of 5' 8" feet. He is not under any medications and does not have any other complaints. However, he is suffering from androgenic alopecia and hereditary baldness. He is only on the medication Finasteride. Can Biotin help with hair growth for men with such conditions? What else needs to be taken along with Biotin supplements?
09 Oct 2023 - 1 min read
