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What could be the possible treatment for face acne present for the past two years?

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Published At June 8, 2023
Reviewed AtDecember 8, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello,

I am concerned regarding my face acne from the past two years. I do not know what is the best way to get rid of my acne. Currently, I am taking vitamin E and collagen supplements.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As per the history provided, they are acne vulgaris and post-acne spots with scarring. Acne appears most often due to hormonal fluctuations, imbalances, due to genetic reasons, due to wearing masks since the onset of COVID-19, climate changes, or food habits. In case of consuming oily, fried, and sweet food items, as a reaction to new products being used on the face and due to gynecological conditions like PCOS. Acne may be on and off and each time the acne triggers or appears, it may be managed. Post-acne spots and pores accompany acne which develops following inflammation of acne and due to excess oil secretion from the skin respectively. There are medications and procedures available for managing the same.

My advice:

Consult your specialist doctor, talk to them, and take medications after their consent.

1. CeraVe Renewing SA (Salicylic Acid) cleanser is to be applied twice daily. Apply, massage in gentle circular motions, and wash off within one minute.

2. Actreat gel (Clindamycin Niacinamide) is to be applied on the pimples twice daily in the morning and at night. When using on the days of using Azelaic acid cream make sure to use Actreat gel in the morning and afternoon instead of at night.

3. Azelaic acid 10 % cream to be applied in a very thin layer on the affected area on alternate days at night only. Make sure your face is cleansed and dried well. Your hands and face should be absolutely dry without any moisture. Apply the cream or gel in a pea-sized quantity only on the affected areas in a very thin layer. Do not use it all over the face and do not use it in large quantities since the medication is strong and may cause irritation. Kindly avoid the cream in case of a history of hypersensitivity of the skin as it is a strong medication. They help with reducing acne and acne spots. Do not use it in case of pregnancy and lactation.

4. Use a tablet of Ascorbic acid 500 mg chewable tablet twice daily after food.

The above medications are the medications for active acne, management of new acne, and fading dark spots. However, they do not help with atrophic scarring also called depressed scarring as it is, and would always give better results when combined with procedures. For the purpose of treatment of PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension) and atrophic scarring, there are procedures that are the most helpful in reducing their appearances.

5. Take a capsule of Evion 400 mg (vitamin E) once daily at night after food with water. As you have mentioned using them. Kindly continue to consume them.

6. Refrain from using skin care products as they may cause a reaction depending on the contents of the product and may lead to breakouts.

The PIH and acne scarring may be managed only when combined with procedures as medications have limitations. Whereas procedures have the capacity to penetrate through the skin to help with internal problems and correct them. Most scarring is caused due to inflammatory reactions and habitual picking of acne and therefore leading to the formation of depressed scars which require intervention through procedures. Below are the procedures:

  1. There are laser therapy procedures that may be done once a month for helping in reducing current acne, fading of hyperpigmented spots, and atrophic scarring. Q switch and Erbium lasers when combined can be very beneficial and can do wonders for the treatment of acne and post-acne scarring and dark spots. They are done in sessions once monthly and may require direct consultation with a dermatologist for undergoing the procedure.
  2. Other more superficial procedures like, chemical peels - Glycolic acid peels once in two weeks to one month may be done on your skin to manage the existing acne, scarring, and spots. They cause mild peeling of the affected area and are done in sessions thereby rejuvenating the skin and reducing its appearance. You may need to consult a dermatologist in person for the procedure details and in order to undergo the procedure. The medications may be used along with it as well.
  3. Kindly avoid oily, fried food, milk and dairy products, sweets, and chocolates. They trigger acne.
  4. Consume more fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich food, and ensure adequate hydration with at least 12 glasses of water a day.

Also, I would like to mention that acne may be on and off depending on the factors mentioned above. However, they may be managed with medications and procedures, and by protecting yourself from external triggers as mentioned above. Internal triggers, on the other hand, are dependent on hormonal fluctuations which cannot be controlled but may be managed with the help of a gynecologist. For most individuals, acne fades as they grow older with the regularisation of hormone levels. Refrain from picking the acne as it may lead to hyperpigmentation as well.

Hope the details were informative and provided clarity.

Stay happy, healthy, and safe.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sandhya Narayanan Kutty
Dr. Sandhya Narayanan Kutty

Venereology

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