How do I manage my acne, red skin, and closed comedones?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 26-year-old, weigh 145.5 pounds, and have acne issues, closed comedones, and red skin, currently using Benclin gel. A few days back, I used Cosmin A 20 mg, Azomax 500 mg, medicines for a month. What should I do?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I know how difficult it is to have such skin problems like acne, closed comedones, and long-lasting redness of the face over many years, especially when you tried so many different methods. I completely understand that having acne may ruin your self-confidence, and feel anxious or irritated about this skin problem.

Considering your medical history, your skin seems to be acne-prone and sensitive. It looks like Isotretinoin 20 milligrams is too potent for now, which was probably the reason of redness and irritation that you had. Right now, it is better to go for a less aggressive approach in order not to damage your skin even more.

Replace the topical therapy by using Isotretinoin with Adapalene Gel at nighttime. Do not use more than a pea-sized amount of the gel all over your face. Use it with a light moisturizer to avoid skin irritation.

Clindamycin gel or lotion should be applied sparingly in the evening in the areas prone to oily secretion and acne eruptions.

It is important to use sunscreen daily as acne products can increase the sensitivity of the skin. Sunscreen with broad spectrum should be applied in the morning before going out with SPF 50 or higher. This will decrease redness and dark spots and protect your skin barrier.

Regarding oral therapy, if Azithromycin does not work, then you have to shift from this agent to other drugs. For this, use Doxycycline 100 mg per day after eating instead of Azithromycin. It helps in the management of inflammation, acne redness, and rosacea component. Harsh face wash, exfoliating products, or switching of medicines can aggravate your skin problems. So do not start using Isotretinoin again or any other strong medicine without consulting the doctor.

It takes some time for the improvement in the condition of the skin. Mild dryness or worsening may occur during the first couple of weeks, but redness and active acne will start disappearing in 4-6 weeks' time.

I hope my answer is satisfactory. You can contact me at iCliniq for any further clarifications.

Thank you.