HomeAnswersDermatologyacneMy sudden outburst of acne becomes worse after topical medication. Why?

I get recurrent outbreaks of acne at the same spot on my cheek bone. Please help.

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At August 29, 2020
Reviewed AtAugust 23, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have never faced acne problem in my life, but I started getting acne on my left cheekbone before two months. After four to five days those disappeared, but again I found breakouts on the same spot. I tried home remedies (turmeric, honey, lemon, aloe vera, tea tree oil, primrose oil) but nothing works. So I visited a doctor over here and he gave me medicine (Doxycycline Hyclate 100 mg twice a day) and cream (Clinda-Tretinoin 1.2%-0.025%-every day before sleep). I tried this almost a month, but now I am facing a lot more new pimples and all are at the same place and my skin is getting dry. I am getting frustrated. Please help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Please attach the picture of the lesion for a better understanding. Use Cetaphil cleanser twice daily for 20 days. For dry skin, wash your face with this cleanser. Do you have any history of photosensitivity, atopy, or allergies? Please reply.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

No photosensitivity, or atopy, or allergies. Nothing happened before, and suddenly I faced this issue. After taking those medicines now it became worse.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Use Nadibact cream at night for 15 days, Acnesol gel at day time for 15 days, and tablet Azithromycin 500 mg once daily before food for three days in a week (for three weeks). Doxycycline causes photosensitivity and when stopped suddenly, it can lead to aggravation. Also, Tretinoin cream when used for a long period causes dryness of face. Use Cetaphil moisturizing lotion after bath for 20 days, photostable sunscreen four hourly even indoors for 10 days and 30 minutes before going outdoors for 20 days. Avoid scratching or rubbing lesions as it may cause secondary bacterial infection. Moisturize your skin daily. Use mild cleanser for face wash. Avoid harsh soap and prolong bath.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Photostable sunscreen four hourly. What does that mean? Every four hours I have to use? Can you please recommend any sunscreen lotion? Currently, I am using Neutrogena beach defense SPF 70. Also, shall I stop using Doxycycline and Clinda-Tretinoin?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If SPF 70 Neutrogena is suitable for your skin then you can use it. Photostable sunscreen, yes use every four hours if skin feels greasy and uncomfortable then remove it with warm water and will recommend other product. Until then you can use it. It will protect your skin and will also help in improving skin texture. Emoderm cream is good emollient cream that can be applied to the skin when it is dry. It makes skin soft and smooth. Complete the treatment plan. But if it is causing a lot of irritation, inform your dermatologist and can discuss this treatment plan with him. Since how long you have been on Doxycycline/Tretinoin cream?

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I am taking Doxycycline Tretinoin cream for the past 16 days. How much time will it take to get rid of all these?

Hello,

Welcome back to icloniq.com.

You can reduce the dose of Doxycycline 100 mg once daily for three days and then stop it. You can stop Tretinoin cream now. It usually takes one to two months for complete clearance of active acne lesions. For scars, it may take six months to heal completely.

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

Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav
Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav

Venereology

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