Dr. Thakare Sampada Avinash
Dermatology
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
My problem is acne. I have been trying many different topical treatments but with little effect. I have tried aloe vera, vitamin E oil, diluted lemon juice, and now calamine lotion. Also, I have tried washing my face twice a day, and also not at all except for showering. So far, the best results I have had is using calamine to dry out the skin and not washing my face. And periodically throughout the week, washing my face in warm water for long periods. But it still is moderately bad. I have been trying to understand what causes my acne but have not been able to. So my question is, why would drying my skin out with calamine and not washing it work better than anything else I have tried? It seems counterintuitive. Could it be just that putting calamine on my face stops me from inadvertently touching it and transfering bacteria? Or could the oxides (zinc and ferric) in the calamine absorb the sebum before it has time to sit, solidify, oxidize and become infected? And why would not washing work better than washing? Your opinion and thoughts on the whole matter would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Hi,
Glad to hear from you.
I am here to answer all your questions.
Zinc does help in the reduction of acne. The application of calamine leads to dryness of the face or, for that matter, any part of the body when applied. So not washing off calamine will lead to more dryness as it contains no moisturizer. Calamine is not given in the management of acne. It does not have any relation to the reduction in sebum production. In the case of malaria, when given, it gives a soothing effect.
For acne, you should consider the application ofClindamycin one percent or Adapalene or a combination of both at bedtime.
You can wash your face with any good brand of face wash or a clear foam-containing face wash. Clinical photographs would have helped to decide the line of management.
I am thankful that you have confidence in me to help you.
Please stay safe and healthy. Thank you.
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Dermatology
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