HomeAnswersDermatologyacneWhich medication is the best choice for acne, oral or topical?

Kindly suggest a permanent solution for my recurrent acne on face.

Share

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 September 20, 2020
Reviewed AtAugust 24, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have acne problem for the last few months. I am taking acne medicines also, but it recurs every time. Please see the pictures and suggest a solution. I do not have any health problems. Acne is not painful but is different from the usual pimples. I consulted a dermatologist but did not benefit. Please help.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed the attached clinical photographs (attachment removed to protect patient identity). This is grade-3 acne. Have you considered oral Isotretinoin or Doxycycline in the past? What topical medications are you using? Is your age mentioned correctly? Are you 56 years old?

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

He is on Isotretinoin, and he is 28 years old.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Oral Isotretinoin is very good drug of choice for acne. In this case, if patients blood test for fasting lipid profile and liver function tests are normal then dose can be increased up to 30 to 40 mg per day. Capsule has to be taken at bed time. Acne treatment is a long procedure. Yes, I do agree with any kind of oral or topical treatment acne tends to recur. There is no permanent cure. If patient has acne then he should consider continuing treatment because of improper treatment acne tends leave scars and scar marks need to be treated with laser. No second option if patient does not wish to take oral treatment then procedure like salicylic acid peel can be considered which needs to be done every two weeks until acne subsides and then patient can be maintained on topical treatment further. He can apply a combination gel at present (Deriva-CMS Gel) at bed time over cheeks and continue with oral Isotretinoin. Or consider peel procedure, for which he will have to visit a dermatologist.

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

Dr. Thakare Sampada Avinash
Dr. Thakare Sampada Avinash

Dermatology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

acneadapalene

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Dermatology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy