How to manage acne and acne scars?

Question

Hello doctor,

Please tell me how to reduce acne and acne scars. I am 23 years old. I have oily skin and get acne every month one week before my periods for a year.

My acne is mild and not severe. I have tried so much but cannot get over it. I drink lots of water, do not have any digestion issues, and get regular periods.

I have tried Acne face wash, Saeed Ghani sandal soap, Acne aid soap, ordinary niacinamide, ordinary lactic acid, Oriflame spot-free gel, Acne scar gel, neem, aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, Persil gel, Contractubex gel.

I recently visited a dermatologist who prescribed me Oratane and Zinacef for treatment purposes. However, Oratane has several side effects, which a few of my friends have suffered through due to it, and it is usually not recommended for mild acne. I am currently using Contimycin tablets, Dalacin T lotion, and Fusiderm ointment, which was prescribed to me by another dermatologist. Please suggest a better plan on how to target my acne as it is leaving my skin with quite a few dark spots and scars.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I understand acne can be bothersome and sometimes challenging to get rid of. I would love to provide satisfactory treatment. My first advice is to stop using neem, aloe vera, cider vinegar, etc., as first, we need to control your acne. Applying these creams and gels may sometimes have adverse effects depending on skin type. Now coming to your current treatment, since when are you taking Contimycin (macrolide antibiotic) tablets?

Capsule Contimycin is Doxycycline, which we give to control the initial painful inflammatory pimples. You should not take it for a long time. Now about your concern about Oratane (Retinoids), it is Isotretinoin.

Isotretinoin (retinoid or vitamin A) is a good medicine for acne, depending on the type of pimples you have. As you mentioned, you get more acne before your period because of the hormonal changes.

Now I would like to start you on a different treatment to cover your acne, black spots, and scars that will provide you with long-term and persistent results if you may allow.

The probable diagnosis is acne vulgaris.

Do not scratch your acne, and avoid milk and chocolates.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.