HomeAnswersDermatologyacneI have cystic acne on white heads on my shoulders. Please help.

Why am I having cystic acne with white heads on my shoulders, chest and back?

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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.

Answered by

Dr. Shanza Ikram

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At July 13, 2018
Reviewed AtDecember 27, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am having very severe cystic acne mixed with white heads on my shoulders, chest, and back. I have been prescribed Doxycycline, 100 mg twice daily, this is my third week. My acne got worse for the first week and then better. Much less swollen. But it is still very painful, bleeding and oozing through all my clothes. My doctor advised against non-comedogenic lotion, but I find it is making my skin dry, and that is making the acne split open as well as the scabs. Does it take very long to heal? I believe the acne started because I have been using anabolic steroids, but I believe it got infected (as does my doctor) and that is why she prescribed Doxycycline. My question is, what would you do for someone who developed severe cystic acne due to anabolic steroid use? Stopping steroid usage also is not an option at this point as the body and hormones could not recover on their own. Please tell me how this would affect your treatment and how health insurance would be affected.

Answered by Dr. Shanza Ikram

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your case. If your anabolic steroid is the causative agent then you should really stop it in order to keep it in control. Please remember all acne treatment makes skin dry so do not worry about dryness. If it is troublesome then apply lotion on your palms and gently tap on your face. In my opinion, your treatment is optimum. Sometimes it may take three months for recovery. Or take an opinion about Retinoids intake. They should be given under the strict supervision of your doctor.

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

Dr. Shanza Ikram
Dr. Shanza Ikram

Dermatology

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