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Would you recommend birth control pills for my acne?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 33-year-old female. As a teenager, I got acne on my face and back. In my 20's it mostly went away. I would get a pimple here and there on my face, but nothing too bad. My back cleared up completely. Now in my 30's, the acne has started to come back worse. I get breakouts on my face, chest, and back. I have tried courses of antibiotics like Minocycline and Doxycycline, but they never cleared up entirely. My doctor checked my hormone levels, but there was nothing abnormal. He also got me checked for PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), but there was nothing abnormal there either. Would you recommend trying birth control or should I go straight for Accutane?
Answered by Dr. Saira Mohsin

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Saira Mohsin is a qualified and experienced dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of various skin conditions, with a focus on sensitive and inflammatory skin disorders. She is an expert in identifying conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, rosacea, and other causes of facial redness and dryness. She can tailor treatment and hydration strategies based on skin type, sensitivity, and patient history.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Hi,

I am glad you chose icliniq for your medical-related queries.

I understand your concern and will try to help you with it.

Please attach some good quality pictures of the affected area.

Thank you for consulting me.

You can always reach me at icliniq.com.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

My face is not too bad at the moment, but I added some pictures of the areas where I have the breakouts. I also included a picture of my back.

Answered by Dr. Saira Mohsin

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Saira Mohsin is a qualified and experienced dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of various skin conditions, with a focus on sensitive and inflammatory skin disorders. She is an expert in identifying conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, rosacea, and other causes of facial redness and dryness. She can tailor treatment and hydration strategies based on skin type, sensitivity, and patient history.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read and understand your concern.

I have seen the pictures you sent (attachment removed to protect patient identity). I suggest the following:

  1. Take Azithromycin 250 mg once daily for a month.
  2. Apply Clindamycin 1 % solution twice daily for a month.
  3. Apply Isotretinoin gel on the face at night for a month.

Looking forward to your response in order to help you.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I have tried antibiotics previously and they have not fully cleared me up. Would you recommend birth control or Accutane to permanently get rid of it?

Answered by Dr. Saira Mohsin

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Saira Mohsin is a qualified and experienced dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of various skin conditions, with a focus on sensitive and inflammatory skin disorders. She is an expert in identifying conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, rosacea, and other causes of facial redness and dryness. She can tailor treatment and hydration strategies based on skin type, sensitivity, and patient history.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read and understand your concern.

No, I would not recommend birth control pills or Accutane (Isotretinoin) capsules. They are meant for severe and resistant acne. Yours is mild.

Looking forward to your response in order to help you.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At July 26, 2017
Reviewed At October 28, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Saira Mohsin is a qualified and experienced dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of various skin conditions, with a focus on sensitive and inflammatory skin disorders. She is an expert in identifying conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, rosacea, and other causes of facial redness and dryness. She can tailor treatment and hydration strategies based on skin type, sensitivity, and patient history.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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

Dr. Saira Mohsin
Dr. Saira Mohsin

Dermatology

Consult this doctor

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Saira Mohsin is a qualified and experienced dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of various skin conditions, with a focus on sensitive and inflammatory skin disorders. She is an expert in identifying conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, rosacea, and other causes of facial redness and dryness. She can tailor treatment and hydration strategies based on skin type, sensitivity, and patient history.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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