Acne Treatments Questions and Answers

Search: 

Question:

A couple of months ago I had a real bad reaction to some makeup. I broke out with really bad acne. The acne has cleared, but some scars were left. What would you recommend to have these scars removed?

Answer:

I would wait at least 6 months before I would attempt any surgical endeavor. It is difficult to evaluate over the internet. A trip to a plastic surgeon/dermatologist is in order.

Question:

what kind of medication can i use for breakouts on my face if i am pregnant?

Answer:

Over the counter acne preps as well as other similar medications that contain antibiotics that are available from your dermatologist. Avoid tetracycline, Acutane, Retin-A, retinoic acid, reinoids or other vitamin A derrivatives. Consult your MD beofre starting any medications.

Question:

I AM AFRICAN AMERICAN. HOW DO I GET RID OF DARK SCARRING FROM ACNE AND ECZEMA BREAKOUTS?

Answer:

Dear Visa, This is a difficult problem since African Americans do not want to remove all of the pigment but merely reduce the amount of color in darker areas so as to match the lighter brown of the rest of the skin. A white area actually looks worse in this patient population. My suggestion to you is to seek out someone experienced with treatment of darker skin with lasers. This is the only controlled way of reducing but not eliminating the excess pigment. I would suggest either a Q-switched KYP or Q-switched ruby laser for this process. Make certain that test spots are performed first and that at least 3 months is left before an actual treatment (it can take a while for the pigment to reduce).

Question:

I'm 29 years old and have had menstrual irregularities since I was 17 years old. I've seen 4 MD's, 1 ENDO (not reproductive endo.) and 1 GYN in the last 12 years. I've gone as long as 2 years without menstrating. It's now been 6 months since my last period. I've been married for 11 years and of course do not have children. I definitely feel the clock ticking now and would like to become pregnant. Every doctor I've seen has told me it's related to my weight and if I lost weight I would menstrate (except for the endo. he didn't state this). My lowest weight was 160 when I started skipping periods at the age of 17. Now you can add another 120 pounds to that 160 weight. I had 6 periods last year and we tried to conceive after each one of them with no success. Realize 6 periods in one year at 280 lbs was the same at 160 lbs. Some other problems I'm having is unwanted facial hair (which I've mentioned to all my doctors). Newest symptoms are: pains and pressure almost similar to cramping without actualy bleeding, and occasional acne breakouts. Help!

Answer 1:

Hi, You desperately need to see a reproductive endocrinologist!!! It is highly abnormal and unhealthy for you to go so long without periods, as this can increase your odds of health problems and even cancer. Didn't anyone give you a diagnosis? Do you have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)? You MUST be tested and treated appropriately, and if no one has told you not to go more than a few months without a period then you've been poorly cared for! If you need a referral to an RE in CA, please let me know if you're closer to L.A., San Diego, San Francsisco, or other large cities. Dr. Roseff, Director WECARE Visit us at www.reproendo.com

Answer 2:

Dear Lisa It is time to see a Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE), and not a regular endocrinologist. You may require some medications (including one called Metformin), but you need an appropriate doctor. FInd out which city is close by that has some REs. Good luck Fady Sharara, M.D

Question:

I have deep acne scarring on my face. I had laser surgery 3 years ago, and it didn't improve. What could I do to help my face become smoother?

Answer:

Dear Kristina, I am surprised that you got no improvement, however, that procedure, like all others is very operator dependent. You may require pre-excision of deep pits followed by another resurfacing procedure. Make certain that you visit with someone who is either board-certified in laser surgery or who has great experience and does many similar cases to yours. Ask to speak with past patients to make certain that the results are as described to you. I would also suggest that you plan on taking 3 weeks off from whatever you do since a deep resurfacing will take about that long to heal and still be red for another several weeks thereafter.

Question:

I have kind of an embarrasing question. I seem to be having cronic "cysts" or "pimples" on my labia. They come and go. I have been to 2 different doctors...they just shrug it off and say it is probably clogged sweat glands. They are raised and red. They eventually pop like a pimple..either with pus or pus and blood. I am prone to cystic acne..and this is what it reminds me of...is it possible to get cystic acne on my labia??? I also just had a huge cyst aspirated on my ovary and it is back again. I also have cystic breasts....are some people just prone to cysts???? Any info would be appreciated. Is there anything I can do to keep from getting these...they are VERY embarrasing. Thanks.

Answer:

I would see a dermatologist. It probably IS clogged sweat glands but they should be able to give you antibiotics and care intructions to make them go away.

Question:

what can be done about acne scars and holes on your face? Is laser surgery the way to go?

Answer:

Laser surgery can be an excellent form of treatment for such problems. However, a consultation with a Plastic Surgeon is neeeded to determine if this is the best form of treatment. Call 1-800-635-0635 for the name of a qualified surgeon in your area.

Question:

Hi. I'm a 30 year old African-American woman who has been battling acne and espcially hyperpigmentation associated with acne scarring since I was a teenager. I've been to dermatologists and aestheticians and received accutane, antibiotics and a couple of years worth of chemical peels and micro-dermabrasion with little results. I'm interested in getting rid of this problem once and for all! My question: Is a laser procedure a safe and viable option for Black skin with my condition and how much does such a treatment run? My complexion is medium-brown and I was told a couple of years ago that lasers were not recommended for my skin tone, so I'm wondering if the technology has improved since then. If not, what other options do I have?

Answer:

Dear Rae, Lasers procedures work very well on your skin color and I perform many. In my opinion, it is the best means of evening out your pigmentary problems as well as improving the scarring. The trouble is that not very many physicians have experience with non-white skin in laser resurfacing. I have presented my techniques at many national and international meetings and am currently publishing a paper on the matter. There is no question in my mind that you can be greatly improved with a laser resurfacing procedure.

Question:

what can be done for acne scars

Answer:

It depends on the acne scar. Often they can be excised, elevated with collagen or lasered. A consultation is best done so that the surgeon can evaluate.

Question:

Lately I have developed red bumps, resembeling acne or pimples on my butt cheecks. Could this be because I work out at the gym or have an allergic reaction to something. I never had allergies before and I can't imagine where these bumps came from. How can i get rid of them and what are they?

Answer:

not related to allergy docs call them "papules" and are common on the buttocks BUT sometimes need antibiotics, so if they persist see your family doctor

Question:

i just had my second child (first one was eight years ago) and ever since the latter part of my pregnancy and ever since, i have broken out on my back and cheek and jaw line areas. they are painful blemishes too that get real red and irritated and last for days. i have tried everything over the counter and nothing works. what do you think is causing this?? i just started taking ortho tri cyclen back in april. it is suppose to help my skin right? or will it in your opinion get worse before it gets better? my dr. said to give it six months. i am at wits end.

Answer:

It is very hard to tell what it is without seeing you. It may be a flare up of acne or acne rosacea due to the increased blood flow of pregnancy and hormonal changes. I suggest that you visit with a qualified dermatologist to see if anything can be done to help. Note, if you are breast feeding, be very cautious in what you use (even topically). Hope this helps.

Next Step

• Learn about Acne Treatments in the Articles Section
• Ready for a consultation? See qualified Dermatology doctors in your area

Browse All Questions & Answers

Example searches: lasik costs, tummy tuck recovery

Search: