Acne Treatments Questions and Answers

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.

David Ross, MD
Chicago, IL

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.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

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.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

My wife his Polycistic Ovarys and we are trying to start a family. Can someone please explain, Firstly what are polycistic Ovarys and what type of treatment is best for a child.

Answer:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a diverse group of conditions which result in anovuation (failure to ovulate). Women with PCOS often have irregular menses and can also have excess secretion of androgens. Androgen excess can lead to acne and increased hair growth on the face, chest and stomach. Treatment usually consists of administering a medication that will make the woman ovulate (such as clomid). She should be evaluated by a gynecologist or a fertility specialist (reproductive endocrinology and infertilty).

Question:

used antibiotics for @ 7 yrs due to rx by dermotologists which i ended 3 yrs ago. prescribed due to acne. 31 yo. already allergic to milk protein. in the meantime , developed allergy to garlic, soy, any spice. more diarrhea-like with casein allergy. what could problem be? still getting acne from eating these things, otherwise ok. tried birth control also-last yr- and no better. thanks for the response, in advance.

Answer:

difficult to sort out acne and allergy is controversial see if a Board Certified Allergist can help

Question:

I am 32 y/o female who has been on the pill off and on since (this time for 5 yrs total 10 yrs altog) i was 16 y/o from preventing pregnancy to acne to ovarian cysts (non cancerous) which i have had on both ovary's at different times i had abdomen surgery to deflate one of them which was filled with water and stayed in the hospital for days my question is I want to have a baby 1 1/2 -2 yrs and i have read that it can take a long time to become pregnant so i want to plan ahead and want to know the facts-and if i need to get off the pill and when??? and on the other end I am afraid of getting another cyst -help

Answer:

It sounds like you may have polycystic ovaries. If when you stop the pill you don't have regualr periods, see your gynecologist. You may need a little help.

Question:

A friend of mine is taking paxil and reports of acne problems.Can this be related to paxil?Thx.

Answer:

Not that I am aware. It would be more appropriate to ask a dermatologist. Allergists do not usually treat acne.

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