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Suggest Treatment For Acne

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Posted on Mon, 23 Jan 2017
Question: remedy for acne
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
first line treatment is a topical retinoid and bacteria treatment

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Acne is due to 4 main factors: (1) presence of a particular bacteria on the skin
(2)excess production of sebum which is a oily substance that is made in the skin
(3)inflammation of the skin
(4)plugging/blockage of hair follicles

The best treatment would involve treatment of all or most of these factors.

The current medical guidelines recommend using a topical retinoid and anti bacterial cream or oral antibiotic combination initially.
This combination tends to work well. The retinoid aspect helps breaks down the 'bumps', reduces inflammation and the topical antibiotics would treat the bacteria

Benzoyl peroxide also helps with treating bacteria and also reduces inflammation as well

(1) you can use epiduo- a combination of a retinoid and benzoyl peroxide

(2)also possible to use meds separately eg a retinoid on its own eg adapalene or topical tretinoin or tazarotene

(3)oral antibiotics can be used eg doxycycline

Summary: (1) if the acne is severe, should see your doctor about getting a cream with a retinoid since these need a prescription.
You would use this retinoid with something for the bacteria - either benzoyl peroxide or an antibiotic

(2)if it is not severe then you can consider benzoyl peroxide plus a topical antibiotic such as clindamycin or erthromycin

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (3 hours later)
I hope the benzoyl peroxide wont make me fair.
Will it remove black spots and prevent the acne from coming back?

Please are there any natural remedies
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
not a known side effect

Detailed Answer:
HI

Sorry about the delayed reply

Benzoyl peroxide is not known to affect skin pigmentation though everyone reacts differently to medication.
It works to treat infection and inflammation.

It is used to prevent future breakouts of acne, it unfortunately would not help much with the marks that are there from previous breakouts.
This means it would reduce the chance of the acne coming back.

AS mentioned, some persons need additional medication because the benzoyl is not enough.

IN terms of natural remedies, some persons recommend the use of apple cider vinegar, probioitic, tea tree oil, coconut oil.
Cleansing the face gently at least twice daily would also help

Please feel free to ask any thing else
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Acne

Brief Answer: first line treatment is a topical retinoid and bacteria treatment Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Acne is due to 4 main factors: (1) presence of a particular bacteria on the skin (2)excess production of sebum which is a oily substance that is made in the skin (3)inflammation of the skin (4)plugging/blockage of hair follicles The best treatment would involve treatment of all or most of these factors. The current medical guidelines recommend using a topical retinoid and anti bacterial cream or oral antibiotic combination initially. This combination tends to work well. The retinoid aspect helps breaks down the 'bumps', reduces inflammation and the topical antibiotics would treat the bacteria Benzoyl peroxide also helps with treating bacteria and also reduces inflammation as well (1) you can use epiduo- a combination of a retinoid and benzoyl peroxide (2)also possible to use meds separately eg a retinoid on its own eg adapalene or topical tretinoin or tazarotene (3)oral antibiotics can be used eg doxycycline Summary: (1) if the acne is severe, should see your doctor about getting a cream with a retinoid since these need a prescription. You would use this retinoid with something for the bacteria - either benzoyl peroxide or an antibiotic (2)if it is not severe then you can consider benzoyl peroxide plus a topical antibiotic such as clindamycin or erthromycin I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions