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Suggest Treatment For Acne Caused By PMS While On Benzoyl Peroxide

Posted on Fri, 5 Feb 2016

Question: Hi Doc,
My concern is
I have been suffering from PMS acne. The first 14 days after the menstrual cycle I don't get acne. I have clear face. After that and before the menstrual cycle I usually start to get acne. It becomes worse 4-5 days prior to the cycle. I use benzoyl peroxide for the acne. I take vitamin c(1000mg),vitamin e(400mg) everyday. A doc suggested me to take vitamin B6 supplement. Now I am in the first 14 days after the cycle. My acne is reduced drastically. I started taking vitamin B6 from past two days and I observe acne again. II thinking of stop taking the B6 as I read it reduces the levels of estrogen.I follow healthy diet with good amount of fruits. I avoid sugar.
I think the problem maybe the higher levels of androgen in the PMS days. Please help me out in this problem.

Regards, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Oral contraceptives containing cypoterone better treatment option

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Aggravation of acne in the premenstrual period is due to the elevation of the progesterone and androgen hormones in the premenstrual period.
In this situation, the best treatment is oral contraceptive pills containing cypoterone acetate hormone, as it is known to cure the PMS acne.
I will suggest you to start Diane 35 or Krimson 35 and you will see definite treatment.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Please do get back for further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma
OBGYN
Maternal and fetal medicine specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (5 hours later)

Hi Doc,

Thanks for your answer.

I don't want to be on oral contraceptive pills. Is there any other treatment for this. Is there any chance that it can be cured on omega 3 fatty acids or some vitamins. If not suggest me some other medication.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Regards, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hormonal medications will give you complete relief

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
If you do not want to take oral contraceptive pills, then you can take the treatment as given by your doctor. It will give you partial relief.
However, absolutely complete treatment is possible only with hormonal medications.
Omega 3 fatty acids can be taken to improve the skin health.
It is not helpful for the treatment of acne.
You can take retinoids for the treatment for severe acne, under the guidance of a dermatologist.
What are your constraints in taking oral contraceptive pills? Please tell me so that I can guide you further.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar