Brief Answer:
Acne

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic

I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your query.

I would like to gather information regarding any signs of hormonal imbalance like irregularity in menstural cycles, presence of coarse facial hair?

Acne can affect face as well as other areas rich in sebaceous glands like upper back, shoulders, chest. Stress, hormonal imbalances, diet, weather etc all play a role in acne. Acne may also flare as a result of oily, greasy creams or sunscreens that one may be using.

You may use a salicylic acid based cleanser for oily skin e.g Spongysal foamy face wash (contains 2% salicylic acid). Use it once daily.

Topical you may use benzoyl perioxide 2.5% gel once daily at night and clindamycin 1% gel once during day.

Avoid using all cosmetics like moisturizers, sunscreens, foundation etc that you may be using, for the time being, till your acne is under control.

Besides topical treatment, I would also suggest oral antibiotics for the flare up e.g Doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for a few weeks.

Besides these measures, you may also opt for a few peeling sessions (4-6 sessions at a gap of 2 weeks between sessions) from a dermatologist in your region. Salicylic peel 20% is particularly good for acne.

Regards

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Brief Answer:
Acne and hirsutism

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Not necessarily but I would suggest a few lab tests for hormones i.e serum testosterone, serum DHEAS, serum LH , serum FSH, serum prolactin. Also a pelvic ultrasound for any ovarian cysts.

If these test reveal any significant hormonal abnormality, treatment approach would be different. Apart from the medicines such as topical and oral treatment that I mentioned above, hormonal pills may also be started (e.g containing ethinyl estradiol and cyperoterone acetate) to correct the underlying hormonal irregularity, but that is pending lab tests!

For course facial hair Laser is the best option.

Regards

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