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What Causes Pimples On The Face While On A Weight-loss Diet?

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Posted on Tue, 8 May 2018
Question: Dr. XXXXXXX Gibson XXXXXXX

Hello Dr, I am doing good. I am on diet and I lost 2 kgs in just 25 days. Now my concern is I am getting lots of pimples on the face, it started appearing just 20 to 25 days back. I really don't know what is the cause of this problem. Kindly advice Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
different options available to you

Detailed Answer:
HI,

Sorry for the delayed reply

Wow, congrats on the weight loss, that's great.

Sorry for the acne though. This can sometimes occur with a change in diet unfortunately.
Acne can be affected by diet, stress or other factors but medically speaking it is related to--(1) increased production of oily fatty substance made in the skin called sebum
(2)inflammation of the skin
(3)plugging of hair follicles
(4)presence of a particular bacteria

There are a lot of acne washes available but most have salicylic acid , this is not very effective.

The gold standard for acne involves the use of a topical retinoid such as tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, isotretitoin but getting one of these may require a prescription from your doctor.

You need to consider searching for a wash or cream that has benzoyl peroxide in it, there are over the counter acne face washes/creams with this product.
Benzoyl helps to kill the bacteria and also helps to unplug the follicles.

Topical antibiotics also kill the bacteria and they help to reduce inflammation as well


There are some creams that combine benzoyl peroxide with a topical antibiotic eg BENZAMYCIN (has erythromycin which is antibiotic and benzoyl peroxide) and ZIANA/VELTIN (has clarithromycin and benzoyl peroxide)

If you can get one of these, that would be helpful.

If the acne is severe then you may a medication like EPIDUO which combines benzoyl peroxide with a retinoid

If you cannot get any combination then just use a benzoyl peroxide wash or cream, should work.

Summary---(1) BENZOYL PEROXIDE wash or cream, available over the counter should help

(2) if the acne is mild then a combination cream/wash or benzoyl with a topical antibiotic may be effective

(3)if it is severe then combination with topical retinoid

(4)if very severe and does not respond to topical medication, then oral tablets may be needed

Hope this helps, if it is not clear, feel free to let me know
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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What Causes Pimples On The Face While On A Weight-loss Diet?

Brief Answer: different options available to you Detailed Answer: HI, Sorry for the delayed reply Wow, congrats on the weight loss, that's great. Sorry for the acne though. This can sometimes occur with a change in diet unfortunately. Acne can be affected by diet, stress or other factors but medically speaking it is related to--(1) increased production of oily fatty substance made in the skin called sebum (2)inflammation of the skin (3)plugging of hair follicles (4)presence of a particular bacteria There are a lot of acne washes available but most have salicylic acid , this is not very effective. The gold standard for acne involves the use of a topical retinoid such as tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, isotretitoin but getting one of these may require a prescription from your doctor. You need to consider searching for a wash or cream that has benzoyl peroxide in it, there are over the counter acne face washes/creams with this product. Benzoyl helps to kill the bacteria and also helps to unplug the follicles. Topical antibiotics also kill the bacteria and they help to reduce inflammation as well There are some creams that combine benzoyl peroxide with a topical antibiotic eg BENZAMYCIN (has erythromycin which is antibiotic and benzoyl peroxide) and ZIANA/VELTIN (has clarithromycin and benzoyl peroxide) If you can get one of these, that would be helpful. If the acne is severe then you may a medication like EPIDUO which combines benzoyl peroxide with a retinoid If you cannot get any combination then just use a benzoyl peroxide wash or cream, should work. Summary---(1) BENZOYL PEROXIDE wash or cream, available over the counter should help (2) if the acne is mild then a combination cream/wash or benzoyl with a topical antibiotic may be effective (3)if it is severe then combination with topical retinoid (4)if very severe and does not respond to topical medication, then oral tablets may be needed Hope this helps, if it is not clear, feel free to let me know