Your questions
Got a question about acne for our team? Please submit it here. Unfortunately we aren’t able to answer every question personally, but we will be regularly posting some Q&As (anonymously) here. So, check back to see if your question is one of them. We hope all the answers provided will be helpful to many.
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I have suffered from acne most of my life. I had it as a teen early in high school, when I started on the pill, into adulthood and I am now 33. There has only been two periods in my life where my acne has resolved, and it was during my two pregnancies. My second child is now 9 weeks old and it's back! I have tried many topical treatments, most prescription, and I took Diane 35-ED for many (possibly 10) years before my first pregnancy in 2008/09. Please give me some advice so I can go to my GP and tell him what I need (i.e. not another lotion).
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I would suggest you request a referral to a dermatologist for appropriate assessment. From the history you give it seems you have quite resistant acne and you require a detailed review. You may require a combination treatment regime encompassing diet modification, topical therapies with oral therapies. Of course if you are breast feeding then this will need to be taken into account when the dermatologist prescribes treatment for you. |
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My son has had cystic acne since he was a teenager. Had all the treatments including dermabrasion and ingrown hair treatment. He has excessive oily skin and scar tissue. The problem is very painful for him. This is located only on both cheeks. It also has a putrid smell and leaks continuously. He is very depressed and will not socialise outside of work. Please help.
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Unfortunately another consequence of severe cystic acne is its psychological impact. Studies have linked it to depression but the good news here is that studies have also shown that as the acne improves, so does the person’s mood. It’s important he gets medical help ASAP. Your son will firstly need to see a GP. He needs to inform the GP of his acne and its impact on his mood. The GP may provide a referral to a dermatologist for a prescription medicine. It may be isotretinoin, which is a very effective medication for severe acne that works by reducing oil production in the skin. A dermatologist will also be able to discuss various scarring treatment options. |
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I have just finished my treatment of Roaccutane but my acne has started to reappear just a few months after the course of the treatment. My skin has become quite oily again. Is this normal? What should I do? John, NSW
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For some people, especially those with severe acne, acne will reappear after their initial treatment with Roaccutane has finished. The good news is the acne is usually less severe than before and more responsive to treatment. Our advice is that you should go back to your doctor so they can recommend a further course of action. For example, it may be possible to maintain the improvement in your skin with a topical isotretinoin - the same active ingredient as Roaccutane but in a cream formulation. |
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I am 28 yrs old and I have had acne for over 15 years, this is perhaps because I will not resort to harmful oral medications like Accutane. Can you help me as I refuse to take such medications????? I am desperate :(
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There are many treatments one can do before progressing to isotretinoin (Accutane/Roaccutane). The dermatologist will work out what the most appropriate medication is for your type of acne. Simple measures include: a low GI diet; a diet that is high in fresh raw vegetables; decrease your low fat diary intake; decrease stress levels. You also may need to have your hormone levels looked at and other investigations performed depending on what is found in your assessment. Creams lotions and other topical agents are used initially and if these do not clear your acne then oral medications need to be considered. Oral medications include antibiotics but sometimes female patients need hormonal treatments and in the more severe cases isotretinoin is required. Isotretinoin is generally considered the most effective treatment for severe types of acne. |
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I've had mild to moderate acne on my shoulders which have now turned into scars and blemishes. It has really affected my confidence and I’ve not been able to wear singlet tops. I just had to cover it up. I have tried BIO-OIL however, had not noticed much result. I need assistance on what to do and what to use. Oz, NSW
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It sounds like you need help for both your acne and acne scarring. The best place to start is with your GP who may then refer you to a dermatologist. You really need to talk to a doctor who treats acne scarring, such as a doctor who does fractional laser treatments or skin needling, so they can see your skin. Unfortunately, nothing will give 100% clearance, however an improvement may be possible. Dermatologists and cosmetic physicians are trained professionals in scarring procedures. |
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I would like to find an expert close to where I live. Could you help? Thanks for your time. Nicole, NSW
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We are unable to provide recommendations or referrals but here is a ‘find a dermatologist’ link. |
This general information does not replace the advice of a medical professional. We can and do strongly recommend that you see your doctor regarding any questions or concerns that you may have about your acne or that of a family member's acne. The All About Acne team cannot provide recommendations or referrals for a medical practitioner.