Is it possible to be rid of acne and bumps on my face entirely?

Doctor's Answers 4

Indeed as mentioned by my esteemed colleagues, isotretinoin is a good option but requires followup in view of potential side effects.

Combination of multiple treatments that include some lasers, chemical peel, oral medication and topicals can also be considered, as also already mentioned.

My 2 cents worth is that followup and continued feedback with your physician is strongly advised (as opposed to doctor hopping as many do after disappointment with initial management); doing so allows stepping up and tweaking of treatment until appropriate response is attained.

Cheers!

Shane

If you want a permanent fix, oral accutane is still your best option. About 2 in 3 people will not have any acne issues after completing a course of oral accutane. Even if t any recurring acne tends to be much less severe.

Unfortunately, not everyone can be permanently rid of acne after only one course. Some people may require 2, or even 3 courses. You may want to consider taking a repeat course of oral accutane, after discussion with your doctor.

I’m assuming that you’ve correctly completed your course of oral accutane the first time. Patients who do not get the correct total dose are more likely to relapse.

There was this prized hydradermabrasion that I went for and that resulted so badly with more outbreaks.

Sounds like it was offered by a spa/beautician, who often do not use the most sanitary techniques.

When your skin barrier is traumatised (like any form of dermabrasion will inevitably cause), you will definitely be more prone to infection and acne outbreaks.

I personally also wouldn’t recommend patients to undergo dermabrasion in order to prevent acne outbreaks.

I’m unsure where and who to go for for help. Looking forward to some professional advice.

If I were you, I’d visit a dermatologist or doctor who’s interested in managing acne problems.

He’ll be able to assess your skin type, location and severity of your acne outbreaks, before advising you on the best acne management regime.

Personally, I have a preference towards oral accutane in those looking for a permanent fix. Topical creams wise, clindoxyl lotion and topical retinoid (if you’re not taking oral accutane) work pretty well too.

If your acne tends to be hormonal (cyclical acne around your period) and appearing only at your chin/neck region, there are also several other effective options, such as oral spironolactone and oral contraceptive pills.

Do let your doctor decide on the best management plan!

Cheers

There are effective treatments for acne and I agree that isotretinoin or roaccutane is a very effective treatment. If used appropriately, most cases of acne can be well controlled so it might be worth re-visiting its use. Oral antibiotics are another option that can be considered and they are often used together with topical treatment like tretinoin cream.

Picking and squeezing clogged pores can leave behind more marks which take a long time to clear and is generally not recommended.

I would suggest visiting your dermatologist/doctor again to get your condition re-evaluated so that the appropriate treatment can be prescribed.

Nothing in life is permanent.. It is true! except scars.. So you are right, its important that we try to minimise the outbreaks when possible. If you are a male patient, I would opt to do Accutane and then tail down the dose and keep on a very low maintenance dose (which virtually eliminates side effects) and yet keeps the oiliness and pimples at bay.

Topical products actually play a huge role in skin care. I have seen so many patients who come completely clueless, and using the most oily Korean moisturisers for their already oily skin--- because Korean stars are using it.. Our tropical climate unfortunately needs light hydration, so I would recommend a light serum with perhaps a light gel-based moisturiser.

Do try a low-dose AHA/BHA peel at home which will help your skin attain a more matt appearance.

Winston

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