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PAST HISTORY : MY SKIN WAS NICE SO FAR SUDDENLY WHITEHEADS HAVE FORMED. MY DRINKING WATER AND EATING HABITS ARE ALL GOOD WITH NO OILY FOOD AND FRIED FOOD AT ALL.
Dr. Vivek Nair answered : 11 years ago
Hello,
Thank you for your question. I would need to assess how severe your acne is to recommend what methods could work for you. Would you be able to upload a clear photograph of both sides of your face at your convenience?
Patient asked followup Question: 11 years ago
I have sent the photo already. I have it on right cheek only. But it is slowly spreading. Prescribe me medicines for this whiteheads Sir
Dr. Vivek Nair answered : 11 years ago
Good Morning,
Thank you for the photograph. When acne like yours is localized to one side of the face certain factors like preferential sun exposure or habitual face touching on that side or friction may be making the problem worse. So try and eliminate/decrease these if any apply to you.
Treatment wise I would prescribe a patient like you Capsule Doxycycline 100 mg twice a day for 14 days along with Capsule Vizylac twice a day - short term antibiotic use like this can help to gain initial control of acne which is then maintained with topical agents for which I would recommend a Benzoyl Peroxide face wash used twice a day followed by a Benzoyl Peroxide-Adapalene combination gel at night and Azelaic Acid 10-20% cream in the morning. This would be the basic regimen. After 14 days I usually add a moisturizer like Cetaphil cream and a sunscreen depending on the skin type to the regimen. This controls the problem in over 70% patients in 4-6 weeks and new acne lesions gradually decrease. In the remaining 30% additional measures like comedone extraction and salicylic acid peeling are required. Overall it takes 2-3 months to adequately control acne and treat acne marks.
If you have or have had any recent menstrual problems then that could be adding the problem as well. If the problem persists for longer than three months it will worthwhile having it checked by a gynecologist.
As far as precautions go - avoid greasy foods, milk products, dry fruits and junk food like soft drinks and pizzas. Curd is fine as is a healthy veg/non-veg diet. Avoid using cosmetics on a daily basis and avoid direct sun exposure when you can. Do not oil your hair and sleep on it at night, and lastly do not pick or burst your acne lesions - this causes scarring.
Please note that my answer is for information purposes only and does not establish a patient-doctor relationships. All the meds I have mentioned should only be taken under the supervision of a dermatologist in person.
Please feel free to ask if you have any queries.
Patient asked followup Question: 11 years ago
Please mention the brand for benzoyl peroxide products
Dr. Vivek Nair answered : 11 years ago
Brevoxyl Creamy Face Wash is my preferred brand. Epiduo or Deriva-BPO are good brands for the night gel and Aziderm 10% cream a good brand for the day cream. Rivela SPF 50 for normal skin and Sungrace Total SPF 30 for oily skin are good sunscreens. Please note that the night gel can cause irritation and hence must be used as very thin layer and only under the supervision of a dermatologist in person. Regards.