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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Acne resistant to medication
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Acne resistant to medication
by Vashti, Feb 14, 2003 12:00AM
Dear Dr. Rockoff,
I have been fighting with acne (nodules and pustules) since I was a teenager (I am now 26). I have been to two dermatologists and I have tried many different products to no avail. I have tried: Differin, which made my face itch unbearably; tetracycline, which gives me yeast infections; erythromycin and hydrocortisone cream, neither of which had much effect. Retin-A makes my skin terribly dry, tight, and painful. Minocycline probably had the most positive effect, but I am worried about the side effect of benign intracranial hypertension because I had frequent headaches while taking this medication. I gave up on all medications three months ago, and just wash my face twice a day with Dove soap and rarely wear makeup, and my face has been a little better, except for around the time of my period.
My questions are:
1. How serious is it if I do have headaches while taking minocycline?
2. What can I do to get rid of or lighten the pinkish/reddish spots left behind by old acne? Can I use these treatments if I have acne at the time?
3. Is my current course of action the best? Or can you recommend something else?
My battle with acne has been very frustrating, and so I appreciate all help and advice you can give me! Thank you very much.
I have been fighting with acne (nodules and pustules) since I was a teenager (I am now 26). I have been to two dermatologists and I have tried many different products to no avail. I have tried: Differin, which made my face itch unbearably; tetracycline, which gives me yeast infections; erythromycin and hydrocortisone cream, neither of which had much effect. Retin-A makes my skin terribly dry, tight, and painful. Minocycline probably had the most positive effect, but I am worried about the side effect of benign intracranial hypertension because I had frequent headaches while taking this medication. I gave up on all medications three months ago, and just wash my face twice a day with Dove soap and rarely wear makeup, and my face has been a little better, except for around the time of my period.
My questions are:
1. How serious is it if I do have headaches while taking minocycline?
2. What can I do to get rid of or lighten the pinkish/reddish spots left behind by old acne? Can I use these treatments if I have acne at the time?
3. Is my current course of action the best? Or can you recommend something else?
My battle with acne has been very frustrating, and so I appreciate all help and advice you can give me! Thank you very much.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Feb 15, 2003 12:00AM
, Feb 15, 2003 12:00AM
Headaches from intracranial hyoertension are rare (I've never seen one), and devastating. You wouldn't have been able to stay on the medicine if that's what the headaches were.
Red marks can hang around for months before fading. There are no specific treatments for redness, other than leaving the spots along (not picking) and, of course, getting rid of the acne.
I understand your frustration, but you have by no means exhausted the list of helpful treatments. There are other antibiotics, and there is isotretinoin (Accutane). I suggest a stepwise but concerted approach using these, and perhaps topical medications that don't dry the skin, of which there are many.
This may take a while, but "a while" is measured in months, not years.
Good luck and don't give up.
Dr. Rockoff
Red marks can hang around for months before fading. There are no specific treatments for redness, other than leaving the spots along (not picking) and, of course, getting rid of the acne.
I understand your frustration, but you have by no means exhausted the list of helpful treatments. There are other antibiotics, and there is isotretinoin (Accutane). I suggest a stepwise but concerted approach using these, and perhaps topical medications that don't dry the skin, of which there are many.
This may take a while, but "a while" is measured in months, not years.
Good luck and don't give up.
Dr. Rockoff
