post pregnancy acne

About 5 years ago, I developed mild acne on my shoulders.  I saw a dermatologist and he prescribed minocyclene to clear it up.  This worked wonderfully.  That particular  dermatologist retired, and my new dr. suggested I try topical creams instead.  When I was 28, I got pregnant and saw a wonderful improvement in my skin.  After my baby was born, and I finished nursing, my skin became horrible!  My daughter is almost 2 years old, and my skin has shown no improvement. I have tried Proactiv solution for 6 months, differen cream, benzyol perozide, ect. and have seen no improvement.  My face is constantly covered with small whiteheads, and deep, red, painful acne.  It covers my face, shoulders,and neck and never goes away.  As soon as one goes away, another appears!  My dr. prescribed spironolactone and differen, but I have had no relief from this problem!  I am very embarassed by this, and do not know what to do.  My dr. seems very reluctant to prescibe an oral medication to control this problem. What can I do?

[loiloi]

Hi. Does your doctor say why he is reluctant to prescribe oral medication?
A further course of minocycline sounds as if it could be helpful. Other useful oral anti-biotics for acne are erythromycin or oxytetracycline.
It sounds as if your acne may be hormonal. Do you use birth control pills? Taking an anti-androgen contraceptive like Yasmin or Diane35 provides birth control and clears up acne. Avoid the mini-pill or Depo shot as these can make acne worse.
Be patient with the Differin, it is probably the most effective topical lotion and will be even more effective if used in conjunction with oral antibiotics or anti-androgens. Loiloi xx