Acne Problem

[headproblemz]

Currently I am using Dalacin T 1.0% and Neutrogena Acne Wash with 2.0% salacylic acid. I have been using it for quite a while now (2 months+), but my face has never completely cleared up. It got a bit better but not much. Do you think the combination I am using is good, or can you recommend a better medication combination to use. I don't however want to use accutane. I live in Canada, and can basically get any acne mediaction. Thanks in advance.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Dalacin (Cleocin in the US) is pretty good, but there are lots of other medications you and your doctor might consider.  These include topical (external) antibiotics) and oral antibiotics.  In all likelihood, you won't need Accutane.  I would discuss with your doctor (perhaps the one who prescribed Dalacin) which would be best for you.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[pisces]

I have used Proactiv Solution for about 3 years now and it works better than anything I have ever used.

[headproblemz]

Proactiv doesn't do anything. When I asked my doctor, he started laughing. All it has, he said, was benzol peroxide, and a small percentage of it. That is the only active ingredient. He said that acne goes away no matter what, and proactiv is just an expensive way of doing it. Stating on the solution it takes two months to work is precisely the amount of time it would take for most acne to go away.

[pisces]

Well, everybody is different.  What works for some people may not work for others.  My acne was never severe and it only took about a week of using Proactiv to see a major difference.  How can your Dr. say it doesn't work?  I am living proof that it does!  Has your Dr. used it?  I have recommended it to several friends and family and it has worked for them also.  I'm not saying that you should try it, I'm just saying that for me it has worked wonders.  Good luck.

P.S.  Just in case you were wondering....no, I am in no way employed by or remotely affiliated with the company that sells Proactiv, just a satisfied customer!

[headproblemz]

I understand what you mean. But maybe your acne went away by itself, or you didn't have mild or severe acne. I find it hard to believe that 2% of benzoyl peroxide can work so well. I understand that there are other ingredients like sodium in it. But why spend forty dollars buying proactive when you can buy clean and clear acne wash and solugel with 2, 4, or even 8% of benzoyl peroxide and spend around 15 dollars when the same active ingredients.

[cody94]

I agree that it depends on the severity and type of acne one has.  I have cystic acne and have tried Proactiv for 6 months and it hardly helped the situation.  I found that it made my face red and oily.  I stopped using it.  I have also tried Murad which I think works a bit better than Proactiv but still didn't help me much.  I am currently on accutane and I do see significant improvements.  I've only been on it for a month.  Accutane is a last resort and before asking about it, I think you should consult your derm and see what oral antibiotics or other topical treatments you can try.  Azelex cream works better than benzoyl peroxide or Cleocin or retin-a (I found).

[moonbeam]

I also have run the gamut, I've used cleocin, retin-a, erythromycin, benzoyl peroxide, systemic antibiotics, and lots of different soaps.  Of these, think that the azelex has provided the best relief, and is the easiest to deal with, no allergic reactions, and it doesn't feel sticky/greasy/goey like almost everything else did.  I also took accutane (twice), worked wonders, but it is quite an undertaking, and for me the effects weren't permanent.

[dodgybeats]

I am a 30 year old female and I have recenly developed severe cystic acne on my back which is just starting to heal.  I have noticed a painless swollen  cervical lymph node (left side of neck) and was wondering if any one knows if the acne could be causing this lymph node to swell like this.  has anyone out there had this similar problem?

[Conor]

Well I have used Roaccutane. My side effects were dry skin, lips and conjunctivitious. I was on the treatment for six months but now i'm starting to notice pimples coming back upon my face. Why is this??

[acneat35]

Well I am desperate as desperate goes.. I started using PROACTIV about two years ago.. I did it for 4 months and stopped. Then started again last year and my husband said he saw improvements but I stopped.. Now I have started again.. two days ago.. I will try to do it for 6 months.. If it doesnt work I do not want to see or hear of this ---- product again.. :(

I am 35 almost 36 and plagued with horrible acne. I never had skin problems as a teenager. It started maybe about 5 years ago.. I hate to even go outside or talk to people because it seems its all they see is the pimples and marks on my face. and to top it off i cover it with horrible makeup that probaly looks worse than the acne.


PLEASE HELP ANY ADVICE GREATLY APPRECIATED

[NickKd]

i just started using proactiv and we'll see if it works, its been about a week and i've seen some changes