Acne for how much longer?

I'm 27 years old and have suffered from spots (acne) since a teenager.  When I was 21 I was referred to a dermatologist from my local doctor and they basically told me to come back when I was 25.  Well I'm not 27 years old and have been through a few medications - Minocycline MR, Oxytetracycline and Erytromycin.  I have also briefly tried a topical solution which didn't prevent them at all.

The later seem to keep them under control, however I still get the odd two or three every other day.

How long will I get them for and what other medications are there to try?  The spots mainly appear around the nose area, sometimes forehead and often on the neck/chest.  The spots are usually large and pusy with white heads.  Sometimes though they are just very sore red bulges under the skin and never break out.

Help appreciated.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

There are many oral and topical medications to use.  You may break out for another couple of years--it's hard to say.  I suggest you consult a skin doctor to look into one of the many available treatment options.  These include sulfa and other antibiotics, Retin-A, and many more.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff