How does one determine when to discontinue treatment?

I'm 22 years old and have had acne problems since high school. I've been on Doryx (75mg every other day), Benza-clin, and Differin Gel to treat moderate cysts on my forehead and comedones on my nose and cheeks for about seven months now. My skin is almost completely clear except for a few comedones on my cheeks and nose.

I've recently had to relocate and can no longer get in touch with the dermatologist who prescribed this treatment to me. Since I have been on this treatment for so long, I have been wondering how much longer will I need to continue taking these antibiotics and using the topicals. I am looking for a new dermatologist so that I can possibly continue my meds, but since I no longer have acne lesions, I am wondering how he/she will determine if I still need them. Because of the way my skin looked before treatment, I am very frightened of my acne coming back. Will I need to discontinue treatment from time to time to see if my acne comes back? Since my father grew out of his acne in his mid-20s, I am hoping that I will, too, but am curious as to how a dermatologist will determine when it's okay for me to stop treatment.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

The only way to tell is to stop.  Worst comes to worst, you can resume.  I'd stop the oral medication first and see what happens.  If all goes well, stop the topical.  But it would be useful to hook up with a dermatologist in your new location, just in case you get a recurrence and need a refill or other treatment.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff