Itchy skin

i have really bad acne and i buy OTC creams all the time Clearasil, Clean Clear, Neutrogena, Oxy, zap zit, and others that i cant remember i have even tried proactive and these acne creams that i have used i get a rash all over my face on the first day i use them my face starts to itch then by the third day my face starts turning red and swollen can someone help me is there something i can buy to use for acne that wont make my face itchy and red

[Angebelle]

Have you sought the assistance of a dermatologist for any prescription medications, either topical or oral?  If you're able to visit a dermatologist, that should be your first step.  Also a licensed aesthetician will treat your skin and teach you about good skin care.  You should look to support your internal health, too.  Drinking plenty of water will help to keep your pores clean from the inside out, help eliminate toxins, and keep your skin moisturized.  Vitamins A, B, C, D, E and supplements of iron (if you're a female), and omegas 3-6-9 are all skin-friendly.  Just be sure not to exceed the recommended daily dosage, as it can be toxic. Any new skin regimen you try should be given at least six weeks, especially given the severity of your acne.  

A mild cleanser (such as Neutrogena's grapefruit acne wash), a alcohol-free toner (such as Boots, Neutrogena, or the Body Shop), and a quality facial moisturizer (such as Boots, the Body Shop, Olay, Aveeno) should be used day and night.  Rinse your face with cold water to reduce redness and inflammation.  If you wear make-up, look for non-acneic or non-comdegenic labels and never go to bed with it on.  Change your pillow case often and any other item that comes into contact with your face often that can harbour bacteria.  Don't touch your face or try to extract - leave that to an aesthetician.  Lastly, stop buying the OTC creams, it's obvious they're not working and you need a new plan of action altogether.  Good luck!!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It looks like irritant contact dermatitis to the creams. Just keep you face clean by washing with a mild soap like Dove or Cetaphil atleast twice a day. Pat it dry and do not rub it. Avoid picking or pressing the acne.

It is also not advised to pierce the pimples. You could use an antibiotic cream like erythromycin or an ointment containing benzoyl peroxide for the pimple to heal. An amount of lotion the size of a pea should be enough to cover most of your face. If your skin becomes red or peels, you are using too much of the medicine or applying it too often.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.