Red Face and Large Pores

[John]

I have had red marks all over my face for about 5 or 6 months now from old acne, as well as a constant redness of my face.  My face was never red before this acne problem.  I still occasionally get a pimple here or there, but not as bad as about 6 months ago.  I am on Minocin now and benzoyl peroxide wash.  Why is my face always red, is it due to irritation, or is it just natural due to old acne, and will it go away?
Also, what about the red marks on my face? they have slightly faded over time, but they are still noticeable.  I am trying Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion with Glycolic acid to help it go away.  Also my Pores are very large, what can be done about this?
So please help me with mainly skin redness, also the red dots and large pores....what can be done about these 3 things, thank you.   Sincerely, John

[Jo]

Dear Doc:

I have searched time and time again for information on this skin condition. I have what might be considered large pores or holes on the legs (above the knees and below on chin area), back of arms, and buttocks area, with redness, much like that of chicken skin.  The arms seem to improve with sun and glycolic lotion.  I have tried scrubbing with acne soap followed by glycolic lotion.  I have curly hair and have read that that could be the problem with the hair follicles.  I would love to have those areas smooth.  Is there anything you can suggest short of some type of skin resurfacing procedure?  If not, is there some type of dermatologic procedure available.  I know other people have this condition because I have seen it.  Please help.

[Dale]

About a year ago I began getting frequent acne breakouts on my face and it eventually got to the point where facial cleansers and gels did not seam to work anymore. After trying Tetracycline shortly I then switched to Minocycline (100mg).  For the past year I've been using a combination of Minocycline pills, .1% Differin topical gel, and Hibitane Acne skin cleanser which, besides helping to regain my personal confidence, has cleared up my problem a substantial amount.  The only side effect I've had to deal with after taking the Minocycline for over a year is dry, red skin (which I treat with Aquatain moisturizer) but lately I've been scared of using the pill because of some disturbing side effects I've heard of such as tooth/nerve damage and risk of super-infections.  I was wondering what the real side effects of Minocycline?  Does it weaken ones immune system over time?  Is it okay to continue to use Minocycline for extended periods of time (1-2 years) and is there any added danger to taking the pill for that long?  I would appreciate it if you could clear these questions up for me and other users.  Thank you for your time.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

John:

About the porse, there is really nothing to do.

The red marks can take months to fade, but they are best to be left to do so on their own.  

I'm not sure if the overall redness is your natural complexion or irrtation brought on by eczema or perhaps the benzoyl peroxide wash.  You had best ask your dermatologist that, since the approach to dealing with it will obviously differ.

Best.

Dr. R