acne, allergy or both

I have suufered from acne scince I was pregnant w/ my first child in 1990(20 now 30. Not only was it acne I had a large amount of oil excreted daily. I never looked bathed. It cleared some after his birth and was not a major concern. With my second pregnancy a couple of years later it did the same only the oil did not seem to be as bad. After his birth there was little change. Some years later I was put on accutane (tubal ligation after 2nd child) which worked great. Well it is back the only difference is i am not preg. but it started to get worse when I started a dental hygiene program (I had never broke out on my legs ever) and I had to wear polyester blend pants my legs went crazy. I was a house wife before and only wore jeans. Now it is all over again even on my forarms again. Is it just acne or is it an allergy? It has also become very humid and that has increased my oil again. Would it be safe to take the accutane again. It has been two years scince I was on it.      
                         Sandy

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I think you need to see a doctor for proper diagnosis.  Tru acne does not affect the arms or legs, at least not in the way you seem to be describing.  You may have a bacterial folliculitis caused by staph germs.  This is treatable, but by methods different from acne.  Check it out.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff