adult acne, face, back and chest

after my second child I started to get acne on my face back and chest.  after a few years it did not go away and I went to a doctor who gave me antibiotics which helped but i did not want to continue so my acne came back. He gave me benzol 10 ( my spelling is not good so I hope you get the idea )  and he gave me rentol A which I still use but I believe non of this topical medicine will ever really work, you have to go from the inside.  I know there is a contraceptive pill that helps but i suffer from mygrains and had a stroke 3years ago.  I am in good health and am not over weight.  My acne is not all that bad but i am tired of it.  Is there any thing I could take orally that will help.
thank you

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Gabrielle:

Sure, there's plenty you can do.  A dermatologist can prescribe oral antibiotics or, if they fail, Accutane.  I think you're right, that topical treatments alone probably won't do the trick, but oral contraceptives are not necessary.

Good luck.

Dr. Rockoff

[rck]

My son is taking accutane.  He is very fair and blond.  His face and back were terrible.  After taking accutane, his back is flawless.  His face is better, but there are some pits in his face.  How long should he take accutane?  He is 15 years old.
He is shaving and has a heavy beard.  This causes problems with his acne.