yasmin BC and doxycycline

I am a 17 year old female, and have had moderate acne for a few years. My doctor put me on the doxycycline antibiotic, which worked wonders. But a year and a half later, the acne came back. My doctor then prescribed yasmin, and I have just begun my first month on this. However, I have acne on my jawline with a few cysts. I am also still taking doxycycline. I eat very healthily and get regular exercise. Why is this happening? Is yasmin being affected by the antibiotic?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Acne formation is due to a blockage of oil underneath the skin and builds up with bacteria causing inflammation and develops into a pimple. Several factors are usually considered to cause acne such as diet, stress, genetic, dirt hormonal imbalances, cosmetics, work-related and drugs. You can prevent and treat acne by changing your lifestyle like eating proper diet, getting a good amount of sleep and drink at least eight glasses of water daily.  You can also treat acne by cleaning your face regularly, using skincare products, apply antibacterial topical medications. With the help of the doctor, the treatment of oral antibiotics, contraceptive pills, retinoids, cortisone injections, chemical peels and laser treatment can be your choices.
You are already using oral antibiotics and oral contraceptives and I suggest you to continue using it under a dermatologist’s guidance.
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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.