Hi. How long have you been using the Duac and Differin for? I would not expect to see a clinical improvement for at least 4-8 weeks and it could take as long as 3-4 months. If your acne has not improved after this time, your doctor could prescribe an oral antibiotic such as Oxytetracycline or Minocylcine, which can be used in conjunction with Differin.
Sweating can make acne worse so you should open the window or have a fan in the room. Shower straight after excerise/band practice etc.
Do not pop acne spots. This will spread bacteria under the skin leading to more spots. It will also delay healing time and can lead to a secondary infection and even permanent scarring.
If any of you had coldsores (herpes simplex) you could transmit these from sharing cigarettes. But acne is not contagious (just very common in teens) and you can't catch it from sharing cigarettes.
Eloise.
ive been using duac for 4 years.
then just recently my derm. just prescribed me differin.
like i said ive been tested already and have it came back with negative results so that should not be a problem
i try to showers everyday, sometimes even twice.
could stress be a factor in all this as well???
Some people find their acne gets worse during times of stress. However, stress is not a primary cause of acne. Acne occurs when your body makes more androgens than it needs. Androgens stimulate the sebaceous (oil) glands and bacteria on the skin feeds off the excess oil, resulting in spots.
4 years is a long time to use Duac with only limited results. Speak to your dermatologist about oral antibiotics or oral Isotretinoin (Accutane). In my opinion, acne should be treated robustly as quickly as possible to avoid physical or psychological scars.
Acne shouldn't itch and I wonder if there are dust mites in the room you mention? Give it a really good clean and open a window while you're in there. If you experience itchy skin after exposure to dust mites or other allergens take an antihistamine tablet such as Piriton, available without prescription read the label.
Eloise.
thank you for your help replies
well im gonna see my derm. soon about oral anti for acne.
dust mites, uhh not sure how do i know their in there.
can you em??
see i think i have some in my room but if i leave my window open spiders get in and bite me.
Hi.
It really sounds like you need oral medication instead of or in addition to topical meds.
Dust mites are sometimes visible against a dark background. They are a major cause of asthma and allergies worldwide. Just a thought as acne shouldn't itch (unless the combination of Duac and Differin is causing itching? Some people can't tolerate using both at once, in which case use just the Differin as you've used Duac for ages without it clearing your acne).
Eloise.
