How to reduce n heal my acne on sensitive skin? - #11596
My acne has never taken a break, I get big ones like cysts with multiple acnes in one bump. It itches and some even pop by itself when I am washing my face. I rarely have acnes of my forehead but in my eyebrows areas n cheeks I have a lot due to which I have enlarged pores and baggy like skin and in those pores even though there's no acne I can still pop the white acne things in it.
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Doctors’ responses
You need to visit dermatologist as you have cystic/nodulocystic acne with sebaceous filaments/comedones filling your pores Treatment for this is ISOTRETINOIN Skincare basics (supportive, not cure alone)
Gentle cleanser: Non-foaming, no harsh scrubs.
Moisturizer: Lightweight, non-comedogenic (gel or lotion).
Topical actives (night):
Retinoid (adapalene or tretinoin) – keeps pores unclogged.
Benzoyl peroxide (BPO 2.5–5%) – kills acne bacteria, reduces resistance.
Since this is severe acne, OTC products alone usually won’t fix it long-term. Here are the main evidence-based options:
1. Prescription Medications (dermatologist needed) • Oral isotretinoin (Accutane) → Most effective for nodulocystic acne. Shrinks oil glands, prevents scarring. Usually taken 6–9 months. Needs monitoring (liver, cholesterol, pregnancy prevention if applicable). • Oral antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline) → Reduce inflammation, but usually short-term (not a cure). • Hormonal treatment (for females) → Oral contraceptives or spironolactone can help if acne is hormonally driven. • Topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene) → Prevent new clogged pores and improve skin texture over time. • Topical benzoyl peroxide + antibiotic → Controls bacteria and inflammation.
2. Procedures (done by dermatologists) • Steroid injections → For painful cysts. • Chemical peels, laser, microneedling → Later, to improve scarring and enlarged pores.
1.Your description suggests cystic acne which is deeper and more inflammatory than regular pimples and needs proper treatment to prevent permanent scarring.
2.For sensitive skin use a gentle face wash twice daily and avoid harsh scrubs or frequent touching of the face.
3.Apply a non comedogenic gel based moisturizer and always use sunscreen in the day to protect skin and reduce marks.
4.Safer topical options for sensitive acne include azelaic acid and niacinamide. Stronger agents like adapalene or benzoyl peroxide should only be used under dermatologist guidance.
5.Do not squeeze or pop acne as this damages skin further and enlarges pores. Keep pillow covers and towels clean and avoid oily creams or heavy makeup.
6.Since you have persistent cystic acne a dermatologist consultation is strongly advised. They may prescribe oral medicines like antibiotics hormonal therapy or isotretinoin depending on severity.
This approach will help reduce active acne protect sensitive skin and prevent long term scarring.
Hello dear See acne arise due to infection or due to hormonal alterations Iam suggesting some medications Kindly follow them for 2 months Topical Treatments -Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5–5%) Kills bacteria and is anti-inflammatory in action. Salicylic Acid, Adapalene 0.1% can also be given as additive medications. 2.Clindamycin 1% or Tretinoin ( if already not taken). 3.Azelaic Acid 10 percent for two weeks. 4. Oral Medications -tablet Doxycycline 1 month twice a day Niacinamide serum –antiinflammatory in nature In addition use aloevera - tulsi solution to apply topically for 1 month
In case of no improvement in 1 month, kindly consult dermatologist in person for better clarification Regards
1.Your description suggests cystic acne which is deeper and more severe than common pimples and often leaves marks or scars if untreated.
2.For sensitive skin start with a gentle face wash twice daily and avoid scrubbing or harsh soaps.
3.Use a light non comedogenic moisturizer and always apply a gel based sunscreen during the day to protect your skin.
4.Topical medicines like azelaic acid or niacinamide are safer for sensitive acne prone skin. Stronger options like adapalene or benzoyl peroxide should only be used if prescribed by a dermatologist.
5.Avoid picking or popping acne as it worsens scarring and pore enlargement. Maintain clean pillow covers and avoid oily creams or makeup.
6.Since your acne is persistent and cystic I strongly recommend consulting a dermatologist who can decide if you need oral medicines like antibiotics or isotretinoin for long term control and scar prevention.
Since this is severe acne, OTC products alone usually won’t fix it long-term. Here are the main evidence-based options:
1. Prescription Medications (dermatologist needed) • Oral isotretinoin (Accutane) → Most effective for nodulocystic acne. Shrinks oil glands, prevents scarring. Usually taken 6–9 months. Needs monitoring (liver, cholesterol, pregnancy prevention if applicable). • Oral antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline) → Reduce inflammation, but usually short-term (not a cure). • Hormonal treatment (for females) → Oral contraceptives or spironolactone can help if acne is hormonally driven. • Topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene) → Prevent new clogged pores and improve skin texture over time. • Topical benzoyl peroxide + antibiotic → Controls bacteria and inflammation.
2. Procedures (done by dermatologists) • Steroid injections → For painful cysts. • Chemical peels, laser, microneedling → Later, to improve scarring and enlarged pores.
Dealing with persistent and cystic acne, especially on sensitive skin, is challenging, but there are strategies to help manage and minimize these symptoms. The key is to be gentle yet effective in your approach. First, consider using a mild, fragrance-free cleanser specifically formulated for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Avoid scrubbing your skin harshly, as this can exacerbate irritation and potentially worsen acne. Instead, gently cleanse your skin twice a day—once in the morning and once at night. You might also find it beneficial to incorporate a product containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, as these can help unclog pores and reduce inflammation, though it’s crucial to introduce these gradually to ensure your skin can tolerate them. For the whiteheads and enlarged pores, you might consider applying a topical retinoid, which can help promote cell turnover and decrease the formation of comedones. However, retinoids can be irritating, so it would be advisable to start applying them slowly, such as every third night, and then increase usage as tolerated. Wearing a sunscreen that is non-comedogenic daily is also vital, as some acne treatments can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. If these self-care measures don’t suffice or if your acne is resistant and causing significant discomfort, seeking the advice of a dermatologist is a prudent step. They may recommend prescription-strength treatments, which might be more effective in controlling severe or cystic acne. Furthermore, if you notice any symptoms like sudden swelling, surrounding tissue infection, or if your skin feels hot and painful, reach out to a medical professional sooner. These could be signs of more severe infections that require immediate care. Lastly, lifestyle factors like stress management and dietary considerations can also play a role, so these might be worth exploring further in consultation with a healthcare provider.
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