Acne prone face with pus filled acne - #11751
I have acne prone skin ,acne is usuallypus filled and painfull, i have teied many treatment until i take that it willbe good once i stop it comes again all over the face i need lifetime solution, i have also done blood test everythingwasgood
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Doctors’ responses
Hi Vidhi,
Please follow skincare routine.If you are already following please ignore this. Cetaphil cleanser Neutrogena hydro boost moisturiser Niacinamide serum Retinoid at night La shield sunscreen
You can use Topical Benzoyl Peroxide + Clindamycin gel(only over the acne) Doxycycline 100mg twice daily for 6 weeks
If you’ve tried everything and nothing is long-lasting,then talk with your dermatologist about Isotretinoin (Accutane) in person.
Also avoid sugary and diary foods Stay hydrated.
I trust this helps dear Thank you
Hello Vidhi, I understand this might be disturbing but I’m here to help. Here is how we can approach your issues -
1. Lifestyle tips - Avoid high glycemic foods (sugary, refined carbs). Limit dairy (milk, cheese) if acne worsens after intake. Manage stress, sleep well, hydrate adequately. Avoid scrubbing, fairness creams, and heavy oils.
2. Here is my prescription and skin care -
- Use a gentle, non-comedogenic face wash (eg. Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser / Sebamed Clear Face) - Use an oil free, spf 30+ sunscreen (eg. Re’equil Oxybenzone & OMC Free Sunscreen SPF 50 OR Bioderma Photoderm AKN Mat SPF 30/50) - Gel/Cream Clindamycin + Adapalene - Apply thin layer at night - Gel Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% - Good for pus pimples. Apply at night. - Cap. Doxycycline 100mg twice a fay × 14 days
3. It would have been better if I can have a look at your acne. It’ll give me more idea on how to approach it. But for the starters you can take the above treatment and review after 14 days.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB D.Fam.Med
Hello dear See acne at this age can be associated with hormonal alterations which are further affected by pus . I suggest you to please follow below instructions and medication for improvement 1. 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% Clindac A ,Tretinoin ( if already not taken). 3.Azelaic Acid 10 percent for two weeks. 4. Oral Medications -tablet Doxycycline twice a day for 1 week Niacinamide serum –antiinflammatory in nature twice daily for 1 week 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 Hopefully you recover soon Regards
Hello, You may be suffering from different stages of ACNE. Every stage demands specific treatment. Kindly consult a DERMATOLOGIST in person for best advice.
Donn’t take further treatment without consultation. Take care
Hi dear Vidhi, Facial acne has remissions and relapse Kindly donot use any oily preparation like serum or donot keep oil on scalp Try to do frequent face wash Use tab doxy 100 mg 1-0-1 for 5 days Clindamycin cream local application twice daily for 10 days Take fruits and vegetables Avoid fatty meals Take care dont panic
1.Pus filled and painful acne usually happens due to overactive oil glands, bacteria, and hormonal influence, not because of any serious blood problem.
2.Treatments work only while using them because acne is a chronic condition that needs regular maintenance, not just short courses.
3.Gentle face wash twice a day, oil free moisturizer, and avoiding heavy creams or home scrubbing will reduce flare ups.
4.For long term control, dermatologists usually use retinoid creams, antibiotic gels, or sometimes oral medicines like isotretinoin under monitoring.
5.A lifetime solution means consistent care: balanced diet, stress control, clean skin habits, and periodic dermatologist follow up for maintenance treatment.
Hello Vidhi Don’t use unnecessary cream It’s look like pustular acne Use alovera face wash Tab vitamic c once a day Wash your face 4-5 time a day Consult to dermatologist don’t take any medication one serum without dermatologist Thanks
I understand how frustrating it is to deal with persistent, painful, and pus-filled acne, especially when treatments only seem to work temporarily. Dealing with acne that returns as soon as you stop a treatment is very common and suggests that you need a long-term management strategy rather than just a quick fix.
Since you’ve had blood tests that came back normal, it’s less likely that a simple underlying hormonal or metabolic issue is the sole cause. This points toward needing a dedicated, consistent skincare routine and potentially medical intervention tailored for long-term use.
Here are the key areas to explore for a lifetime solution:
1. Professional Medical Assessment
Since your acne is painful and pus-filled (indicating a significant inflammatory and bacterial component) and resistant to many treatments, the most effective “lifetime solution” starts with a professional:
See a Dermatologist: This is the most crucial step. A board-certified dermatologist can properly diagnose your acne type and its severity. They have access to prescription-strength topical and oral medications that are far more effective than over-the-counter options.
Discuss Oral Medication:
Low-Dose, Long-Term Antibiotics: Sometimes a dermatologist will prescribe an antibiotic (like doxycycline or minocycline) at a very low dose for an extended period to keep inflammation and bacteria in check without the risks associated with high-dose, short-term use.
Isotretinoin (Accutane): This is often considered the closest thing to a “cure” for severe, persistent acne. It shrinks the oil glands, permanently changing the way your skin produces oil. It requires strict monitoring due to side effects, but for many people with treatment-resistant acne, it provides a permanent or near-permanent solution.
Hormonal Therapy (for women): If you are female, your doctor might suggest hormonal treatments like certain birth control pills or spironolactone, even if your blood test results for hormones were normal. Acne can sometimes be sensitive to normal hormonal fluctuations.
Maintenance Plan: The dermatologist won’t just treat the breakout; they will establish a maintenance routine for you to follow indefinitely to prevent recurrence.
2. Long-Term Skincare Ingredients
The goal of your daily routine should be to keep your pores clear, control oil production, and reduce bacteria/inflammation every single day.
Benzoyl Peroxide: This is excellent for killing the bacteria (P. acnes) that cause pus-filled breakouts and is often used as a long-term wash or spot treatment. Use a lower concentration (2.5% or 5%) to minimize irritation.
Tip: Use it as a short-contact therapy: apply a wash for 2-3 minutes before rinsing off.
Topical Retinoids (Retinol, Adapalene, Tretinoin): This is the cornerstone of an acne maintenance plan. Retinoids work by normalizing cell turnover and preventing dead skin cells from clogging your pores. When used consistently, they keep the acne from forming in the first place. Adapalene (like Differin Gel, available over-the-counter) is a great starting point for long-term use.
Salicylic Acid (BHA): This is a beta-hydroxy acid that is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate the pore lining and dissolve the clogs (sebum and dead skin cells). It’s great for daily cleansing or as a light exfoliant.
3. Lifestyle and Habits
While they won’t cure severe acne alone, these habits support any medical treatment for long-term control:
Non-Comedogenic Products: Ensure every product you use—cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup—is labeled as “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic.”
Pillowcases and Towels: Change your pillowcase every 2-3 nights and use a clean towel for your face every time you wash it to minimize bacteria transfer.
Hands Off: Avoid touching, picking, or squeezing your acne. This pushes bacteria deeper, causes more inflammation, and leads to scarring.
Stress Management: High stress levels can increase the production of hormones that stimulate oil glands. Finding healthy ways to manage stress (like exercise, meditation, or hobbies) can help.
Managing acne-prone skin with painful, pus-filled acne can indeed be frustrating, especially when the condition seems to persist or relapse post-treatment. Given your description, it seems like you’re dealing with inflammatory acne, and possibly cystic acne, which can be more challenging to manage. A comprehensive approach that combines topical, systemic treatments, and lifestyle adjustments might be beneficial here. Start by considering a consistent skincare routine that includes a gentle cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to unclog pores and reduce bacterial load. Topical treatments like retinoids (such as tretinoin) can be effective for long-term management as they help prevent new acne lesions by promoting cell turnover. It’s critical to apply sunscreen daily as retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. For cases where topical treatments aren’t enough, oral medications like antibiotics or isotretinoin might be recommended by a dermatologist, provided they assess them suitable based on your overall health and acne severity. These can reduce bacterial growth and inflammation significantly. Isotretinoin in particular, often offers a more prolonged remission post-treatment but requires monitoring due to potential side effects. Remember to avoid picking or squeezing the acne as it can worsen inflammation or lead to scarring. Additionally, identifying any potential triggers such as certain cosmetics, dietary factors like high-glycemic foods, or stress can be crucial in managing acne. Sometimes hormonal factors play a role, especially if your acne is severe and resistant to other treatments, in which case consulting with a healthcare provider about hormonal therapies or evaluations could help pinpoint potential imbalances. Lifestyle modifications, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and sufficient hydration, can also contribute positively. Since acne scarring can sometimes be a concern, consider discussing options like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser treatments with a dermatologist once the active acne is well managed. If the condition persists despite these measures, it’s advisable to keep in touch with a dermatologist who can tailor a more specific and potentially long-term treatment plan based on ongoing assessments.
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