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how to treat inflammatory acne
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #14772
46 days ago
90

how to treat inflammatory acne - #14772

Kavya

I am struggling with some really stubborn inflammatory acne, and honestly it’s just getting me down. A few months ago, I started getting these painful and red bumps on my cheeks and jawline. I tried over-the-counter stuff and it didn’t work, plus I felt like everything I read online about how to treat inflammatory acne just conflicted with each other! My dermatologist recommended a topical treatment, but I'm not sure that’s enough. I wonder if there are other ways to treat inflammatory acne too? Sometimes I think it’s related to my diet since I notice it gets worse when I eat more sugar or dairy. I even tried some natural remedies and supplements, but nothing seems to stick. I'm just really lost here. I am curious about any experiences you guys have with treatments and what actually helped you or any tips for how to treat inflammatory acne at home? Also, is it possible this could be hormone-related, since I'm in my late 20s? I appreciate any help because I’m super tired of dealing with this and just want my skin to look normal again, you know?

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Doctors’ responses

Inflammatory acne can be a stubborn and frustrating issue, but there are a number of strategies you can try in addition to your dermatologist’s recommended topical treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids. These are great first-line treatments because they target acne-causing bacteria and help normalize skin cell turnover. If topical treatments aren’t enough, systemic options like oral antibiotics or hormonal therapies can be considered. Since you mentioned noticing a link with your diet, it might be useful to maintain a food diary to identify potential triggers that worsen your condition, like high-glycemic foods or dairy. Reducing intake of these might help some individuals, although the link between diet and acne isn’t uniformly significant for everyone. Stress management is another aspect to consider, as stress can exacerbate acne in some cases. Regular sleep, relaxation techniques, and physical activity may aid in reducing stress levels. Also, be aware of your skin care routine; make sure you’re not over-cleansing or using products that could irritate your skin further. A gentle cleanser and moisturizer, ideally non-comedogenic, can help maintain skin balance. Regarding hormones, acne can indeed be related to hormonal changes especially in your late 20s. In such cases, oral contraceptives or anti-androgens like spironolactone might be beneficial, though it’s essential to discuss these options with a healthcare provider. You mentioned trying natural remedies and supplements; while these have varying degrees of evidence, some find benefits with zinc supplements or tea tree oil, but it’s crucial to approach these cautiously to avoid irritation. If your acne feels persistent or is impacting your confidence significantly, keep communication open with your dermatologist—they may consider more personalized approaches, such as laser therapies or chemical peels. Remember that improvement takes time and occasionally involves trial and error to find what works for you specifically.

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