Hello dear Please do not worry and follow instructions below. These may or may not be associated with periods. Iam suggesting some precautions and medication Medications: 1. Topical Treatments -Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5–5%) twice a day for week 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 1 month twice a day for max 5 days or Tab Minocycline ( take precautions to avoid in pregnancy) 5.Oral contraceptives - Diane-35 with addition of Spironolactone on recommendation only by gynacologist in person only
Supportive medications 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 Regards
Hello, thank you for sharing your concern. Acne is very common during the teenage years because of hormonal changes and increased oil production in the skin. Stress and oily skin can also make acne worse.A consistent and simple routine may help improve it. Here is my advise-
1. Use a gentle cleanser twice daily. Look for products that contain ingredients such as Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide, which can help reduce oil and bacteria that contribute to acne.
2. Avoid using many home remedies like turmeric, milk, or neem frequently, as they can sometimes irritate the skin and worsen inflammation.
3. Use a light, non-oily moisturizer if your skin feels dry after washing. Try an over-the-counter gel containing Adapalene or Benzoyl Peroxide once daily at night on acne-prone areas.
4. Avoid touching or squeezing pimples, as this can worsen inflammation and lead to scars.
5. Try to manage stress, get enough sleep, and wash your pillowcase regularly.
Because you described very severe and painful acne, prescription treatment is sometimes needed, medications may be recommended by a doctor after visual inspection of your acne.
If possible, consider visiting a low-cost clinic, community health center, or government hospital, where dermatology consultations may be more affordable.
If your acne continues to worsen, becomes very painful, or starts leaving scars, it would be important to seek medical care when you are able.
Review after 1 month.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, D.Fam.Medicine
Hello Thanks for sharing your experience—persistent, widespread acne can be really frustrating, especially when home remedies and over-the-counter products haven’t helped. Let’s focus on practical, affordable steps you can try at home, and I’ll explain why they might help.
### Why Your Acne Might Be Persistent
- Hormonal changes (common at your age) can trigger oil production and clogged pores. - Dry skin can actually make acne worse, as your skin may produce more oil to compensate. - Inflamed, red pimples suggest moderate to severe acne, which often needs more than just face washes or home remedies.
### What You Can Try at Home
#### 1. Gentle Cleansing - Wash your face twice daily with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser (not soap). - Avoid scrubbing—be gentle to prevent irritation.
#### 2. Moisturize - Use a non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), fragrance-free moisturizer. Even oily/acne-prone skin needs moisture, especially if your skin is dry.
#### 3. Affordable Topical Treatments - Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5% or 5%): Available at most pharmacies. Apply a thin layer to affected areas once daily. It kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation. - Adapalene Gel (0.1%): This is a topical retinoid, now available over-the-counter in India. It helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation. Start with a small amount at night, every other day, and increase as tolerated. - Note: Both can cause dryness or irritation at first—use a moisturizer and start slowly.
#### 4. Avoid These - Don’t pick or squeeze pimples (can worsen scarring). - Avoid heavy creams, oils, or greasy hair products on your face.
#### 5. Lifestyle Tips - Wash pillowcases and towels regularly. - Keep hair off your face and wash it often if it’s oily. - Try to manage stress, as it can worsen acne.
### When to See a Doctor
If your acne is severe (as you describe—hundreds of pimples, red and painful), and not improving after 2–3 months of these steps, you may eventually need prescription treatment. Many government hospitals and medical colleges offer low-cost or free dermatology clinics—consider visiting one if possible.
### Summary Table
| Step | What to Use/Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Gentle cleansing | Mild, fragrance-free cleanser | Reduces irritation |
| Moisturizing | Non-comedogenic moisturizer | Prevents dryness |
| Topical treatment | Benzoyl peroxide/adapalene | Fights bacteria/unclogs pores |
| Avoid picking | Hands off! | Prevents scarring |
| Clean habits | Wash pillowcases, hair, etc. | Reduces bacteria/oil |
Here are some affordable product options available in India that you can consider for treating your acne:
### 1. Cleansers - Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash: A gentle cleanser that helps remove impurities and excess oil without drying out the skin. - Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser: Mild and non-irritating, suitable for all skin types, including dry skin.
### 2. Moisturizers - Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel: A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that hydrates without clogging pores. - Himalaya Oil-Free Gel Cream: Provides hydration without making the skin greasy.
### 3. Topical Treatments - Benzoyl Peroxide: - AcneStar Gel (2.5% or 5%): Contains benzoyl peroxide, effective for treating acne. - Adapalene Gel: - Differin Gel (0.1%): A topical retinoid that helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation. Available over-the-counter.
### 4. Spot Treatments - The Derma Co. 2% Salicylic Acid Gel: Helps reduce acne and prevent new breakouts.
### 5. Additional Tips - Tea Tree Oil: Can be used as a natural spot treatment. Dilute it with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) before applying to avoid irritation.
### Summary These products are generally well-reviewed and can be effective for managing acne. Remember to introduce new products gradually and monitor how your skin reacts.
Thank you
your symptoms are consistent with moderate to severe Acne Vulgaris, which is very common during the teenage years due to hormonal changes that increase oil (sebum) production. Since you have oily skin, red and painful pimples, and the acne has persisted for about a year despite using home remedies, you may benefit from a simple but consistent treatment routine using affordable options. Wash your face gently twice daily with a mild oil-control cleanser, avoid scrubbing or applying multiple home remedies that can irritate the skin, and consider using an over-the-counter gel containing Benzoyl Peroxide or Adapalene once daily at night, as these help reduce bacteria, inflammation, and clogged pores. Try not to pick or squeeze pimples, keep hair and oily products away from the forehead, and maintain a balanced diet with less oily or sugary food while managing stress and getting adequate sleep. If the acne continues to worsen, causes scarring, or does not improve after 6–8 weeks of consistent treatment, it would be advisable to seek medical evaluation when possible, as prescription medicines may be required.
For persistent acne in teenagers, it’s important to target both the oil production and inflammation while considering cost-effective options. Start with using a gentle, foaming face cleanser containing salicylic acid; it helps unclog pores and reduce oily skin. Wash your face twice daily, but avoid over-washing as it might strip your skin and trigger more oil production. You can also incorporate benzoyl peroxide into your routine, available in affordable over-the-counter spot treatments or gels; it helps kill acne-causing bacteria. Apply it to affected areas, but be aware it can bleach fabrics, so use cautiously. As your acne sounds inflammatory, you may benefit from an over-the-counter adapalene gel, a topical retinoid known for its efficacy against acne. Start with a low concentration and apply it before bedtime. Ensure you’re consistent, as retinoids take time to show effects, usually a few weeks. Also, non-comedogenic moisturizers can balance your skin’s hydration without worsening the oiliness. Tweak your lifestyle, like reducing dairy intake and maintaining a well-balanced diet, as diet can sometimes impact acne. Avoid picking or squeezing pimples to minimize scarring and potential infection. If acne worsens or doesn’t improve after several weeks, seeking professional help might still be the next step, possibly exploring community health clinics or virtual consultations, which might be more affordable. With ongoing persistence, the condition may improve, though patience is crucial as these treatments take time.
