Brief Answer: Acne Detailed Answer: Hello and Welcome to Healthcaremagic. I am Dr. Kakkar and I have understood your concern Acne is a very common problem in young. Acne commonly involves face, trunk, chest and shoulders (all these areas are rich in sebaceous glands). Treatment of acne required diligence and patience both on the part of the patient and the doctor. General measures to follow: --Use a mild cleanser like cetaphil twice daily. Harsh cleansing causes the skin to become excessively dry which in turn causes rebound oiliness. --Avoid all the regular use creams, moisturisers, sunscreens that you may be using for the time being till you are on anti-acne treatment. --Avoid taking facials. --Avoid picking your acne. Since Acne and seborrheic dermatitis/dandruff are usually associated it is advisable to use an Anti-dandruff shampoo since acne is worsened by dandruff. Specific treatment for acne: --Oral Antibiotics: For inflammatory acne(papules and pustules) I usually advice my patients to start with one of the oral antibiotics like Azithromycin/ Doxycycline/ Minocycline. The antibiotics can be continued for 4-12 weeks depending on the response. --Oral Retinoids: For severe acne OR for acne unresponsive to traditional anti-acne medications, Isotretinoin can be started. It the only drug which offers any chance of long term cure and after a full course of isotretinoin significant number of people never have a recurrence of there acne. It should be taken under the supervision of a dermatologist because of certain lab tests which are to be done before and during treatment with isotretinoin. Topical treatment: Is a valuable adjunct to any form of acne treatment. Mainly two classes of drugs are used topically --Topical Antibacterials: Dermatologists around the world prescribe topical gels/creams containing topical antibiotics like either clindamycin 1%/ benzoyl peroxide 2.5% OR Nadifloxacin during the day time. I would advice you to see a dermatologist and get a prescription out for your problem after having a discussion with him keeping all these points in mind. I am here to help you with any clarifications you desire. take care regards

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Brief Answer: Acne Detailed Answer: Hi. Isotretinoin, should be taken only under the supervision of a dermatologist because of certain lab tests which are to be done before and during treatment with isotretinoin e.g Lipid profile and Liver functon tests. In addition to oral retinoids you must also use topical antiacne remedies e.g benzoyl peroxide gel. Most common side effects with isotretinoin are mucocutaneous like cheilitis/dryness of lips, skin dryness etc. They are reversible once the treatment is completed. Laser is not a popular remedy for acne. Laser is utilised mainly for acne scars and post acne redness. regards

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Brief Answer: Acne Detailed Answer: Hi. Total dose of Isotretinoin that should be taken is 120-140mg/kg. For a complete course in e.g a 60 kg man it comes out to be 12 months of 20mg, once daily or 6 months of 20mg, twice daily. The chances of relapse are more likely, if the course is incomplete. In addition to oral retinoids you must also use topical antiacne remedies e.g benzoyl peroxide gel. Repeat course of isotretinoin can be started. regards

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Brief Answer: You are Welcome Detailed Answer: Thanks for posting your query on Healthcaremagic regards

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