HealthLine99

Will acne return after treatment?
Maintainance treatment is usually needed to avoid recurrence and relapse is very common after initial cure if treatment discontinued. Maintenance treatment is usually with either benzoyl peroxide or a topical retinoid. These can both be used indefinitely but can be used in lower strength and lower frequency.

Can it be cured?
Acne cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. Medicine and treatment can control acne and help prevent scarring.
How long will it take to improve?
It may take 8 to 12 weeks for you to see an improvement in your acne. Treating acne is a slow process. During the first few weeks of treatment you may notice that your acne seems to get worse. This is because the medicine is working on pimples that you may not yet see. Be patient, do not get discouraged. Continue to use your medicine as directed. If you do not feel well and you are taking medicine, call your doctor or nurse.

How should I clean my skin?
Wash your face with warm water two times every day. Use just your fingertips. Do not rub your face with a washcloth or towel. Blot your skin dry. Too much washing, scrubbing, rubbing or wiping can make your acne worse. Clean your skin gently.

What kind of soap should I use to clean my skin?
Use a mild soap to wash if your skin is dry from the acne medicines. Use an antibacterial soap such as Dial® or Lever 2000® if it is oily. Other recommended soaps are Neutrogena® and Cetaphil® bar soaps. Over use of scrubbing granules, abrasive cleansers or rough puffs can cause your acne to become worse. Avoid medicated soaps when using prescription medicines.

How can I hide the dry or peeling skin?
” Use a facial non-comedogenic moisturizing lotion with SPF
” Gently exfoliate dry skin with a firm facial sponge
” Gently wash the dry areas using soap with beads Acne
” Use acne medicines every other day instead of every day. It may take several weeks for your skin to get used to new acne medicine. The dryness, peeling and irritation should improve within a few weeks.

Can I use moisturizer?
Most acne medicines applied to the skin (topical) and Accutane® are drying. A fragrance- free, non-comedogenic moisturizer can be used if your skin is dry. Look for a face moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher.

Can I use makeup?
Makeup can be used, but should be water-based and non-comedogenic. Oil-based makeup may plug your pores.

Can participating in sports cause my acne to get worse?
Sporting activities can often cause your acne to become worse because:
” There may be rubbing or friction from headgear.
” You may wipe or rub your face more often with your hand, arm or a towel.
” There may be friction during weight-lifting activities.

What are some of the things that cause acne to get worse?
” Picking, squeezing, scratching or scrubbing acne can lead to bacterial infection. It may also lead to permanent scarring and an increase in the size and number of pimples.
” Sitting with your hands or arms touching your face.
” Holding the phone against your face.
” Emotional stress or tension.

Over the counter Products for Acne?

Always check with the doctor before using non-prescription products on your skin while you are getting medical treatment. Some of the over-the-counter products may cause more irritation of your skin. If you are using prescription cream or gel for you acne you should avoid using over-the-counter products containing salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid or benzoyl peroxide.