Frequently Asked Questions About Acne

Do the foods one eats contribute to more pimples?
Although certain patients may find that a particular food or food group may cause an increase in pimples, there is no connection between specific foods and an increase in acne lesions.

Do I need to see a dermatologist or skin specialist for my acne?
Most teenagers will have problems with their acne. Every pediatrician and family practitioner is trained to take care of acne. There are several strengths of each medicine and several different medicines to try. If all of the regimens we try are inadequate, we may together decide that it is appropriate to seek the advise of a specialist.

Why don't the medicines work faster?
Although most other conditions respond within a few days, the treatments for acne take longer. Your body naturally heals most pimples within four to six weeks. During that time, the acne treatments work to prevent new pimples from taking the place of the old ones. Consequently, we wait six weeks generally before we make changes in the treatment plan.

I have heard that acutane can be taken for three or four months and all the acne lesions will go away for good. Why can't I just take it?
Acutane is a very effective medicine, but it is also a potentially harmful one. The most serious side effect is liver damage and acutane is a serious teratogen, that is, it can cause serious birth defects in unborn children. Every female patient must undergo a pregnancy test prior to beginning treatment.

Do I need to take my medicine on an empty stomach?
Tetracycline should be taken on an empty stomach. The newer doxycycline does not need to be taken on an empty stomach. Minocycline also does need to be taken on an empty stomach, but minocycline has several serious side effects: pseudotumor cerebri, medication induced lupus, and autoimmune hepatitis. Erythromycin on the other hand needs to be taken on a full stomach.

Should I stay out of the sun while I'm on medicine for my acne?
The tetracyclines (including doxycycline) will sensitize your skin to sun damage, so you have to be particularly careful. In general, however, a light suntan will improve your acne.