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What to do about acne and itching after taking Zithromyalgia medication?

Customer Question

Hi there. I have...

Hi there. I have tried 1 million different products and brands and techniques and I honestly just don’t know what to do anymore to find a good skin care routine. All I want is a cleanser and a moisturizer for daily use but I can’t tell what reviews are all hype and what reviews are legitimate. How can I actually find The best products for my skin? What should I look for? What should I avoid?

Doctor's Assistant: The Dermatologist can help. Just a couple quick questions before I transfer you. How long has this been a concern? Are you currently using any medications?

I am not currently using any medication for skin, but I am for other things. I was on spironolactone. I have been on a retinol cream in the past. I am on a birth control pill.

Doctor's Assistant: When did you start using this medication? How much do you use?

Of the birth control? Or the other stuff? I’ve been on antidepressants and diabetes medication for years.

Doctor's Assistant: Anything else in your medical history you think the Dermatologist should know?

I am type one diabetic and I have PCOS. I was on Accutane but that was almost a decade ago. I have not found retinol cream helpful. I am a strict vegetarian and I recently cut out dairy.

Submitted: 2 years ago.Category: Dermatology

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Answered in 1 hour by:

12/21/2020

Dermatologist: DocTW, Doctor replied 2 years ago

DocTW, Doctor

Category: Dermatology

Satisfied Customers: 11,350

Experience: Expert

Verified

Hello and Welcome to Just Answer. I am a medical doctor and will try my best to help. Do you have oily or dry skin?

Customer reply replied 2 years ago

Combinationhello :-)

Dermatologist: DocTW, Doctor replied 2 years ago

Have you tried Differin? It is over the counter.

Customer reply replied 2 years ago

Is it a cream?

Customer reply replied 2 years ago

I actually asked about a cleanser and moisturizerWhat to look for or not look for to actually be effective

Dermatologist: DocTW, Doctor replied 2 years ago

I generally recommend CeraVe. They do have a moisturizer and a facial cleanser. I also recommend a salicylic acid facial wash if you don’t like the CeraVe facial cleanser.

Customer reply replied 2 years ago

Cerave didn't work for me

Dermatologist: DocTW, Doctor replied 2 years ago

What product did you use?

Customer reply replied 2 years ago

Cleanser and moisturizer

Dermatologist: DocTW, Doctor replied 2 years ago

What happened when you used both products?

Customer reply replied 2 years ago

The cleanser still left my pores cloggedMoisturiser was a little big greasy

Dermatologist: DocTW, Doctor replied 2 years ago

The cleaner would work better if you are using a retinoid skin product. Differin, as I was recommending can help.

Customer reply replied 2 years ago

I was using tretinoan at the timeDid I spell that right?It's a retinoidTried tazorac most recently

Dermatologist: DocTW, Doctor replied 2 years ago

What was your exact routine using the tretioin? Most people don’t use it correctly.

Customer reply replied 2 years ago

I tried two ways. Mixing a little into my moisturizer. Then tried putting it on separately after cleansing with my moisturizer over itI can't you it more than 2 or 3 days a weekuse itBad irritation

Dermatologist: DocTW, Doctor replied 2 years ago

The tretinoin actually won’t work by doing it that way. Moisturizer can deactivate the cream. I would recommend washing your face, letting it dry, then applying tretinoin. To decrease irritation, you have to use less on your skin. You can use half a pea-sized amount for your entire face. You can also try a weaker tretinoin.

Customer reply replied 2 years ago

I've been through three different concentrations. And yes, I dry my face after washing before putting it ona few amounts

Dermatologist: DocTW, Doctor replied 2 years ago

Then you need to use even less and try it every other day. Differin may be more gentle than tretinoin for you. You cannot put moisturizer over tretinoin.

Customer reply replied 2 years ago

That's interesting, I didn't know that.I have to use moisturizer though. My skin can't handle it otherwiseIt gets crazy dry and uncomfortable

Dermatologist: DocTW, Doctor replied 2 years ago

You can moisturize twice a day but use Differin by itself at night. CeraVe is recommended by dermatologists as it doesn’t clog skin pores.

Customer reply replied 2 years ago

Does it help to put the differin on if I haven't washed my face? Because if I don't moisturise immediately after washing my face my skin gets extremely dry and uncomfortable

Dermatologist: DocTW, Doctor replied 2 years ago

Your skin is quite sensitive. Using less Differin and maybe every other night would be better than adding a moisturizer. You could try without washing your face as well.

Customer reply replied 2 years ago

ugh, tell me about it haha. But even when I'm not using a retinoid i have the problem with the moisturizingis a retinoid just for scarring and cystic acne? or does it help with blackheads and the under the skin white dots?

Dermatologist: DocTW, Doctor replied 2 years ago

You could also try spironolactone pills as the pcos can cause high testosterone and worsen acne.Retinoids are used for almost everything. Hyperpigmentation, comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and many forms of acne. It increases skin cell turnover so your pores don’t get clogged.

Customer reply replied 2 years ago

how do i get around the moisturizer thing?

Dermatologist: DocTW, Doctor replied 2 years ago

Differin may be better tolerated. Using less each time you use it. Can try every other night.
CeraVe moisturize during morning and afternoon.

Customer reply replied 2 years ago

Ok, thanks for your time

Dermatologist: DocTW, Doctor replied 2 years ago

Good luck. Don’t give up on retinoids. They work well even for sensitive skin. Take care now.

Customer reply replied 2 years ago

Thanks. You have a lovely night

Dermatologist: DocTW, Doctor replied 2 years ago

You too!

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