Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Acne and oily skin
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
|
Acne and oily skin
by delta, Aug 11, 2000 12:00AM
I have 2 separate questions-one about acne and one about my skin in general. I'll address acne first. I'm 38 years old and female. I have always had acne to some degree. I was on birth control pills for about 15 years and I assume that helped control my acne. I had breakouts but not like I do now. I have since had my children and have had my tubes tied-no need for the pills anymore. Now my skin is horrible and keeps getting worse. I have the type of breakouts that are like cysts, but after much "picking" eventually go away. But they are nasty and painful. They leave red patches, but no real scarring. Here is my concern-I finally saw a dermatologist for the first time this week. He spent about 5 minutes with me, gave me a prescription for Acutane 40 mg to take daily along with Cefton to help control the first month. He says to return in 1 month to be checked, but mentioned nothing about bloodwork. Is this a normal first line of treatment for my age group and what side affects should I expect? The only side effects he mentioned was pregnancy, which isn't a concern for me since I've had a tubal and dry lips.
My second question is about my skin in general. I've always had oily skin. I've never used lotions and creams on my legs or arms, and sunscreen was always avoided-I don't spend a lot of time in the sun. This is the problem. When I do use lotions on areas like my feet and hands, my skin doesn't absorb them. The lotion really just sits on top of the skin and I have to wipe it off. Is this normal? As I approach middle age, I feel I should take better care of my skin. Can you recommend a lotion that might actually be absorbed? I feel most of my age shows in my hands (I'm 5 feet tall and weigh 90 pounds).
Thanks for any help you can provide.
My second question is about my skin in general. I've always had oily skin. I've never used lotions and creams on my legs or arms, and sunscreen was always avoided-I don't spend a lot of time in the sun. This is the problem. When I do use lotions on areas like my feet and hands, my skin doesn't absorb them. The lotion really just sits on top of the skin and I have to wipe it off. Is this normal? As I approach middle age, I feel I should take better care of my skin. Can you recommend a lotion that might actually be absorbed? I feel most of my age shows in my hands (I'm 5 feet tall and weigh 90 pounds).
Thanks for any help you can provide.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Aug 14, 2000 12:00AM
, Aug 14, 2000 12:00AM
Delta:
Accutane is not an unreasonable choice for cystic acne, epsecially when pregnancy is not an issue. Generally, monthly blood tests are advised, to check liver enzymes and triglyceride levels. Other than dry lips, side effects are few and not too bad.
For oily skin I suggest Theraplex clear lotion as a moisturizer, Cetaphil oily skin cleanser, and a sport gel sunscreen.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Accutane is not an unreasonable choice for cystic acne, epsecially when pregnancy is not an issue. Generally, monthly blood tests are advised, to check liver enzymes and triglyceride levels. Other than dry lips, side effects are few and not too bad.
For oily skin I suggest Theraplex clear lotion as a moisturizer, Cetaphil oily skin cleanser, and a sport gel sunscreen.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Communities
Ask a Doctor Forums
Tools and Applications
Personal Information
Medical Information
Doctors and Partners