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A 32-year-old female asked:
how to get rid of acne?
37 doctor answers • 56 doctors weighed in

Dr. Zachary Veres answered
Family Medicine 18 years experience
Acne: multiple creams and medications can be used to get rid of acne, see your doctor for help
2625 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Jerome Litt answered
Dermatology 71 years experience
GET RID OF ACNE: THE BEST WAY TO GET RID OF ACNE IS TO SEE A DERMATOLOGIST! THIS IS THE DOCTOR WHO CAN ORDER MEDICATIONS AND GIVE YOU ADVICE.
UNTIL YOU CAN SEE ONE, I SUGGEST YOU CUT OUT ALL NUTS, NO CHOCOLATE, AND CUT DOWN ON DAIRY PRODUCTS!
BEST LUCK . . .
2625 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Ed Friedlander answered
Pathology 44 years experience
Not curable: Acne is unrelated to lifestyle and you cannot get rid of it until it self-cures. What you can do is manage it. I was able to stop using treatment when I was 50. If topical benzoyl peroxide has not cleared you in two weeks, get with your physician. He/she will add an antibiotic, spironolactone, the oral contraceptive pill, and/or something that will work. You have full control here. Best wishes.
2625 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Larry Xanthopoulos answered
Pediatrics 22 years experience
Multiple steps: 1. Wash face with mild soap and water 2-3x/day
2. Apply benzoyl peroxide nightly
3. Add or replace with tretinoin topically if benzoyl not working
4. Add topical clindamycin if tretinoin not working
5. Add oral abx if acne spread all over the body (not just face)
2620 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Catherine Carroll answered
Internal Medicine 11 years experience
Be kind to your skin: Treating adult acne can be a challenge. The first step is to be kind to your skin and clean it with a gentle cleanser. Harsh scrubbing and strong soaps can make acne worse. The second step is to try the over the counter treatments available. Consult with your doctor to see which ones are right for you. The last step is to avoid picking at your acne as this can lead to scarring and inflammation.
2454 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Stephen Southard answered
Internal Medicine 15 years experience
No easy answer: And the best treatment options depend on the type, severity and distribution of your acne. There is no one size fits all. You may want to address this with your PCP as now there are so many options out there to manage/control acne.
2332 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A Verified Doctor answered
A US doctor answered Learn more
Acne? see a doctor: Prescribed acne treatment with creams and oral medication is effective - but don't expect overnight miracles. For more information see
http://www.dermnetnz.org/acne/acne.html
1539 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Gerardo Guerra Bonilla answered
Family Medicine 12 years experience
Reduce acne: ●Wash your face twice a day with warm water, and do not use harsh soaps. Instead, use a gentle non-soap facial skin cleanser (Cetaphil).
●Do not pick or squeeze pimples. This can make acne worse and damage the skin.
●Avoid oil-based make-up and skin products. Look for non-comedogenic products.
If you have mild acne, you can try non-prescription acne products.
1288 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A Verified Doctor answered
A US doctor answered Learn more
Acne treatment: Acne can be treated by medicated fascial wash ( available in grocery stores and over the counter too ), creams, certain contraceptive pills, antibiotics and other medications . Please consult with your doctor to see which one is most appropriate for you.
942 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Robert Kwok answered
Pediatrics 33 years experience
Start medications: For treatment of acne, over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide gel/cream is quite helpful. If desired, a doctor can add an antibiotic gel/cream such as Cleocin (clindamycin phosphate) gel. If more help is needed, prescription retinoids such as Retin-A or differin gel can be used instead of benzoyl peroxide. Oral antibiotics such as tetracycline can be used also. If acne is quite severe, a dermatologist might use oral accutane.
6088 viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Maritza Baez answered
Family Medicine 17 years experience
Pangea Organics: I recommend the discovery kit for oily/blemish skin for only $34 and free shipping until labor day. The high antioxidant content found in these certified organic botanical products (not dangerous chemicals) supports collagen retention, helps stimulate micro-circulation, gently purifies, brightens skin tone and helps prevent discoloration and moisture loss. http://bit.ly/17wwcjw.
5194 viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Barry Auster answered
Dermatology 47 years experience
See below: Depends on the type of acne.Superficial types are treated topically. Deeper types require oral Ned's.
773 viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Gurmukh Singh answered
Pathology 49 years experience
Regular care: Please consult this site for effective home care for acne:
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/acne-vulgaris-home-treatment
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form.
Practice safe sex.
773 viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged

Dr. James Ferguson answered
Pediatrics 46 years experience
Grow out of it !!: For most this is a disorder of the teen years & disappears when they age out of it. Some will battle with it well into their 30's and beyond. Until then you learn how to manage it daily. Your doc, OTC products and occasional prescriptions are part of the process. You don't get rid of it like a bad appendix, you learn how to keep it under control until it disappears.
414 viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Roman Bronfenbrener answered
Dermatology 9 years experience
Meds: Many patients do well with over the counter benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid preparations. Some patients require topical or oral antibiotics or retinoids as well. If the over the counter meds alone don't control your acne after a month of daily use, see a doctor for additional treatment options. It is important to be persistent, and some patients "get worse before they get better".
5692 viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged

Dr. David Sire answered
Dermatology 54 years experience
Many options: Acne is not a disease but a response to hormaones of the pilosebaceous apparatus. It has many expressions from the mildest comedones to the most severe cystic acne. Treatment depends on the age of the patient and the severity of the acne. Some mild acne needs only topical agents and the more severe acne may require signifigant oral medications, hormonal therapy or lasers.
5684 viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Joseph Eastern answered
Dermatology 44 years experience
Antibiotics, B.P.: Antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide have yielded consistently excellent results for more than 50 years. A dermatologist will give you prescriptions for the combination that works best for you. Don't waste your money on herbal nonsense; it doesn't work, and it will only delay resolution and increase your risk of permanent scarring.
5506 viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Mark Johnson answered
Aesthetic Medicine 26 years experience
OTC acne treatments: First, wash your face with a mildly exfoliative (not mechanically like grit) soap, using onlly your fingers and working in circles going up. Rinse with just water and pat dry.
As to products, look for the following ingredients in the product:
benzoyl peroxide
salicylic acid
alpha hydroxy acids
sulfur
in general, start with them in that order but feel free to experiment.
5506 viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Maritza Baez answered
Family Medicine 17 years experience
Acne: Don't wash your face with body soap. Also don't use alcohol or comedogenic products on your face. Try to find an acne wash system like neutrogena, pangea organics or something with benzoyl peroxide. Following low sodium diet might help too, since acne-causing bacteria like salt. You can try to prevent spreading bacteria onto your face by not touching your face, washing your phone, etc.
4878 viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Arlo Miller answered
Dermatology 15 years experience
Rx: Topical antibiotics are often helpful. Your dermatologist can help with this.
5306 viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Ed Friedlander answered
Pathology 44 years experience
Scientific Rx: Benzoyl peroxide is your best over-the-counter remedy. If not clear in two weeks, your physician can write for topical clindamycin, a topical retinoic acid derivative, or some systemic medication as appropriate. All acne can be managed successfully nowadays. Best wishes.
5024 viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Michael Fisher answered
Dermatology 32 years experience
Acne: Acne can be treated by prescription topical medications such as epiduo, acanya, ziana, and others. Oral prescription antibiotics such as solodyn (minocycline) or Monodox are also helpful. See your local dermatologist for help with treatment of your acne.
5018 viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Ed Friedlander answered
Pathology 44 years experience
Scientific Rx: Two weeks trial of topical benzoyl peroxide alone. This clears most mild acne. If not clear, physician's office visit. Options may include topical retinoic acid derivative, topical clindamycin, the oral contraceptive pill for a woman who can take it, and/or an appropriate systemic antibiotic right for the patient. Tough cases referred for isotretinoin. Manage as a chronic disease. Good luck.
5014 viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Ed Friedlander answered
Pathology 44 years experience
Scientific Rx: Home remedies are only adjuncts. If topical benzoyl peroxide has failed after two weeks, get with your physician. Acne is a serious, chronic, non-lifestyle-related disease that a competent physician can manage effectively. If someone's interfering with your getting care, blaming you or preferring a folk remedy, initiate the contact with your doctor yourself.
4992 viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Tom Pousti answered
Specializes in Plastic Surgery
See Dermatologist: Best to be seen by a well experienced board-certified dermatologist; nothing replaces in person history and physical when it comes to good medical care/recommendations. Best wishes.
4720 viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Robert Kwok answered
Pediatrics 33 years experience
Start medications: For treatment of acne, over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide gel/cream is quite helpful. If desired, a doctor can add an antibiotic gel/cream such as Cleocin (clindamycin phosphate) gel. If more help is needed, prescription retinoids such as Retin-A or differin gel can be used instead of benzoyl peroxide. Oral antibiotics such as tetracycline can be used also. If acne is quite severe, a dermatologist might use oral accutane.
4536 viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Ed Friedlander answered
Pathology 44 years experience
Scientific Rx: Acne cannot be cured. You must manage it until it remits on its own. It is unrelated to hygiene or lifestyle and only marginally to diet. No "pop" cure works. Anyone telling you otherwise is lying. If topical benzoyl peroxide as tolerated has not cleared you in two weeks, get with your personal physician who can add a prescription-strength rx.
4148 viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Nazhat Sharma answered
Ophthalmology 58 years experience
Acne: Eat less Carbohydrate-rich foods, avoid certain medications including Corticosteroids, androgens, lithium. Avoid oil based cosmetics. Keep skin clean and dry Use sun protection. Try not to touch your skin. Talk to your Dermatologist for various treatment options from medication to laser.
Hope this helps.
3833 viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Ed Friedlander answered
Pathology 44 years experience
Scientific Rx: Ignore everything you read on the internet and that people tell you. Acne is unrelated to hygiene and lifestyle and minimally to diet. If topical benzoyl peroxide as tolerated has not cleared you in two weeks, your personal physician can add medication that will.
3780 viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged

A Verified Doctor answered
A US doctor answered Learn more
Consult physician: For medication, both topical and if necessary oral medication.
2828 viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Katharine Cox answered
Pediatric Emergency Medicine 45 years experience
Acne: Good hygiene and diet. Topical and oral antibiotics and if you qualify oral vitamin A. It will depend on how severe your acne is. All the best.
2475 viewsAnswered Jan 7, 2019Merged

Dr. Dean Giannone answered
Internal Medicine 25 years experience
Acne=infection.: Acne is truly an infection within the pores of the skin, so any effective treatment for acne should initially include both a drying agent (i.e. benzoyl peroxide) and an antibiotic (which could be topical or oral).
788 viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Charles Gordon answered
Specializes in Adolescent Medicine
Depends: There are plenty of OTC preps containing benzoyl peroxide which frequently helps. If you have severe pitting acne there is a very effective medicine for that but it is strictly regulated and can be quite dangerous. See a good dermatologist and discuss your concerns.
2212 viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Dean Giannone answered
Internal Medicine 25 years experience
Acne=infection.: Acne is truly an infection within the pores of the skin, so any effective treatment for acne should initially include both a drying agent (i.e. benzoyl peroxide) and an antibiotic (which could be topical or oral).
788 viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Natalie Hodge answered
Pediatrics 26 years experience
Several Things: You can start with a 10% benzoyl peroxide wash, depending on severity, we also use an antibiotic which treats the bacteria which is implicated in acne. We can prescribe these in a Prime Visit. On a tight budget? Start with a 2% salicylic acid wash twice daily. You can find a generic at Walmart. It is in a clear bottle and appears orange. Best of Luck!
1937 viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Dean Giannone answered
Internal Medicine 25 years experience
Acne=infection.: Acne is truly an infection within the pores of the skin, so any effective treatment for acne should initially include both a drying agent (i.e. benzoyl peroxide) and an antibiotic (which could be topical or oral).
1937 viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Clarence Grim answered
Endocrinology 57 years experience
Ache: Rest is best.
450 viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
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Dr. Jerome Litt answered
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ACNE: Acne is the result of hormonal changes, particularly in adolescence. You can prevent it by eliminating nuts and peanut butter, stopping chocolate; cutting down on dairy products. Wash with neutrogena acne wash; apply a bpo (benzoyl peroxide) cream or lotion -- something like clearasil -- on the affected areas at night. If it persists, see a dermatologist who may prescribe an antibiotic for you.
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A 23-year-old member asked:
Hiw to get rid.Of acne?
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Dr. Ahmad M Hadied answered
Orthopedic Surgery 49 years experience
It is not that easy: This one milloin dollar question:acne can be caused by just about anything. Too much of the same foods, not enough of this or that in diet, environmental reasons and on and on. There are as many reasons as there are treatments and every ones will be different. Most think it is due to hormones.I think the best thing to do, find dermatologist you trust and follow his recomendations. Thank you, good.
6004 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
1 comment

Dr. Yash Khanna commented
Family Medicine 57 years experience
There is lot of help for teenagers who suffer from acne.It can be treated with benzyl peroxide wash.local antibiotis gels or creams,oral antibiotics,retin a preparations and in severe cases laser treatments.So it is true you can get rid od acne with proper treatment and you should consult a dermatologist or a competent pediatrician who feels comfortable treating this condition
Feb 26, 2012
NJ
A 18-year-old member asked:
How to get rid of acne naturally?
5 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Tara Passow answered
Dermatology 40 years experience
Thyme: I heard about thyme oil on the people's pharmacy. I haven't had a chance to try it yet. You might want to check their books and/or website for more info and details.
5894 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
How can I getting rid of acne?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Ed Friedlander answered
Pathology 44 years experience
Scientific Rx: Benzoyl peroxide for starters. If not sufficient, topical Clindamycin and/or a topical retinoic acid derivative the latter especially if there are a lot of blackheads. Next step for a lady is the oral contraceptive pill if it is right for her. Then a systemic antibiotic right for the person. The big guns is accutae, not pleasant cheap or without risks but hugely effective and very much worth it.
5150 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
How to get rid of subclinical acne?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Ed Friedlander answered
Pathology 44 years experience
No such thing: If acne bothers you, it is not "subclinical". You deserve better than to have something like this trivialized. It's a serious chronic disease that can be a grave personal and professonal problem. If topical benzoyl peroxide has not cleared you in two weeks, please see your physician about adding a prescription-strength rx.
4882 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Jan 7, 2019
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