Hi there, I am having an issue with my skin. I have eczema and sometimes it gets worse when I am feeling stressed or when the weather gets too humid. How can I mitigate this? Thank you.
I hear you - it can be frustrating dealing with persistent acne, especially when it doesn’t seem to improve with time. Yes, isotretinoin (Accutane) is an effective treatment option for moderate to severe acne that hasn’t responded well to other treatments. It works by shrinking the oil glands in youRead more
I hear you – it can be frustrating dealing with persistent acne, especially when it doesn’t seem to improve with time. Yes, isotretinoin (Accutane) is an effective treatment option for moderate to severe acne that hasn’t responded well to other treatments. It works by shrinking the oil glands in your skin, which helps reduce oil production, clogged pores, and inflammation. Many people see significant, long-lasting improvement after taking the medication.
Dermatologists like myself typically recommend it when conventional acne treatments are not effective. It is also useful for nodulocystic acne. Nowadays it is given in a low dose regime to reduce side-effects without compromising efficacy
This medication can have potential side effects:
- Mucosal areas like the lips and eyes as well as the skin can become very dry when on isotretinoin and so you need to use moisturisers and lip balm
- Isotretinoin can cause increased sun sensitivity and you need to use a sunscreen when outdoors
- The medication can cause serious birth defects, so female patients must use strict contraception while on it.
Regular blood tests may be needed especially if you are on high doses.
Since your acne has persisted for years without improvement, it’s a good idea to consult a dermatologist. A dermatologist is a skin expert in acne who can assess your acne severity, identify any trigger factors and discuss the treatment options with you. If you need isotretinion, your dermatologist can guide you through the treatment plan and possible side-effects.
In the meantime, you can also manage your acne by using skincare products for acne-prone skin, reducing foods in your diet that you notice may cause acne flare-ups, and managing stress (which can also cause acne flares).
Wishing you all the best in your skincare journey!
Consultant Dermatologist
Joyce Lim Skin & Laser Clinic
The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.
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Hi, I’m Dr. Paul Yow – Director of Aesthetic Medicine at Eagle Aesthetics and Surgery and I hope the following answer will be useful to you! You have correctly identified that stress and weather/environmental changes can trigger eczema flares in persons with sensitive skin or difficult to manage eczRead more
Hi, I’m Dr. Paul Yow – Director of Aesthetic Medicine at Eagle Aesthetics and Surgery and I hope the following answer will be useful to you!
You have correctly identified that stress and weather/environmental changes can trigger eczema flares in persons with sensitive skin or difficult to manage eczema. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to mitigate the flares and soothe the skin faster.
With regards to which type – as there are many brands out there, I would advise for a moisturizer that is adequate for your lifestyle and one that does not irritate your skin. For example – you can consider a thicker moisturiser for the night especially if you sleep in an airconditioned room. The main takeaway would be to find a moisturiser that you will apply frequently and just keep reapplying it.
In the case of a bad flare, it is always good to see a doctor early to review the condition and see if medical treatment such as topical steroids to control the flare or anti-histamines to control the itch are required. Delaying a review can often lead to a prolongation of the flare and may contribute to other side effects such as excoriations and infections from scratching at the eczema sites.
If there are certain instances or products you know will cause a flare – do your best to avoid them to reduce the chance of a flare occurring.
If you have any concerns about your options, feel free to reach out for more information. Happy to help answer any more questions!
Dr. Paul Yow
Director of Aesthetic Medicine
Eagle Aesthetics & Surgery
Instagram: Dr. Paul Yow
The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.
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