Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners
Treatment options for mild/moderate acne and very oily skin
I'm a female with mild to moderate acne and very oily skin. I believe I may be suffering from hormonal acne, as it is usually painful blind pimples (not cystic) along the jawline and middle lower cheeks that often flare up around that time of the month. I also get blackheads on my nose and whiteheads on my chin, though these aren't severe either.
I have tried many different types of anti-acne topicals over the years, such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, tea tree oil, etc, used in conjunction with a gentle cleanser and non-comedogenic moisturiser. I have also tried birth control, which I stayed on for 18 months before I decided it was ineffective. It had no effect on my skin.
Is it possible to be prescribed some sort of oral medication such as isotretinoin or spironolactone if your acne isn't severe or very consistent, or will doctors not do that? And are regular blood tests required for both these treatments, or can you just have one before beginning treatment?
