Which acne cream causes dry, flaky skin and burns?

Question

Hi doctor,

Recently, I have been prescribed Tretinoin 0.25 cream and Benzoyl peroxide gel for my mild acne but ever since I started I have been getting dry and flaky skin around my eyes and mouth and burns on my cheek. Which cream is causing this? And how do I continue using them, if so?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I have gone through your case. Actually, it is a very common side effect of Tretinoin cream and sometimes Clindamycin and Benzoyl peroxide also causes it. My opinion is to stop both medicines for a week. If you have severe burning use Hydrocortisone cream only on burning areas for seven days only and then stop it. Also, use Vaseline lotion. First, apply on your hand and then tap your face with very little lotion in order to make your skin soft. If you apply more lotion then it will make your skin oily. After one week when your redness settles down then start with Clindamycin and Benzoyl peroxide gel only and apply only on lesions.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.