How do I manage my acne marks and sticky, flaky dandruff?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am suffering from two major problems from the past three years. Acne and marks and Sticky oily dandruff. Scalp flakes do not get dislodged even after shampooing. I have to dig my comb into the scalp to remove the flakes which lead to bleeding in certain areas and forms crusts. I have opted for light glycolic acid peels but did not make any difference and had few sittings of Nd: YAG laser hair removal.

I have been through several treatments which made only things worse. I keep my face and hair very clean. I shampoo hair on alternate days, change pillow covers, wash face twice a day, and apply sunscreen while going out. I workout every day and follow a clean diet barring oily foods. Yet my face is oily, dull, full of blemishes and I get painful pimples. I want to remove my acne blemishes and revive my dull face. Please help me.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You have been following all the right advice. Continue the same for the face. As for the scalp, I think since it does not get resolved with antidandruff medication and there is crusting involved, my diagnosis would go in favor of scalp psoriasis. However, I cannot guarantee it before a personal examination. I suggest using a solution containing Coal tar and Salicylic acid on your scalp at night one hour before bedtime and sleep. On the next day shampoo with Ketoconazole.

Repeat this process for 10 days. You will see a difference. Based on your progress we shall change some medicines after two weeks. For the face, I suggest gel containing Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide twice and facewash with 2 percent Salicylic acid). Continue capsule Isotretinoin 20 mg once at night for 10 days and follow up positively after 10 days.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at icliniq.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Lotion, gel, and shampoo you mentioned are all from reputed national companies and easy to find at a popular pharmacy who keeps dermatology medications. Lotion should be applied on to the scalp directly like how it is written on the label. Shampoo should be kept on the scalp for two minutes after foaming and do not mix it with water when applying. Apply directly on wet scalp. Take liberal quantity.

Apply gel over and around the acne at night and then once comfortable, start in morning too. Avoid sun exposure and rubbing of the face while doing facewash. Gel might sting initially or you may feel hot and dry over the skin but that resolves as your skin adjusts to the cream. Do not worry about it. In case of extreme redness and burning, make it alternate days application. Update me your progress after 10 to 12 days for the further plan of action.

I hope this has helped you.

Thank you.