My dermatologist made an appointment to see me next week...does this mean he expects me to be acne-free? uh-oh?

Hi. I%26#039;m 19 and have had acne since 13. I finally moved out of the house and was able to see a dermatologist 3 weeks ago. He prescribed me Retin A cream and antibiotics. I didn%26#039;t use the antibiotics because I%26#039;m scared I%26#039;ll become immune...and I have a bad immune system as it is.


But I have been using the Retin A cream as directed with sunblock/cetaphil etc. My face didn%26#039;t break out until this week and now my skin is peeling and I have bumps all over. Last week my skin was near clear! WTF? :(


Anyways, does the dermatologist expect me to have clear skin next week...is it even possible? Thanks ^^|||Yes, they are saying not to over use antibiotics. Many pediatricians ordered antibiotics for viral infection r/t mothers insisting on getting a prescription for their child%26#039;s colds and other viral diseases.





Now antibiotics are not used a much for ear infections, sinus infections and other problems that appear viral or trivial.





Your problem will respond well to the antibiotic that MD ordered. It is probably Erythromycin which would not be one that it would cause a serious problem if you did become immune to it. I expect the dermatologist will just use this until your face improves. This works well as my son took it for a while with good results. He used a topical lotion for his face also. When his face was clear, the antibiotic was discontinue and he stayed on the topical lotion as needed.





Here are the side effects of Retin A:





Adverse Reactions: The skin of certain sensitive individuals may become excessively red, edematous, blistered,


or crusted. If these effects occur, the medication should either be discontinued until the integrity of the skin is


restored, or the medication should be adjusted to a level the patient can tolerate.





Some individuals have been reported to have heightened susceptibility to sunlight while under


treatment with RETIN-A.





To date, all adverse effects of RETIN-A have been reversible upon discontinuance of


therapy.





Overdosage: If medication is applied excessively, no more rapid or better results will be obtained and marked


redness, peeling, or discomfort may occur.





Dosage and Administration: RETIN-A Gel, Cream or Liquid should be applied once a day, before retiring, to the


skin where acne lesions appear, using enough to cover the entire affected area lightly.





If you are paying a doctor to treat you, you should follow their directions or discuss your hesitation with any part of the treatment.


Doctors do expect their patients to take medications as directed.





You can have clear skin but it may take up to 6 weeks or more if you don%26#039;t take the antibiotic.





Why isn%26#039;t your immune system up to par?





Here are a few things to help your immune system:





Eat a healthy vegetable full diet. Especially the colorful ones.


Get 8 hours of sleep an night.


Don%26#039;t use recreational drugs, including alcohol.


Get regular exercise, daily.


Manage your stress.


Promote good relationships.





Look up more on these subjects so you are well informed on things that impact your health.|||I used to use Retin A and the peeling is a normal side-effect in that cream (doctor should%26#039;ve told you), the bumps i%26#039;m not entirely sure, but your Dermatologist just wants to see your skin%26#039;s progression|||Your dermatologist doesn%26#039;t expect you to have clear skin. He is just interested to see if there is any improvement. If there%26#039;s not, he may prescribe something stronger.