[thedoc (OP)]

Lebo asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hi Dr. Smith!

I am Lebo, a very big fan of yours from South Africa and I would like to know if any cure for the pimples.  Please help as Im one of the victims who spend lots of money on products which do not work and I dont know what to do anymore.

What do you think?

[CliffordK]

TIME cures all!!!!!! 

Keep in mind that the acne is a "normal" part of teenage life.  Many of the internally taken medications can have severe side effects.  Topical meds may have less systemic absorption, and thus less systemic side effects.

Although, one might be concerned about long-term scarring from the most severe types of acne.  Normally over time mild acne will go away with little or no scarring.

There are a few medications such as Accutane/Isotretinoin that are available for the most severe types of acne.  It can have severe side effects, and it is absolutely contraindicated in any young woman that either is pregnant, or has any chance of becoming pregnant. 

There also have been some studies on the use of antibiotics for the treatment of acne.  Unfortunately I'm not up on the latest meds.  Perhaps Chris will chime in.

[Kryptid]

Time hasn't cured it for me; I'm 27 and will still have break outs if I don't medicate myself on a regular basis. I use Terminator 10 twice a day. Works like a charm (for me, at least). The active ingredient is Benzoyl Peroxide.

I should perhaps clarify that I cover my face with the stuff as opposed to applying it to a pimple only once it has formed; this medicine seems to be better for preventing them than for quickly healing them.

[CliffordK]

The late 20's?

Is it possible that you have a form of Rosacea?

[Kryptid]

I had never considered that possibility before...

At least my acne meds seem to work on it just fine.

[Titanscape]

My GP prescribed me daily Emycin antibiotics and daily if possible, Phisohex cream. Both antibiotics. Hard to reach, but it is for my back, very slow effects. Effects my pooing and maybe had brought me through unknown infections without sufferings...

[adrianknowles]

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[Colin2B]

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Fortunately there is a cure for pimples like you who try to spam us. Removal