I've been dealing with this annoying acne problem for quite some time now. It keeps showing up, disappearing, and then coming back again. My current derm has put me on tretiva 30, and Ive also done chemical peels about eight times. Yet, Im still getting these pesky pimples. Im curious if I should continue with my current treatment or try something different. What do you think?

Dr Dhankecha Dineshbhai

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 6+ Yrs

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It's great that you're already consulting a dermatologist for your acne concerns. Given your 7-8 year history with acne, it's not surprising that it's been a persistent issue.

Tretiva 30 mg and chemical peels:

1. Tretiva 30 mg: This medication, containing isotretinoin, is commonly used to treat severe acne. The fact that your acne has reduced considerably is a positive sign.
2. Chemical peels: These can help improve skin texture, reduce acne scars, and control acne. Having done 8 sessions in 3 months is a good effort.

Pimples persisting:

Despite the treatments, pimples persisting can be frustrating. This might be due to various factors, such as:

1. Hormonal fluctuations: Acne can be influenced by hormonal changes.
2. Bacterial resistance: Acne-causing bacteria might develop resistance to treatments.
3. Skin care routine: Inconsistent or inadequate skin care might contribute to persistent acne.
4. Underlying skin conditions: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or inflammatory bowel disease can increase the risk of acne.

Answered 04/07/2025