I am a 38 year old mexican female. I had a miscarriage 3 years ago, which most likely triggered cystic acne breakouts I get every month, around my period. About 6 months ago, I went on Doxycline and Spironalacton, which greatly controlled the acne, although I still get occasional whiteheads and blackheads.
I don't want to be on medication forever, so I consulted with my dermatologist, who suggested several treatments. One of these is PDT, but she's also worried about discoloration. I went somwhere for a second opinion, and the nurse said I should have Levulan with the DUSA blue light. She said she uses it on dark patients and has never seen anyone hyperpigment. What do you think about the blue light vs. PDT? Which should I go for?
95 posts
5 Dec 2008
Levulan with blue light is a type of PDT. Physicians can prepare your skin prior to the PDT to remarkably reduce the likelihood of PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Other treatments for acne include light therapy and lasers. It may take a combination of therapies to control the outbreaks. The fact that you're on spironolactone which seems to help, indeed suggest a significant hormonal contribution to your acne. You may want to discuss the possibility of polycystic ovarian syndrome and definitively treating that if indeed you have it.