Question: I am a 34-year-old Caucasian man. I have terrible acne all over my back, so I am trying to find out what the best treatment would be. I have been using an acne body wash but it does not seem to be helping much. What other treatments do you recommend?
Answer: As a facial plastic surgeon, I do not consider myself an expert on acne treatment of the back and I would, therefore, recommend that you have a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist to see what best treatment options are available. I would mention though that there are certain other topical applications of antibiotic gels or even oral antibiotics that can improve acne if patients are extremely resistant to these products, then consideration of the use of Accutane may be prudent. Accutane is extraordinarily strong in its effect regarding acne and certainly comes with various potential side effects but, for acne that is truly uncontrolled in any other way, Accutane can be a miracle for those patients who are suffering. I certainly do not prescribe Accutane personally but refer my patients in need of such a product to a board-certified dermatologist.
