Q: I am 24 year old and I am suffering from acne & pimples for the past 2 years. I have tried most of the possibilities to get rid of this but failed. I have problem of allergy in my skin. Whenever I get my shave done and when I face my wash, the skin irritates & makes me to scrub the skin. I hope you can help me out in this & assist me for proper treatment.

A:Acne usually starts in adolescence and resolves by mid twenties. About 20% people with acne require treatment. About 1% of males will continue to have significant acne even till the age of 40 years. This is the natural history of acne. The aim of the treatment is to control the problem and prevent permanent disfigurement of acne. Once this is achieved, the medication is reduced to the maintenance level and this is continued till there is spontaneous resolution of acne. The amount and kind of medication required to achieve this varies from person to person. Therefore your treating doctor is in the best position to determine the dosage and combination of medicines. Your second problem appears to be contact dermatitis to one of the components of shaving. Stop them and see what happens.