Does 2.0% fusidic acid help to clear up cystic acne? Are there any side effects (such as more breakouts)?

Doctor's Answers 1

Aesthetic

I would stick to Epiduo and Oratane (please complete the course as well).

I would not recommend topical Betamethasone and Fusidic Acid as they are not recommended 1st-line treatment options for acne at all.

There are other topical antibiotic creams to consider that are more effective against the bacteria in acne such as Clindamycin and Erythromycin.

For cystic acne, sometimes it may need to be extracted/ drained and injectable steroids would be more effective at arresting the inflammation and swelling as opposed to topical creams.

Hope that helps.

All the best!

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Dr Colin Theng

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Where can I seek treatment for cystic acne in Singapore? What is the best cystic acne treatment?

Thanks for the very helpful picture. Your condition is typical of moderate to severe acne, due to the presence of active pimples, acne scars and comedones (or blackheads). The dark coloured, bigger lumps that you described is an infected cyst – the reason why it’s tender, swollen and dark coloured, is because your body mounts an inflammatory response to the clogged pores and trapped bacteria; similar to how your other pimples are formed.