DEAR DR. GOTT: I have noticed a direct correlation between lack of sleep and the eruption and/or proliferation of acne on my face. In fact, I have noticed that I experience a general feeling of being inflamed (breast tenderness, abdominal bloating and body aches) when I miss sleep or it is interrupted. I have found that taking a dose of ibuprofen will stave off the acne or the general feeling of inflammation if I know in advance I will not be getting adequate sleep.
Is this a bad practice? Is there anything I can do to arrest this process when those unavoidable interruptions occur? Is this an indication of a deeper, perhaps hormonal issue that can be treated?
DEAR READER: Acne is often triggered by stress, a common phenomenon that is challenging to treat. You seem to have found an answer to your problem. The regular use of low-dose ibuprofen will not harm you.
I do not believe that you have a hormonal imbalance. On the other hand, you don’t mention your age in your letter. If you are menopausal, hormone replacement therapy could help you. If you are pre-menopausal or post-menopausal, I suggest that you be seen by a gynecologist who can test your hormone levels and offer suggestions.
Your primary care physician can examine you and suggest treatment for your acne. He or she may also choose to refer you to a dermatologist for further evaluation.
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