Roleplay 7: Patient with acne, skin problems and polycystic ovary syndrome
D: Hello, how are you today? What brings you in?
P: Hola, doctor. Estoy preocupada por mi piel. Tengo muchos granitos en la cara, y no sé qué
hacer. He intentado de todo, pero no mejoran.
D: I see. Acne can be frustrating, especially when you’ve tried different treatments. Do you
notice any patterns? For example, does your skin break out more at certain times of the month
or when you’re under stress?
P: Sí, doctor. Mi piel empeora justo antes de mi periodo y cuando me siento muy estresada.
También tengo Síndrome de ovario poliquístico, y he leído que eso puede empeorar el acné.
D: Yes, PCOS can cause hormonal imbalances that trigger acne flare-ups, especially around the
time of your menstrual cycle. Have you noticed any other symptoms like irregular periods,
weight gain, or excessive hair growth?
P: Sí, mis periodos son muy irregulares, y también he notado que subí de peso sin razón.
Además, tengo algo de vello en la cara, lo cual me incomoda mucho.
D: These are all common symptoms of PCOS, and they are likely contributing to the acne. We
can treat the acne by balancing your hormones. I recommend starting with a topical treatment
for your acne, like a serum with salicylic acid, which helps unclog pores and reduce breakouts.
P: ¿Y qué más puedo hacer para mejorar mi piel?
D: In addition to the topical treatments, I would also advise you to pat dry your face gently after
washing it, and avoid rubbing your skin too hard. Don’t pop your pimples, as it can cause scars
and infection. You should also use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer suitable for acne-prone
skin. Would you be open to trying oral medication to help with the hormonal imbalance?
P: Claro, doctor. ¿Eso ayudará con los brotes?
D: Yes, oral contraceptives or anti-androgen medications can help regulate the hormones that
are triggering your acne. If you’re interested, we can discuss the options. It’s also important to
monitor your diet, staying away from foods that trigger inflammation, like sugary or greasy
foods.
P: Gracias, doctor. Intentaré seguir todos estos consejos. Me siento un poco más tranquila
ahora.
D: You're welcome! We’ll monitor your progress, and if the acne doesn’t improve, we can
explore other treatments. Remember, consistency is key in managing both your skin and PCOS.