spots again

[veryconfusedandupset]

DS2 is 15 and has acne, not really, really bad, so don't think antibiotics appropriate. He has tried various preparations but he has quite sensitive skin and ends up with red rough patches. Does anyone have some recommendations for something that would deal with the spots themselve and also make an impression on his numerous blackheads? He is a bit miserable at the moment as his first girlfriend has just finished with him so I really hope I can find something to make him feel a bit better!

[Hullygully]

There are lots of different things. Take him/send him to the gp. My ds uses Zineryt which is marvellous.

[Macforme]

We have Zineryt too on prescription which isn't bad, but something we have found really good is Panoxyl..(not sure I have spelled it right but that's how you say it!) over the counter gel that comes in different strengths. Alternated with moisturiser as it does dry the skin.

Blackheads... prob not recommended but I pin down both teen sons and get them out, followed by facial clean.. can't abide huge blackheads.... both boys moan but admit they like them gone...

Acne is such a horrible thing to deal with.. I have 4 teens and all have struggled with varying levels of it

[Butterbur]

My son was prescribed Retin A crem, and antibiotics, after years of struggling with Quinoderm cream (benzoyl peroxide).

His skin has cleared up hugely, even the massive blackheads, which were in almost every pore. I think Retin A is the only think that actually affects the blackheads.

I had to go nuclear becauase he was getting quite scarred.

[sue52]

Butterbur May I jump in and ask how long Retin A took to work. My DD has been using it for 2 weeks and her skin has become dry and sensitive and is still spotty. Confusedandupset sorry for the interruption I hope your son is feeling happier.

[Butterbur]

It took at least 4 months, maybe nearer 6. DS had redness and dryness in the early weeks. He started using it every other day, and built up to twice daily.

Of course it's hard to see progress too if there are a lot of purplish scars, as these take longer to fade.

I'd say your DD definitely should persevere. It's not like there is a huge range of acne treatments. And yes, he is much happier about his appearance.

[emsyj]

Retin A made my skin itch so badly I had to wash it off - must have been an allergic reaction.

After years of treatment for stubborn acne, I would recommend as a non-antibiotic/tablet remedy a gel called Differin (prescription only). Lots of doctors have never heard of it and it is not often prescribed as it's very expensive according to my GP. But ask about it.

If he wants to go down the antibiotics route, Minocin is marvellous. It cleared my chest & back with a 6-week course and those spots never returned (although my face did break out again and needed further treatment).

[emsyj]

Oh, meant to say that the Differin gel is a watery texture and doesn't sting when you apply it, nor does it excessively dry your skin (like most of the topical treatments do). I've tried EVERYTHING (including Zineryt, which initially worked really well but the effect wore off - and of course it smells horrible and feels greasy on your skin) and the Differin gel was the best topical treatment I ever found.

[scaryteacher]

Bodyshop teatree facewash, followed by toner does the trick nicely. Sudocream good as well - not just for bums!