13yo DD being bullied because of spots

[Wallywobbles]

Would love any suggestions for treatment, preferably via the GP.

Poor DD is very tall and shapely, but has utterly awful spots. She's always been so stoic about it that I kind of forgot how grim it must be at school for her. She was sobbing tonight after the latest comments from her class mates.

She has her period and we have tried an enormous amount of topical treatments. She's sensible about what she eats too so even limits chocolate.

We've seen a dermatologist but that had no good outcome and the stuff she got made her face really sore to boot.

I know that there are pills that she could take but don't know much about them, and think the GP is going to say too young. I could of course google but wondered if anyone could share their experiences.

[Ihatesoddingcancer]

Oh this was me. I was eventually put on a very strong acidic face gel. I didn't want to take tablets.

Honestly, the only thing that worked for me, after years of trying, was the Tesco own brand cleanser and toner - combined with the acidic gel. I also increased my water intake no end. Helped a lot.

Is she wearing a lot of make up? I did, and to kick start it all, I basically hid in the house one half term with no make up and cleansed/toned three times a day. Really made a difference. I was also advised a few weeks ago by a beautician that I should have charcoal masks twice a week for my oily skin. Maybe something to try?

Really feel for her though, it's so hard. Poor thing.

[tootiredtospeak]

The GP gave my son lymecycline and a topical cream since he was 14. Not clear but makes a lot of difference.

[readyforapummelling]

What about an oral contraceptive? It's worth asking the GP, they can make a huuuuge difference.

[StarUtopia]

Oh this was me. I suffered from age 13 until age 32. Awful awful times.

Right. You need to get her on Proactiv NOW. Amazing stuff. I didn't find it until I was much older. It's the only thing (apart from Roaccutane ) that made any difference whatsoever.

It's nothing whatsoever to do with wearing make up, or not removing make up etc etc. Zits can be caused by this but true acne comes from inside. My dermatologist used to tell me - that would be like telling someone that their arm would come out in acne and be all oily if they put make up on it. Wearing make up can actually HELP because it will boost her confidence if she can hide her skin. You do need to give your skin a break at night however in order to breathe.

It's also got nothing to do with eating chocolate etc.

True acne is inside.

Here's the link for proactiv - worth every penny and more. I used to have to order it from the USA and it cost a fortune with import taxes on top. Thankfully it's in the UK now too. Very gentle on the skin and some great advice on their website too.

Proactiv

[Wallywobbles]

She wears no make up. Cleanses religiously morning and evening plus acid treatments. She does use charcoal face wash I think.

[SinkGirl]

This was me too. I started getting acne at 11. By 14 it had gone (possibly helped by the pill), and everyone else got them. Served them right.

I used to use PanOxyl when it came back in my 20s and wish I’d found it sooner, but that’s no longer available. This is basically the same thing - also available as a wash www.superdrug.com/Acnecide/Acnecide-5%25-Gel-Benzoyl-Peroxide-30g/p/374606

[Wallywobbles]

Yup we've done proactiv and it does help but it's not enough sadly. But it is certainly not cheap!

[Wallywobbles]

@SinkGirl I will try the gel the next time we are in the UK. Thanks.

[Ragusa]

Oh no, poor kid. It is miserable.

We can all tell you what worked for us but ultimately it is trial and error. But definitely GP and do not give up. It is NOT a minor issue.

Topical antibioics worked well for me when I was her age. Hormonal contraception totally sorted it out. I think they can prescribe the pill at her age.

I have also had HUGE success in later life with a topical strong AHA. I buy this stuff from the US and it is brilliant. I have very ... cloggy kind of skin, very oily, and also really high skin turnover or so it seems (lots of flaking)

I didnt get on with Retin-A (caused horrendous peeling) or any of the OTC things.

Definitely nothif to do with diet. Get the poor girl a massive bar of chocolate to cheer her up.

[Brys125]

Acnecide cream works brilliantly for me, it can be harsh on skin so would recommend using once a day to start with then move to twice. To stop any dryness I use cetaphill moisturiser which is oil free so won't clog pores. Hope she finds something that works x

[GrowThroughWhatYouGoThrough]

This was me at that age I took roaccutane and it was the best thing ever. I'm not going to lie the side effects of it weren't great swollen lips which cracked and dry skin but that passed and the acne went! There are also some contraceptive pills which work well dianette and Yasmin I've taken both over the years and they have made my skin a lot clearer

[Brys125]

Sorry forgot to add in earlier post. As a teenager I found oral antibiotics worked well but did affect my stomach when taken long term. Also had success with the pill but decided not to go back on it after having children hence now using topical treatments.

[Wallywobbles]

Thanks all. Doctor Saturday morning. I'll wait to see what she says before I hit amazon. It's all sitting in my basket waiting though.

[Ragusa]

It's great you are taking it seriously. No need at all for it to ruin your daughter's teen years when she should be out having fun.

The upside is that if she has greasy skin she will get longer before wrinkles appear. My friend (black, greasy skin) was carded for alcohol last year and she is 42 😂😂

[VitriolicMuse]

I was prescribed Duac a few years ago. After 15 years I finally have clear skin, it’s been the best thing I’ve ever used.

[Nyancat]

I have finally got mine under control with trial and error but I now cleanse just with castor oil at night time then acnecide gel on the affected area. In the morning more acnecide then use biore watery essence SPF 50, don't use any other moisturiser. I also swapped foundation to dermablend, it is full coverage but doesn't break my skin out. Now that my face has got used to the acnecide I take it night about to use retinol or acnecide at night.
Cut way back on sugar and carbs as well (but that's a pcos issue of mine). For the first time in years I could go out without makeup!
I really hope she gets something that works for her, it's so disheartening !

[Pointeshoesandtutus]

Roaccutane. It really is a miracle drug. The side effects are grim, and it’s a few months of getting chapped lips, sensitive skin and a slightly red, sunburned look to you, but since having roaccutane as a teen I’ve had no spots (I’m now mid 30s!) - and before I was miserable with them.

It has a scary reputation, largely due to birth defects if used in pregnancy, and a risk of depression (albeit rare). I was monitored carefully by the dermatologist and my very anxious mother, but my mood lifted hugely as my skin improved.

I don’t have teens, but I’ve always said if my children get bad spots, I’ll be supportive of roaccutane, as it really does work, and I’d tried every topical solution and antibiotic before.

[AlpacaHat]

My 14 year old has been taking antibiotics called Lymecycline along with a topical cream Benzoyl peroxide 5% / Clindamycin 1% gel, both on prescription, for 6 months. Her acne has completely cleared up - she had really bad patches particularly on her cheeks and back

[Hoppinggreen]

We tried everything for dd and eventually went to the GP
He has given her lymecycline ( an antibiotic) and just a week later the results are amazing and no side effects.
She has to take them for 8 weeks and then go back. The GP said he wished that more people brought their teens with acne as they can help and there is no need to put up with it
I felt a bit of a fraud going for teenage spots to be honest but dd ( and me) are very pleased we did

[Ohyesiam]

My neighbours boy has terrible acne for a year or two, and one day it was just better. She had taken him to a Chinese herbalist in town.
Three treatments and his skin was totally healed.

[SinkGirl]

I’m sure you can find a cream where you live that contains the active ingredient (benzoyl peroxide). You do need to moisturise with it, but it’s quite incredible stuff.

[AnnieOH1]

This was me and although I have nothing specifically to add to help as such I would be very wary of charcoal masks. I've tried them twice and both times ended up with a massive breakout even though my skin is now clear.

One thing I wish I had tried and what seems better for my skin now is a microfibre make up remover cloth to clean even an make up free face.

Only other thing looking back on it I don't think I ever drank enough and when I did it was diet drinks that even today set my skin off.

for both of you.

[EstuaryBird]

This was me. Face, shoulders, back, all covered in big juicy spots. I had dreadfully greasy hair too - wash it in the evening, fry eggs in it the following morning!

My friends with drier, clearer skin and less active follicles used to take the piss all the time, I was affectionately known as Crater Face......

But who has the last laugh now?! Now we're all in our early 60's and they have dried up wrinkly skin and dry wispy hair while I still have nice plump skin and a good head of thick hair!

Sorry, I can't recommend anything because my we had different stuff in the 1960's but please let her know that eventually she'll love that oily skin xx

[snozzlemaid]

Definitely go to GP. Ours has been really helpful with my dd. She had a course of antibiotics first. Now she uses Duac cream every day.
They will take it seriously and be able to help.
I

[melodybirds]

Sorry she's going through this. I would talk to her about roaccutane. In cases where it's severe it might be the only thing that works. Yes there are bad stories but you have to weigh up mental health vs some symptoms like dry lips ect. If I were her I would take them. Topical lotions can actually feed some kinds of acne and never did anything.

Agree it's nothing to do with diet ect. Gps push lotions but tablets are better in my experience. You have to be really serious with the doctor.