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Original poster

Dd spots :not vv bad but they are troubling her what are options or do all roads lead to roccotane

32 replies

Splendidseptember · 20/09/2024 23:15

I'm just wondering what to do, she's been taking antibiotics, but she struggled to take them evry single day. However she's had a good go at them.. In between she developed a bowel issue and struggle for loo.

We also have a topical cream from docs.
She has a very stubborn patch around her chin which turn into what I think are called pustules?

Her forehead used to be bad but is like very very faint bumps, again her back has never been smooth, but isn't quite as bad and at top of thighs she's been using cerave out doc said we couldn't get acne there.

So, what my next step.
Our doc won't refer us and I'm wondering do dermatology suggest anything other than scary roccotane?
She's 1st year a level.
Thank you.
( a recent scan showed a swollen ovary suggesting possible pcos)

OP posts:
AgainandagainandagainSS · 20/09/2024 23:19

I was like your DD (although had them on back, not legs). No amount of creams or antibiotics worked. I had to go on the pill.

mossylog · 20/09/2024 23:26

Not surprised she got a bowel issues from antibiotics, those things have a big effect on the microbiome. I dunno about you, but I'd rather spots than give myself IBS symptoms.

Anyway, if she hasn't already, she should consider cutting out dairy as it's a known risk factor for acne. There've been loads of studies on it.

CherryValley5 · 20/09/2024 23:29

mossylog · 20/09/2024 23:26

Not surprised she got a bowel issues from antibiotics, those things have a big effect on the microbiome. I dunno about you, but I'd rather spots than give myself IBS symptoms.

Anyway, if she hasn't already, she should consider cutting out dairy as it's a known risk factor for acne. There've been loads of studies on it.

I take it you’ve never had any big struggles with acne in your life then?

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Treesnbirds · 20/09/2024 23:30

Has she tried cutting out dairy?

Neveragain35 · 20/09/2024 23:31

Going on the pill seemed to help my 16yo. She still takes the antibiotics as well, it has definitely cleared up a bit.

SunshineAndCloudy · 21/09/2024 00:06

Ds tried loads off the counters in boots. And others from Gp. Some worked a bit. Went on roacurane ( reluctantly) and it worked a treat and cleared it.

Raquelos · 21/09/2024 00:48

I had acne that roaccutane cleared up when I was in my late teens (it was a godsend tbh). But it didn't help with my back, several years later I was told that was due to my use of hair conditioner and to soap my back (with proper soap) after washing my hair. I was amazed at how immediately that worked. Just sharing in case that helps anyone else.

Original poster
Splendidseptember · 21/09/2024 13:51

@mossylog well the docs reassured us that skin ones are different and shouldn't affect her.

@Raquelos she tries to stop it getting on her back but I will tell her about the soap idea

It's only really a cluster around her chin and mouth but get forehead whilst gets some mild ones, she's not got that totally smooth skin etc

Is roccotane and a private dermatology cost worth it?

Should we try pill and if so how long does it take to work. Would she go on the pill then and stay in it indefinitely or do it until it clear up?
Thanks for all the help

OP posts:
Original poster
Splendidseptember · 21/09/2024 13:51

@mossylog well the docs reassured us that skin ones are different and shouldn't affect her.

@Raquelos she tries to stop it getting on her back but I will tell her about the soap idea

It's only really a cluster around her chin and mouth but get forehead whilst gets some mild ones, she's not got that totally smooth skin etc

Is roccotane and a private dermatology cost worth it?

Should we try pill and if so how long does it take to work. Would she go on the pill then and stay in it indefinitely or do it until it clear up?
Thanks for all the help

OP posts:
ThePure · 21/09/2024 14:24

My DD had good results from lymecycline plus a topical retinoid. The antibiotic did make her feel quite sick to start with. She had to start eating a better breakfast with it and that helped. It takes a few months to work but by the 3 month review point it was clear her skin was loads better and she stopped the antibiotic and carried on the retinoid but just gets them over the counter now.

I thought she would have to have Roaccutane as it's the only thing that helped me as a teen but tbh I don't think the topical stuff was available then.

pringleaddict · 21/09/2024 14:28

Is the topical cream Duac? If not ask the gp for some. It really helped my DD but took a few months of consistent use. DD also has PCOS.

ThePure · 21/09/2024 14:28

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng198/chapter/Recommendations#managing-acne-vulgaris

I think it was topical azaleic acid plus lymecycline that DD had and, as I say, I was sceptical based on my own experience but it really did work.

Emma330912 · 21/09/2024 14:40

My son used Dermatica, after seeing a recommendation on here. It really did transform his skin! We had the monthly prescription, as well as the wash, gel & serum. I would definitely recommend taking a look at their site. It took a couple of months to really kick in but the difference was noticeable

Startoftheyear2024 · 21/09/2024 14:47

There's something new now, not roccutane. It's Spiro something. My DD is on it and very happy. And none of the side effects of roccutane. Your doctor should be able to prescribe it.

ThePure · 21/09/2024 14:52

My DD also uses Cerave face wash and moisturiser. You do need an SPF moisturiser if you are using retinoids

Whitesapphire · 21/09/2024 14:52

Try a pill such as Dianette, Yasmin or Marvelon first, they are very good if the acne is hormone related.

MissyB1 · 21/09/2024 14:55

Ds has quite bad acne but is insistant that he doesn't want to go on roaccutane (he's done research into it). He's in his GCSE year and doesn't want to risk side effects this year. He had relatively good results from antibiotics and Epiduo gel (prescription). After 6 months of antibiotics you have to take a break, promptly his skin became terrible! After a 3 month break he's just started back on antibiotics, so we are hoping it will get better again 🤞

Ivytheterrible · 21/09/2024 14:55

My DD went on the pill at 12 for heavy periods and her skin has been amazing since too.
2 problems solved in 1!
She’s got so much more confidence and energy now too.

HarryBlackberry1 · 21/09/2024 15:47

My daughter was given absolutely everything. We resorted to going private when she was doing A Leveks, and she was immediately put on roaccutane. It has worked absolute wonders. She was eventually moved to an NHS consultant.

fashionqueen0123 · 21/09/2024 15:50

I’d try the combined pill, a third generation one (second can make spots worse). I went on marvelon and it got rid of painful periods, helped my skin and I could skip my periods when needed. I was the same age. Definitely try it!

SusieBBB · 21/09/2024 15:51

My DS had great success with the Dermalogica teen range. He has also given up dairy. His skin is lovely now. Not one spot!

Gemmy96 · 21/09/2024 15:52

What about acnecide?

Ihearyounow · 21/09/2024 15:54

My son is using a cream which has tretonin and an antibiotic in it, his skin is a lot better, less angry looking but not cured. He has also tried oral antibiotics which were miraculous but the spots returned as soon as he stopped.

BlossomToLeaves · 21/09/2024 15:55

I had lots of cystic acne around my chin line, big boil type things, and I found that the Duac cream did help. Be careful as it bleaches bed linens and towels, so make sure you use old ones when you're using it. I went through a couple of courses of it, and then it cleared up enough I could stop it. Mine was likely hormone related (start of perimenopause perhaps - I was about 40 when it happened quite suddenly).