Teen DS acne

[KilliMonjaro]

I have bought him various products that don’t get rid of it. I’m worried it’s going to scar his beautiful face.
Has anyone found a great product that actually works well?

Roaccutane

We used antibiotics from GP
lots of prescription creams from GP
acne developed into cystic
have now gone private and have accessed isotretinoin - perfect skin after 2 months

Thanks is this prescription?

Yes, but a GP can't prescribe it. You would need to be referred to a dermatologist. If you can afford it, find a private dermatologist as you will be waiting a while on the NHS

I’m quite concerned about the side effects of these really strong meds. Is there really nothing else that works?

Accutane is not appropriate as first line, though it will work and might be needed eventually. GP should prescribe oral and topical antibiotics first, which often work really well . Over the counter stuff is fairly useless for full blown acne apart from maybe something like acnecide ( which will bleach sheets and towels).

If you can afford it, take him to a private dermatologist. We did this recently with DS2, it was about £200 but worth it. She prescribed him some cream to use at night (which she asked out GP to prescribe so only paid NHS price) and recommended an exfoliated, cleanser and moisturiser. Next steps if it doesn’t clear up are antibiotics and then roacctane, but it seems to be working well so far. The investment is worth it I think, as he tried so many products that don’t help and it was really affecting his confidence.

I took my DS to the GP and he was prescribed topical antibiotics lotion which has completely cleared his acne. At least by going to the GP there is a structured approach and the prescriptions are free rather than expensive creams that often don't work.

You can access the NICE guidelines on acne online, I took accutane but only after I’d gone through the other meds. The side effects were dry lips and one night of back pain. I would’ve taken dog poo capsules by then my face was on fire with cystic acne.

Acnecide is only used in a very very thin layer, took me years to realise that and I still have a tube for the odd spot.

The cosmetic industry has done a really good job of making a medical condition a cosmetic one.

In the first instance get him to gp. They normally prescribe Duac first which works well one to moderate acne.
Gps will take it seriously and will try the least invasive method first.

Good luck!

Our route was private appointment with a dermatologist, then antibiotics, then when it became clear they weren’t working, accutane. Bingo, perfect skin. I would not wait for it to get to the stage where it’s scarring.

What was the name of this cream?

Thank you I will do.