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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to see GP about this?

26 replies

Campaspe · 16/12/2014 14:53

I'm 41 and troubled by acne which takes the form of large painful spots around my chin. I am embarrassed by them, and they are painful and leave scars, but not a serious health problem, more of a cosmetics issue.

I have seen GP in the past and tried the following: Duac cream (allergic), Zynert (didn't stop the spots) and Finacea cream, which I've been using for 5 weeks, and which doesn't seem to stop my acne.

I want to get rid of it, but I'm also aware that this isn't a serious health problem, and there are a lot of demands on GPs. Doo you think they will be pissed off about having to advise a spotty, middle aged woman on how to deal with acne, particularly when they probably want to spend their time dealing with patients with serious illnesses? And I've already had 3 treatments which didn't work, so should I be learning to live with it?

I am very good with hygiene, but I do drink wine and eat chocolate, chips etc. If I go back to my GP again, are they likely to be annoyed with me for eating their time? Sad

OP posts:
Original poster
Campaspe · 16/12/2014 14:54

wasting time, sorry, not eating it.

OP posts:
LadySybilLikesSloeGin · 16/12/2014 14:54

Can you ask for a referral to a dermatologist? I don't think you're wasting his time. A cold, maybe Wink

chirrza · 16/12/2014 15:03

I think it would be fine to go myself.

Many medical conditions require repeated visits to get to the bottom of what's causing them, how to treat them.

It's not life threatening but it's making you miserable. If there are treatments available you may only be able to access them via your GP.

Might be an idea to wait until after the Christmas rush. You might find them more attentive and less hurried then.

I hope you find something. I think I was put on a long-term low dose antibiotic as a teenager which seemed to work.

confusedandemployed · 16/12/2014 15:05

Having worked with GPs for several years I can't think of a single one who would object to you going to see them. It's affecting your life and you need to get it sorted.

monkeytroubles · 16/12/2014 15:07

Have you ever been on antibiotics (oral not creams/lotions) for your skin? This was the only thing that worked for me. I was advised that I would be on them for a long time. I started to see an improvrment after about 8 weeks. After about four months it had pretty much gone but I was advised to stay on them for another month or two to make sure. I have been off the antibiotics for several months and am acne free Smile.

The GP was more than happy to treat my Acne and I never got the impression that she felt it was a waste of her time, if anything she seemed glad I had come to her for help and that she was able to do something about it. If you're Acne is causing scarring you should meet the criteria to be referred to a dermatologist but your GP may want to try antibiotics first.

I also found that I had been doing more harm than good with over the counter treatments and face washes as these tend to be harsh and dry out the skin (which then encourages the skin to overcompensate by producing excess oil) so I now stick to gentle products that don't have too many ingrediants. I have found the "Simple" skincare range and the Boots own face wash for sensitive skin particularly helpful.

rugbychick · 16/12/2014 15:07

I second asking for a referral to a dermatologist. A GP won't think you are wasting his time. Also, acne isn't caused by what you eat

SorchaN · 16/12/2014 15:32

I had a spotty face a few years ago, when I was in my late 30s. I went to the GP and she said it was rosacea, probably caused by hormonal changes, and she prescribed metronidazole cream. The cream kept it under control and eventually it just went away; I haven't had it for ages.

It's not a waste of your GP's time: it's his/her job! I don't know about you, but I was very self-conscious because it was on my face; if it had been hidden under clothing I wouldn't have minded so much. I think it's pretty normal to want to deal with any condition that affects the face. I also agree with those who have suggested asking for a referral to a dermatologist. Good luck!

GoldenKelpie · 16/12/2014 15:46

This is an interesting thread, OP, I'm an 51 and five months ago noticed a small rash or spots appear at the left of face by my mouth. Like you I haven't wanted to bother the doctor about them but did go to a chemist and speak with the pharmacist. He said to see my GP though. I haven't and rash has sort of moved to other side of mouth. It is spots that are sore if I wash them and then dry up and look flakey. I wear foundation regularly (work) and this helps a bit to disguise them. I've never had a problem with spots before not even as a teenager. Maybe after Christmas I'll make an appointment.

Idontlikepeas · 16/12/2014 16:25

As a GP, you definitely wouldn't be wasting my time. Definitely worth a trip. There are quite a few other treatments a Gp can try before needing to see a dermatologist

thewavesofthesea · 16/12/2014 17:21

Another GP here who sees this sort of thing all the time!! Absolutely not a waste of time, plenty of things that can be tried

Greenfizzywater · 16/12/2014 17:24

I'm a GP and I'd rather see you than the hordes of people I am seeing at the moment with colds! You might need tablet antibiotics but your GP will be able to advise. Just don't choose Xmas eve or New Years eve to go.....

Original poster
Campaspe · 16/12/2014 19:14

Thanks everyone, will go back to my GP. Just didn't want to take up time with something that isn't a serious illness, even though it bugs me.

(Stupidly, I've attacked some of the really big spots with a needle in an attempt to try to draw some pus out. They now look worse than ever; a really daft thing to do I know.)

OP posts:
psyandsoc · 16/12/2014 19:14

nurse here married to gp agree with Green.

AnyoneforTurps · 16/12/2014 19:59

Another GP here saying go - definitely not wasting time - acne seriously affects quality of life. Sounds as if you might benefit from oral antibiotics which your GP can prescribe - much faster than waiting 18 weeks to see a dermatologist.

WeeFreeKings · 16/12/2014 20:55

Had adult acne and suffered for months without seeking medical advice as I thought it was silly. Did permanent damage to my face so please don't worry and get it sorted. It does get you down so it is important to fix.

Pishedorf · 16/12/2014 21:00

Yes go to the GP.

macdoodle · 16/12/2014 21:38

Definitely see your GP, it would be a pleasure to help :)
And everyone know how much I hate my patients Wink

OuchLegoHurts · 16/12/2014 21:44

I've got acne on my chin just like yours, had it as a teenager and then it came back when I came off the pill. Got a course of antibiotics and it worked within two days! They did come back when I finished the course however...might give it another go for longer this time...Can any GPs shed light on what to do after the course ends, should the spots come back???

GristletoeAndWhine · 16/12/2014 22:06

It's fine to go to the gp for this, absolutely.
I had acne (also early 40s) and gp wanted to put me on the pill (I had pms as well) - acne on the chin or jawline can often be hormonal. Gp also suggested I could try a herbal remedy called Agnus castus. I decided to take the Agnus cactus not the pill, really hoping for help with the pms more than the spots, and I haven't had any spots since. Obviously I have no idea if this would help you but worth considering maybe?

sleeplessinderbyshire · 16/12/2014 22:11

Another GP here who agrees with the others. Compared to the legions of people with colds who came to see me yesterday saying they needed me to guarantee they were well for Christmas Day, treating your acne would be a pleasure

chdmum2491 · 16/12/2014 22:12

i have the same problem and found.using thrush.crem on the.area helped alot for me ! worth.a try a few times a week.id say

Surf25 · 16/12/2014 22:15

Definitely go. Not wasting their time at all. Do it!!

BlueBrightBlue · 16/12/2014 22:34

I had bad acne spots as a teenager,.

At 21 I developed huge pustules on both cheeks, got diagnosed with tropical acne.
Had antibiotics, It cleared.
Now I have a few scars, nothing major.

Original poster
Campaspe · 17/12/2014 18:46

I saw the GP today. I didn't feel guilty in the end, as I was in and out in under 5 minutes, so I didn't think I was taking up too much of their time. I've been given a sort of cream/gel called "Clindamycin" (sp?) and the GP said if that didn't work - and I should start to see results in about a fortnight - then there were other things I could try.

So thanks everyone for your encouraging words. Maybe 2015 will be the year I can talk to people without having to put my hand over my chin an a pathetically obvious yet strangely futile attempt to hide my throbbing pustules Xmas Grin

OP posts:
LadySybilLikesSloeGin · 17/12/2014 18:55

Smile That's fab. I hope you find something which works.