Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask you to help with teenage acne woes.....

105 replies

Panicmode1 · 09/12/2019 16:42

I'm posting here for traffic really. My lovely 15 yo DS has really bad acne all over his face, and although he's using Clearasil stuff, it's not really helping, although it does get worse if the bottle runs out and he hasn't reminded me to get him some more!

Has anyone found anything which has really helped their teen's skin to improve - or should I give up with OTC stuff and take him to the GP? He rarely complains about anything, but this is getting him down.

OP posts:
MistyMinge2 · 19/12/2019 16:46

Your poor DS.

I'm not sure clearasil helps, I think it makes it worse. In my experience acne prone skin needs gentle cleansing. I see the Roche posay effaclar range recommended on here a lot for acne.

Zinc supplement also good.

My nephew had awful acne and was found to have a dairy intolerance. He cut it out and his skin cleared up almost totally within a few weeks.

Don't let the doctors fob you off. Acne is debilating and can destroy someone's confidence. Be cautious with Roaccutane though. It's been linked to severe depression and suicide.

Babbabump · 19/12/2019 16:47

Acnecide ! From boots or superdrug ... wash hands after applying as it does bleach clothes ...

It's amazing though- I still use it at 30

ChickLitLover · 19/12/2019 16:48

Definitely insist on seeing a GP, that was a terrible response from the nurse you seen.

Both me and my son have seen the GP for spots/acne. They took it seriously, when I said I felt vein asking for help for me (I have always had spot prone skin but seemed odd seeing a doctor at age 35 for it) but they were really understanding and said that they know it can affect confidence etc. They were equally as understanding with my son and gave him various things to help. Duac has worked great for him. The doctor said that people don’t have to just accept acne, treatments are available and they told my son that if what they gave him didn’t work then they would refer him to a dermatologist. Definitely go back.

Groovee · 19/12/2019 16:48

GP gave dd some good cream for her face.

User1053051066 · 19/12/2019 16:50

See the go but I dont think w can assume you need to insist on a referral to the dermatologist! I think that's a decision for the gp! My ds began to get acne and the go gave him some cream which has been working wonders, it's all he needed. It does bleach hand towels, pyjamas and bed linen but ds is much happier.....! The gp has access to loads before you need to insist on a referral.

heydiddlediddlee · 19/12/2019 16:50

My brother gets really strong stuff from a dermatologist referred by GP - it's worth going because he delayed and now he has scarring. It doesn't make his skin and lips very dry so he needs lots of lip balm! But he feels much more confident now

Veterinari · 19/12/2019 16:54

Your practice nurse is talking bollocks. Insist on a GP appt and seem referral

GinUnicorn · 19/12/2019 16:54

This might sound really silly but I swear by savlon cream. Just apply morning and night for a week and see if it helps.

CSIblonde · 19/12/2019 16:57

Clearasils useless. Oxy 10 worked for my really raging acne (Oxy 5 is for minor breakouts don't go there, its not as good). It's not expensive, but it does bleach dark coloured pillows if you apply nightly!

stripeypillowcase · 19/12/2019 16:59

washing with bar soap mornings and evening helps my dc.
also a zinc supplement and vit d3

Original poster
Panicmode1 · 19/12/2019 17:00

Thank you all for reassuring me I wasn't going mad. I will try again and insist on a GP; I know a dermatologist may not be necessary, but I think better treatment from our practice must be possible!

OP posts:
ThebishopofBanterbury · 19/12/2019 17:08

Absolutely insist on the GP, tell them it's getting him down. Acne can lead to depression if left untreated, trust me I know from when I was younger! My GP was very helpful with my daughter and prescribed face washes and creams. Good luck

ThebishopofBanterbury · 19/12/2019 17:09

By the way, in later years my daughter eventually had alot of success with la Roche possay range from Boots. She used the face wash for oily sensitive skin

EmeraldIsle81 · 19/12/2019 17:11

Take a look at the body shop tea tree range - they worked wonders! There's a shower gel that was great for back and shoulders, was actually gentle enough to use all over the body on a daily basis. Smells nice too. Might be on offer in a hamper as coming up to Xmas.
The face wash and topical gel for dabbing on to spots was great.
the harsh chemicals in clearasil and oxy were just terrible and made it worse. Use a small round make up sponge (pack of 3 from Superdrug are about £1) rather than finger tips when washing the face, the sponge gets it into a nice lather and is better for getting into the creases and pores of the face. you easily rinse it and dry afterwards.
Also take a look at what clothes wash powder and softener you are using, use Fairy for both- ditch the highly fragranced ones , they are making the skin problem worse. You will be surprised at how quickly these changes take effect, but don't be tempted to revert back to the old ways once you think it's cured - no more highly fragranced cheap on offer shower gels or washing powder on offer, as the problems come back quickly again.
Good luck op!

Littlemeadow123 · 19/12/2019 17:11

Take him to the GP. Some acne breakouts need prescription antibiotics, not just over the counter products. There are different types of acne as well so a doctor will ve avle to diagnose it correctly and prescribe drugs that work best for that particular type. Your GP surgery will probably have a doc who handles the dermatology stuff. Ask to see them.

TopCat1881 · 19/12/2019 17:16

These pads have really helped with my son’s teenage skin - use them generously though 2/3 wipes in the evening and morning . www.boots.com/nip-fab-glycolic-fix-night-pads-extreme-10198104

WillowKnicks · 19/12/2019 17:23

I took my DD to the GP for mild acne but she was very self concious about it.

She was prescribed DUAC gel, which contains an antibiotic & benzyl peroxide. At first the skin goes red & dry (the GP said that's a sign it's working) but settles down & now she has beautiful skin.

You can buy it online but it's quite pricey (think about £25 a tube) but worth giving a go, if your GP won't help.

They go through enough at this age, without having to deal with acne on top!! 🙄

TheNamesBond · 19/12/2019 17:23

@Panicmode1 your Ds needs to be referred by the GP to see a dermatologist. ESPECIALLY as his skin condition is affecting his sense of himself and his mood.

Act Immediately.
Insist upon a GP appointment and a dermatologist referral.
Don’t give up until you’ve got both.

That ignorant and dismissive nurse needs to have a complaint lodged against her. She’s so ignorant about acne and mental health she’s actually dangerous.

Charlottejade89 · 19/12/2019 17:35

I had long term antibiotics from the gp as a teen, but tbh I found the most effective thing to clear it up was not using harsh cleansing products. I would just wash my face with warm water and a clean flannel and use a light moisturiser to protect it. For acne on the chest and back I would make sure you shower straight after swimming or any exercise, and always put clean clothes on every single day. I used to make sure I even had a clean bra every day and it worked a treat. Dirt and grime on our skin actually protect it so if you use too many harsh chemicals on it it will strip away your skins natural protection and it will get worse. My skin is actually really good now and I rarely get a spot so I hope something works for him soon Smile

Annebronte · 19/12/2019 17:57

Be wary of Roaccutane. A friend of mine is a psychiatrist and will not allow her teen to use it for her acne because of possible side effects affecting mental health.

dustybluebell · 19/12/2019 18:06

Please persist OP. Theres a lot of cost cutting going on right now, so dont let it go. I also had Roaccutane prescribed about 3 years ago and it was amazing. I felt my skin was perfect. Unfortunately I have had an outbreak again recently. (Not as bad, but noticable) and I am a little concerned my bad skin is returning. Anyway.. Roaccutane isn't for everyone as there can be quite severe side effects, but the results for most are life changing.

Original poster
Panicmode1 · 19/12/2019 18:11

@thenamesbond - it was actually a male nurse prescriber, but yes, I did think his attitude was somewhat dismissive. He said "You know what this is, right? Hormones, and we don't have any treatment for that".....

Helpful!

Thank you again to everyone who has replied - it's not severe enough for roaccutane at the moment, but I would be v wary of it in any case as I have heard that the side effects can be severe - although accept that for some it's life changing (in a positive way!)

He is very clean - showers every day, clean clothes etc, but he does swim 3 or 4 times a week so I'm sure that may not be helping (but again the chap we saw was very dismissive of the effects of the chlorine on his skin).

OP posts:
alseb · 19/12/2019 18:16

Acnecide wash and gel. Working wonders for my teenager. GP recommended it. Make sure he uses it day/night

violetbunny · 19/12/2019 18:19

That's rubbish. There are plenty of treatments available. As someone who suffered badly with teenage acne, please keep persisting with the GP. It was only once I saw a dermatologist that anything improved.

Perid0t · 19/12/2019 18:39

Duac cream. It’s incredible.

Swipe left for the next trending thread