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Original poster

Acne & excema

10 replies

GnomeDePlume · 02/01/2011 10:15

DS (12) is suffering with both what appears to be excema and acne (his cup runneth over!). Does anyone have advice on how to approach this please?

Currently he is showering every day (teenage greasy hair) but we are worried that this is not helping the excema.

Any advice on products/process we could use please?

OP posts:
JellyBelly10 · 02/01/2011 20:22

I don't know whether it's the same for teenagers, but I developed adult acne when I was 40 Blush, full-blown, proper painful terrible acne, having never had it as a teenager or younger adult. MY GP put me on oxytetracycline, an antibiotic that can be effective for acne, and within 2 weeks my skin was on its way to being clear, 2 years later I'm still taking it every day, but have no acne ! I wonder of it could work for your DS? I cannot imagine how horrible it must be to be self-conscious at 12 about terrible acne, so however much a pain in the bum it is to take daily antibiotics for the next few years I thnk it would be worth it if it works!

Original poster
GnomeDePlume · 02/01/2011 23:22

Thanks JellyBelly10. We have been through the whole acne situation with DD but now DS has the excema as well. Hey ho, off to the doctors we go.

OP posts:
alypaly · 02/01/2011 23:48

all topical treatments cause dry skin because they are all exfoliating agents.thats hoe they work. they can all make the skin dry and red and peely. Zineryt is the only one that hasnt made DS2's face dry.

has he just started with eczema or has it been caused by acne creams

LeonardNimoy · 02/01/2011 23:56

Have a look at the oil cleansing method, there are loads of threads on here about it. here
I have had eczema all my life but then developed acne and this is the only thing that has sorted it out. If your son is prone to eczema, then acne treatments could really play havoc with this.

Original poster
GnomeDePlume · 03/01/2011 00:15

Hi AlyPaly - DS has had eczema on and off for all his life. Cold weather seems to bring it out more. His shoulders are red raw right now and he has patches on his face as well. The acne is more recent. DH is a big time acne sufferer and DD1 and DS have both inherited his very sensitive skin.

OP posts:
Original poster
GnomeDePlume · 03/01/2011 00:27

LeonardNimoy - thanks for this. Currently DH is not convinced but then he is a lifelong acne sufferer rather than a lifelong eczema sufferer.

Heavens to betsies, why cant DS have skin like mine (old shoe leather)?

OP posts:
alypaly · 03/01/2011 00:39

acne creams are not going to be too good for him..oxytetracycline as a 3 month course initially will probably be better with him having eczema.

hope he gets sorted.

alypaly · 03/01/2011 00:41

unfortunately tends to run in families.Both my DS's have had acne and their dad suffered badly too. Ds1 has got rid as he is now 22 and DS2 is still at the erupting daily stage and picking despite my nagging advice

Original poster
GnomeDePlume · 03/01/2011 00:50

DH is in his 40s but still gets acne outbreaks. DH now only uses antibacterial handwash on his face but I'm not convinced of this approach for DS's eczema.

OP posts:
alypaly · 03/01/2011 01:08

if its really severe a uv lamp can help and sometimes they can be put on Roaccutane if a consultant says its bad enough. dont know what the age limit is on roacutane though

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