Acne v teenage spots?

[hennipenni]

When does normal teenage spots become classed as acne? DD aged 13 has had spotty greasy skin since she was in yr2 (not that bad but noticable), now for the past 2/3 yrs these spots are getting more and more noticable and now also are on her upper back,upper chest and shoulders. she's very aware of them and is very releived that her peers are starting to get spotty too.

She cleanses daily (I think) with which ever product seems to be in "vogue" at that time although she does use it for a good 3 to 4 weeks at a time before deciding that it's not doing any good.

If I take her to the doctors what options would she be given? I don't want her to go onto any drugs unless absolutly essential given her age, do Drs still prescribed anti bacterial skin washes?

Thanks

Oxytetracycline was what ds1 got. No option/discussion of a skin wash. Worked/is still working a treat, one year on. No side effects complained of!

I had fairly mild spots as a teenager (not a complete pizza face, but still bad enough to get me down), so never went to docs until I was 17 as I thought it wasn't bad enough to warrant the attention. Then prescribed oxytetracycline. I never looked back, but just wish I'd gone earlier as now I have pitted scars on my forehead from all those years ago. Have also sworn that I'd not let my daughter leave it as late as I did.

She needs to use a good non comeodogenic skin wash, chopping and changing especially with things like Clearasil (which are rubbish for acne, seriously they should have a warning on them) is not going to be doing her skin any good and probably making it worse. Go see the dr they can prescribe or recommend a good facial wash and a spot treatment.