Sick of acne (warning with pics) what to ask for at GP

[DoorsAndWater]

Hi everyone,
I am embarrassed to post this but I don't know what to do anymore, I have spent a fortune on skincare over the years, I have tried everything from clearasil when I was younger (I am now 36) to Clinique 3 step, now to La Roche Posay, oil cleansing to skincare for sensitive skin, then acid toning... I have literally come to a standstill with what to do next. I have decided to finally go my GP but I don't know what to ask for but I am so sad and sick of the state of my skin, I've recently lost a lot of weight, thought It would make eye happy but I am still having to plaster my face in make every.single.day because I am so embarrassed about this acne I've now had for 20 years! I have always tried different routines for at least six weeks but nothing works! Can't anyone suggest anything or at least what I should be asking my GP for before I make an appointment. Please help, and thanks for reading!

Have you tried changing your diet?

Yes I have recently lost nearly three stone, I drink lots of water, eat plenty of fruit and vegetables etc etc but it hasn't improved particularly, thanks for your reply

Duac gel by prescription. Can clear up your face in 6 weeks. Worked for me when I was in the exact same place and believed nothing will ever work!

I don't know but someone will. I hope you get your answer. We all thought we'd grow out of acne, didn't we? It can be so depressing

When I went they gave me tablets and cream. Both helped. Maybe they'll refer you to a dermatologist if they don't help.

Thanks swimming, really appreciate that, I'll write that down and ask my GP about it, I am so sick of it now x

There you go! I crossed posts with someone who knew!

I used to be prescribed benzoyl peroxide. Works well for me, but don't use it with any pillowcases you value, as it bleaches them!

Ask them whether they think it's hormonal (mine was PCOS) or any other cause.

Ref diet, some people find low lactose diet helps, others swear by veganism, but for others it's utter bunkum.

Topical antibiotics.

Thanks Penelope yes I really did think I would have done by now, it wasn't so bad when I was pregnant, well with my daughter anyway, it just gets me so down!

i had oxytretacylin tablets which worked wonders.

Do you have animals? Possibly an allergy?
Change the pillow you sleep on too and use cotton pillow cases.
GP will be able to help though.
Those blue light boxes apparently can help a bit.

I was just about to go back to the docs in desperation, having persevered and tried everything. I thought I'd try one last thing though, having read so much about it and I invested in a blue light gadget. Has cleared up my spots in about a week. It has a 45 day money back gaurantee on Amazon, so no risk at all. All the heat and anger and inflammation started to go within the first couple of sessions.

I second Duac Gel

There are a few things your GP can prescribe - antibiotics (pills or topical treatments), the contraceptive pill (usually dianette or yasmin, I think) or roaccutane. Roaccutane tends to be the last resort and I think you might need to be referred to a dermatologist before you can get it, I'm not sure though.

Your acne seems to be mostly focused on the chin and jawline, is that correct? If so that's a sign it could be hormonal. Is it worse at certain times in your cycle? I had similar and dianette worked well for me but make sure you ask about the possible side effects before taking it as it doesn't agree with everyone. Unfortunately I think roaccutane can also have side effects. Personally I was so fed up with my skin that I was happy to risk the side effects of dianette and don't regret it for an instant, my skin has been clear ever since.

Oh and if you've had it for twenty years it probably isn't your diet.

I'd ask for a good plan of action or / and a referral to dermatologist.

I mostly grew out of mine but my sister has struggled at times with hers- seems better after a baby so possibly hormonal?

I know the places that sell SAD lamps also do lamps for acne - a certain colour of light. Could be worth investigating?

I wonder if it's hormonal Vivienne it's definitely worse at certain times, I did have to take Clomid for fertility due to hormone levels so I wonder if it's part of that, thank you

Oxytetracycline worked very well for me for years but I decided ultimately that I couldn't stay on them forever.

I was like this a few years ago really zapped my confidence,GP prescribed anti-biotic face wash and some anti inflammatory gel (can't remember the name begins with a d) and my skin Cleared up, it took about 6 months but really worth it.

I tried all the treatments on the market none seemed to break the cycle. Good luck OP.

It's pretty much always hormonal.

Def go to Gp. I've been twice. Once was diagnosed with sobering and given antibiotics, that cleared it up but played havoc with my digestive system. More recently I went back was given a face cleanser and topical cream, cleared it up within a couple of weeks. This is something GPS can really help with. Good luck op.

I suffered for over a decade. Changed diet, was prescribed creams and antibiotics. Nothing worked. Eventually paid to go to a dermatologist privately as my GP was reluctant to refer me.
Dermatologist prescribed Roacutane. Changed my life. The acne came back five years later but I had another course and have been clear ever since. It's a hard core drug with side effects but I'd take it again in a heart beat if the acne came back.

www.lumie.com/collections/light-therapy-skincare

I have a lumie wake up clock and a sad lamp for when I'm working which are great. Often do reconditioned ones a bit cheaper.

Dual is very good.
Next step would be to consider oral antibiotics (Lymecycline/Oxytetracycline).
Or hormonal treatment - Dianette (contains an oestrogen an anti-testosterone, also acts as a contraceptive, but only licensed as an acne treatment, has more risks as possible SE than 'normal' pills).
If you have lots of spot/bad cysts/risk of scarring and all the above fails, consider referral to dermatology for consideration of Roaccutane (heavy duty drugs, needs blood monitoring, works v well, but can be unpleasant to take).

Duac if you can get hold of it but my pharmacist said there were problems with supply and he may not be able to get any more.