Dermatology appointment today...help needed.

[RD15]

I have a long awaited appointment today with a dermatologist- I think I’ve been on the waiting list for about 6 months. My acne isn’t severe, but it’s persistent. Whiteheads and blackheads, along with more inflamed spots, mainly around my mouth/nose. I tend to get these during hormone fluctuations in my cycle. Typically, today isn’t a bad skin day, I have two inflamed spots on my chin. Is it likely that this dermatologist is going to shoo shoo me from his office? I’m currently on my second course of lymecycline as when I stopped it after a 6 month course, the inflamed spots cane straight back. I’ve also been using Adapalene for about 3 weeks.

I know it could be so much worse, but at 38, I’m absolutely fed up of having to conceal spots every day. Any advice for this appointment? Has anyone been in a similar position?

Thanks xx

Is this derm a cosmetic dermatologist? I never really have good results from dermatologists unless they are trained or have interest in the cosmetic side. If you don’t have a good appointment, consider looking for a well-recommended aesthetician in your area.

If you have hormonal acne, though, like especially around the chin and jawline, I hear spironolactone is great. I can’t use it though as I’m not on birth control (can cause fetal harm) so can’t speak from personal experience.

I couldn’t tell you about the dermatologist as I didn’t get a letter from them- they rang me with a cancellation. Thanks for the advice. I have heard of Spironolacyone actually but I’m also not on any birth control, mainly because of my age! 🙈

I saw a dermatologist for cystic acne when I was in my late 20s. I find that they know the GP will only refer if you have been back and forth trying everything, so I wouldn't think they would send you away.

Hope the appointment goes ok. I'm having a flare up of peri oral dermatitis that causes little pustules on my chin and around nose/mouth I'm considering going to the GP for Lymecycline as I'm getting married in October. I know how you feel about being too old for feeling embarrassed about my skin - I'm 33

@CurbsideProphet, I had perioral dermatitis last year when I was pregnant! I’ve never had it before and it was awful. It was that that prompted me to talk about my skin in general with the GP- it was the final straw! Once I had had my baby, the GP gave me lymecycline and it cleared up nicely in about 4 weeks. You have my sympathies- I found that harder to deal with then the acne as it just never went away! Xx

Good luck, can you update please. I have been putting off asking for a referral for fear of getting dismissed as well as I want to ask for Spiro but dont think its prescribed much in UK

Thanks paddington34, I’ll update later on.

I think I'll make an appointment. If it popped up on my back I wouldn't care! Why the face!

So I’ve had the appointment. To be fair, the dermatologist was lovely and very understanding. I just explained how it made me feel. He was of the view that there isn’t much point in periodically messing around with antibiotics and suggested roaccutane which I did have 15 years ago. I was quite surprised as my acne is far from severe. However, I’ve got to go back in 6 weeks and get myself on the contraceptive pill in the meantime, then review then. He reassured me that we’d have it sorted by the end of the year. No mention of spiralonactone.

Spironolactone is not officially for acne, it’s an off-label use so he may not be familiar with it?

I’m not sure I’d go through Roaccutane for mild acne personally. My own derm is trying to push it on me, I keep using the “we’re trying for a baby” excuse so she’ll stop. She’s very good otherwise, and have seen a lot of improvement doing other things.

Roaccutane is the most effective treatment out there, though! Just super harsh.

@MangoFeverDream, what other treatments have you had if you don’t mind me asking? He did ask of my family was complete, which it is. I know it’s quite a harsh treatment as I’ve had it before, so I’m not sure. One part of me doesn’t want to go through it again, then the other part of me thinks it would be nice to kick this acne up the curb once and for all! Xx

Using better topicals has worked for me, current routine I’m using BHAs as well as niacinamide. Dry skin is sorted with Cerave (in the tub) but also have used petroleum jelly (kinda gross there’s another thread on it)

It doesn’t sound like you have scarring though, I did so also did RF microneedling which has been a game changer for my skin issues (some acne, irregular texture)

@MangoFeverDream thanks for the reply. I have used the Paula’s choice BHA which was ok. I have the odd scar from the occasional cystic spot that I get, but it’s not noticeable. It’s mainly hyperpigmentation for me.