Any dermatologists out there?

[Idolovetrees]

Hi, I'm 40 and currently taking Oxytetracycline (been taking them for about 4 months). They're not working. I could go back to the docs who will refer me but it could take ages so may need to go private. Can anyone help/recommend anything in the meantime? It's really getting me down. I use benzol peroxide alongside also. Tia.

For my acne

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I was referred to derm in dec, the letter says to ring them in feb if I haven’t heard.

I’ve been before for accutane and the waiting list was 4 months but it was dispensed that day.

Can you afford to see a dermo privately? The next step is often Roaccutane if the things you have tried aren't working.

I would recommend Dermatica which is an online dermatologist at only £20 per month. It cleared up my acne

www.benendenhospital.org.uk/treatments-services/dermatology/acne-treatment-isotretonoin/

These people do it privately to give you an idea on costs, isotretonoin is 4-6 months usually. Sometimes 12.

uk.trustpilot.com/review/zapped.org.uk

Online platform for management of acne. A range of dermatologists to chose from. See their Instagram page and their trust pilot reviews.

Go back to your GP. Is the acne new? If it is not be acne but may be rosacea. Rosacea is more common in women in their 40’s .
Look up Dermnet - New Zealand website with very reputable dermatology info - with info about both.
Good info re treatment options too on Dermnet.

Your GP should able to prescribe Lymecycline which is very effective for acne and cleared DD acne within 3 months with noticeable effect after 3 weeks. It's kept them at bay apart from the occasional period spot. She uses acnecide alongside which was also prescribed.

Have you tried a topical retinoid? I use epiduo and think it’s great compared to all the antibiotics and oral contraceptive pills I’ve been given over the years.

You need antibiotics or Roaccutane

QuizzicalEyebrow she is taking anti’s now, claims no effect.

OP the next step in the standard paradigm is Roaccutane but your derm will assess your history, skin and specific situation, incl contraceptive status, and advise accordingly.

Thanks all. I'm going to go back to my doctor. Really don't like the sound of roaccutane though. I'm not taking contraception but hubby has had a vasectomy.

I took antibiotics for 20 years - 4 types including Lymecycline, kept rotating them. They all worked for a while then stopped working, so I'd move to another type, then eventually back to the first type. On and on for two decades. I knew it wasn't a solution, as my skin just reverted to type each time. Went on Roaccutane for 6 months, and have literally not had a single spot since. That was in 2014.

OP, what is it about Roaccutane that puts you off? Are there any specific questions you have that people could give you reassurance about?

I think it's because of serious side effects and that you have to have blood tests and monitoring whilst on it?

I've been on roaccutane twice now and always came back after a year. What has worked is vitamin A daily and differin gel at night. So simple but finally I'm cleared

Have you tried Differin gel?

Sorry, lala. Cross posted. Agree with using a retinol cream.

It’s not that bad. The media hype it up a lot.

Anything that bad wouldn’t be in the BNF.

Dh has had mustene chemo, which is derived from mustard gas but purified down.

Why don't you use tretninoin? (Generic name for retin a) you will have to slowly build up a tolerance to it, but it's something you can use for the rest of your life. Start with 0.025%. Buy it from the Andorran pharmacy online (search for retirides). Don't bother with a dermatologist.

Do research correct usage and how to minimise side effects.

I mean topical tretinoin.

It’s not for resistant acne. Once the antibiotics fail you don’t have many options left.

@madisonbridges no I haven't. I'm speaking to a doctor tmrw so I might ask for it.

I think it's because of serious side effects and that you have to have blood tests and monitoring whilst on it?

Potential serious side effects. You may be a lucky person and get none. You may be unlucky and get some. Two of my kids used it as older teens, neither had any effects other than a drying out of skin but dermatologist gave booklet about regime, suitable moisturisers, sunscreens etc while on it. One of them played a sport at quite a high level and their physical ability and stamina did drop while on it, they continued to play but were downgraded for the duration basically but that was the worst if it for them.