bad spots

[debjud]

DD 15 yrs (nearly 16) has had bad forehead spots for over 2 years. Have tried all the over the counter stuff. Dr has given her Zinerit (worked for a bit then didn't) and Ducat. Was on pill (Loestrin and Yasmin) but for long and irregular periods but didn't affect her skin. Dr says only thing left is antibiotic pills but am not keen as think it might encourage thrush. This is really getting her down, especially as her friends seem to have pretty much grown out of them. Also - any tips on make up to cover them - it always looks worse if she tries

Personally I'd be wary of covering up.. heavy makeup will only encourage the spots:(

I would go back and try the antibiotics. We have been down this route as my DD2 has had bad skin as (now) DS2.. had the Zinerit, had just about every OTT gel etc going and now is in antibiotics.. one of the tetracycline group.
It is working! There are several types available and while they can have side effects it's not a given that they will..

Thanks. How long do you does she has to take it for?

My DD has been on a very low dose of antibiotics for around a year now, has had no side effects and they have worked really well. The Dr has advised her to see how her skin is without them now but if the spots return to start taking them again.

Before she was on them her skin wasn't terrible but she always had one or two really big spots/boils and I was worried about scarring.

I would definitely give the antibiotics a try.

Definately try low dose antibiotics. Worked well for DS1 for two years. Doesn't seem to need them anymore (he's 18 now).

If it's really getting her down go and get the antibiotics. If it encourages thrush deal with that if it happens.
DD2 had lotions, then antibiotics, then roaccutane. Please don't underestimate the effect this could be having on her.

She may have to see a dermatologist. The GP can only refer her after some box ticking and I'm fairly sure one of those is prescribing anti biotics.

My son has had bad acne and had to go through several hoops including courses of antibiotics before we got Roaccutane. Your child's case may be milder but my advice to anyone is to get acne treated asap. I regret not acting sooner - he is now about to have laser treatment for scarring. To be honest looking back at photos I don't know how he went to school everyday.

Have the antibiotics, no question, shell be so much happier. Be aware it takes a few months to work though.
Like many others here I've a son on roaccutane - finishes this week- yaay!! He had 2 yrs of antibiotics before it was declared really no use and he decided to for roaccutane.
It's been amazing for him but by no means an easy ride. The side effects have been only just tolerable - aching, terrible skin dryness, perpetually peeled bleeding lips and sun sensitivity such that he's still using factor 50 cream and burned last week!!

Go give the antibiotics a year or so trial and chances are she'll be better if it's acne not just a few spots. Agree avoiding scarring. I think we've managed to avoid anything too bad. Also assuming you are in the uk move so she gets treatment before she hits 16. Paed funding for acne treatment seems better.

Oh and if she does move towards roaccutane expect lots of talk re contraction and preg tests etc as it is disastrous to get preg on it