Spots

[Dilbertian]

This is 14yo ds's forehead on a good day. It is usually worse. The spots extend around to his temple, and he has them on his upper back as well. They are sore. 2/3 times a week he uses a Simple facewash recommended by his sister.

His nose is a mass of blackheads, but rarely inflamed.

Any suggestions?

Ring the doctor and get him some antibiotics and gel. My dd was the same and now after 4 weeks of antibiotics they have calm down tremendously. If they are hurting they will need treating and no over the counter cream will suffice.

He needs to see a GP and get appropriate medication.

Benzoyl peroxide (from doctor) was the only thing that worked for me.

Antibiotics. But then only permanent solution in my experience, and that of DD, is Roaccutane.

I didn't realise it was that bad!

I shall make him an appointment.

My DS skin was not as bad as this and I took him to the GP; they gave him Duac cream and it was amazing. He's had it for a couple of years now and it's just starting not to work so they've given him some antibiotics to try. So yes, doctors will help.

Duac cream is benzyl peroxide. So be careful with it as it bleaches sheets and towels - mine all look tie dyed now 😁; it works well though.

ds(17) face gets that bad, or worse. If he uses Effaclar Possay (recommended on another thread last year) wash and the Salicylic Acid cream morning and night it doesn't disappear but after 3-4 weeks of consistent use it reduces spots and redness significantly and to a level he is happy with. It is mild, doesn't dry his skin, but it looks matt/less greasy. We also give him a pile of pillowcases in his drawer which he changes every 2-3 days as it gets worse on the side he sleeps on, and that helps too.

He has a tube of the facewash in the shower for mornings and one in the bathroom for evenings so he remembers to use them. It took a few weeks of constant reminding before his shower and before bedtime to get him into the habit of doing it (and changing his pillowcase) to see results, but I leave him to it now as he knows if he does do it, it works.

www.boots.com/la-roche-posay-effaclar-anti-blemish-2-step-kit-10263626

That's interesting, because ds's spots stayed on one side of his forehead for months. The side he rests on his hand when he isn't writing. I'm certain that his hand hygiene and touching his forehead has an influence.

But try getting a teenager with ASD to change his habits...

Dd2 has similar issues. She's started using Freederm gel recently and it's really helped with the redness and swelling.

The dermatology association webpage might have helpful hints. I’m in Canada and our one mentions frequent washing/changing of bed linen, and has a list of approved face washes. Along with a host of other recommendations.

Dilbertian my Ds has ASD and has been on oral antibiotics for his acne for over two years. He has sensory processing difficulties and finds topical creams hard to use. He's now seeing a dermatologist and the next step is Roaccutane

DD has been suffering with acne on his face for the last 2 years. We have been to the GP about it. She was prescribed Duac and Differin (topical antibiotic cream) anc neither helped. We have tried the Nip/Fab Salicylic Acid range, Le Roche Posay range. Nothing worked. She is now 2 months in to a 3 month course of Lymecycline. Finally her spots have started to clear up. Just have to see what happens when she stops and if the spots come back.

Deffo see your GP. There is no need for your DS to suffer with acne.

In my experience, and DDs the antibiotic effect wears off a few months after stopping them.
Roaccutane seems to be the only permanent cure, but it's expensive, and your GP will make you try all other options before referring you. Unless you have private medical insurance through work or something.

Fucidin and also get him from temple spa that grey thing that is good for spots