DD 18 suddenly developed bad acne. Roaccutane?

[MamaWorriedAboutDDAcne]

I’m a regular poster but NC for this as I have discussed the issue with RL friends who may be here.

Over the last ten months 18 year old DD has developed terrible acne. It’s come out of the blue and is causing her huge anxiety. She was always prone to a few small spots with her period but these spots now are constant, big and leaving marks.

She has tried Lymcycline which did nothing, so a dermatologist then prescribed a cream three months ago which initially seemed to help but unfortunately over the last few weeks the acne is getting much worse. It’s mainly on her cheeks so it’s very obvious. She’s feeling very despairing about it now and has frequent sobbing fits about it which breaks our hearts to witness. She wears makeup to conceal it but her skin often looks very’bumpy’ and she’s very upset about the scars being left behind.

She has a good diet and exercises well but this is now her A levels period so we’re wondering if her acne is stress related. She’s starting to say that she wants to take Roaccutane which the dermatologist mentioned at her last appointment but the dermatologist talked about possible issues with the treatment and having done some reading, I’m very concerned about her taking it.

Cam anyone offer any advice about acne that appears in later teenage years, or about Roaccutane?

Also, any recommendations for laser treatment for the scarring?

Would really be grateful for any information or suggestions. Thanks in advance.

Anything changed at all lately. Washing powder (thinking pillows) or SPF?
I had the most horrendous acne come out of nowhere when I was about 17 because I started adding spf to my moisturiser

I think the reality is that there are two sides to roaccutane so you go in hoping you avoid the worst of the side effects. But you have to weigh up the risks carefully as it is quite a serious drug.

As I said, it was a game changer for my son as the dryness was tolerable and he didn't experience the more serious side effects.

Thank you

Tell her to take it, but monitor her very closely for low mood/mood changes. I never have due to a family history of depression and suicide. But I still have cystic acne on my chin at 42 and it has been a horrible battle my whole life.

This won't help at all if it's hormonal

I am grateful for your advice.

We have a family history of depression on my DH’s side, will this be an issue if my DD wants to try the Roaccutane? The depression in my sister in law and her son was caused by sudden bereavement rather than being something they are prone to getting, IYSWIM.

All acne is caused by hormones. It’s a myth that different causes of acne need different treatments. If you’ve already been seen by a dermatologist you need to go back to them and not listen to advice on mumsnet. Honestly, I work in this area (although not a dr) and the amount of misinformation here is insane! Your daughter can really only be treated by something that can be prescribed.

ALl three of my children (DD and DS1 and DS2) have been on roaccutane with huge success and no side effects other than dry lips (carried little pots of vaseline everywhere). We went private and used this clinic (after doing loads of research and checking Trustpilot reviews): https://www.botonics.co.uk/treatments/roaccutane-for-acne/

@MamaWorriedAboutDDAcne I know this is old post but just wondering what you did in end . My son 17 has acne too and nothing working so far . We are still early days

It is a hardcore drug no doubt about it, I was nervous about taking it but had a course when I was around 40. The side effects of dryness etc weren’t fun but they only last as long as you take it and it had a lasting positive effect on my skin. I wish I’d had it as a teenager.
if my dc have bad acne I would be in favour of roaccutane as long as you keep a close eye on them.