Teenage acne

[nextwed14]

My son is 16 and is suffering with acne. I haven't really thought much of it but DH suffered from terrible acne which really affected his confidence which peaked at about 19, so he thinks DS needs to contact GP for some treatment before it gets worse. He currently uses Nuetrogena spot stress control which had been working when it wasn't so bad but it is getting worse so doesn't seem to be working as well. However DS actually doesn't seem that bothered by it - he shaves now and I think he nicks the spots with the razor which makes them look even more red and angry. I just think he has a few teenage spots but DH says it is proper acne.

My DH's GP told him many years ago that his mum should have contacted the GP before his acne became severe as his was very difficult to treat. DS is autistic so it is going to be very hard to get him to GP or even broach the subject.

I know when I was growing up the GP was the first port of call for acne but wondered if nowadays GP's still deal with this or is it more a pharmacy job.

I just don't know whether to mention anything as he isn't bothered and to me it just looks like teenage spots but DH is worried it is full blown acne or will be if we don't treat it now. Not really sure the best course of action. Any advice?

Head & shoulders get them to wash their face with it once a week leave it in for 5 mins then wash it off

Salicylic acid cleanser and a good moisturiser.

CeraVe do a good range.

I’d go to the GP. They can prescribe things that are more effective and more gentle on the skin than OTC products.

Why is your DS leery of the GP? Would he feel more comfortable with a phone appointment? Or if his Dad raised the issue and took him? DS has likely inherited the susceptibility to teen hormone acne from him.

I read on MN that GPs recommend using Acnecide before they prescribe anything. I'm not sure that's true, but I've been told in real life it works well and I think it used to be prescription only.

Our GP didn’t for our teen DDs. I think that was only the personal experience of some. It’s not in the NICE guidelines.

Thank you. I may see if I can pick up some acnecide tomorrow and see if I can get him to try that before the GP - as I say he isn't bothered and to me it doesn't seem that bad but is definitely much worse than this time last year.

I was prescribed this before it was otc, it's great stuff and I still buy it now.
Top tip is to use a tiny bit and build up, it can be drying at first. Also, when moisturising afterwards, watch the moisturiser doesn't spread it to lips/eyelids - I used to be careful with acnecide then smoosh moisturiser everywhere and wonder why my eyelids were sore.

I had this conversation with a friend this week. She’s very into her skincare and researches everything. I told her a story about a dermatologist recommending clearasil to a friend of mine, I fully expected her to disagree with me but she said yes it’s so much better for spots and acne than a lot of products.

I occasionally get spots still and my tween dd has started to get a few, we use the clearasil pads and acne spot cream.

Aldo very random, but sudocrem it’s amazing for spots.

Gp treated my daughter with doxycycline and epidou. You should have milk or dairy at least 3 hours before or after with antibiotics. Need to put sun tan lotion a good face one, not greasy.

miceral water wasn’t good and she wash her face with cerave.

nothing else worked before;

Meant to say; you should not have milk or dairy 3 hours before or after with antibiotics; probably longer to be sure

We like the inkey list salicylic acid cleanser, it’s £10 a bottle but lasts ages as you only need a small bit, it keeps the worst of the acne at bay