Pill for 17 year old dd with spots

[ajandjjmum]

Just looking for a bit of advice, before a visit to the GP.

DD has always had spots, has just hit 17 and they seem to be getting no better. I've spoken to the GP who is seeing her next week, but said that there is a contraceptive pill which would help, although there might be weight gain.

Just wondering if there are any pills we should be aware of re. side effects, or any that have been particularly good.

Thanks.

GP likely to recommend Dianette or Marvelon.

Dianette very effective at combatting spots but best not to take for more than 1yr as has higher risk of thromboembolism than other pills. Marvelon a good alternative - still likely to reduce spots, lower thromboembolism risk. All pills can cause irregular bleeding, headaches, PMT, weight gain (or loss!),nausea.

Best thing you can do though is make sure you know your family history well - has DD or anyone else in the family suffered from severe migraine, DVT, stroke, heart disease at early age?

Has GP suggested other treatments she could try (most of which would carry much lower risk of serious side effects)? There are numerous topical and oral treatments available and it is worth trying them for at least 3 months to assess efficacy.

Worth bearing in mind though that at 17 she may benefit from the contraceptive effects as well and pregnancy is an even higher risk factor for thromboembolism than the pill.

Hi. My dd suffered terribly from spots but also very irregular and painful periods which meant missing at least a day a month of schooling. GP offered various pain killers and eventually about 18 months ago suggested Dianette. It has been wonderful for her skin, its beautiful now and has really helped with the periods. However she has gone from a size 8 to a size 10-12 in this time. But I'm sure she would have grown somewhat anyway without the pill. Mentioned concerns about taking this pill for too long at last check up and GP said tests had been done on larger girls who were more at risk of side effects anyway and dd was still well in proportion (she is tall).It also means we can combine packets to avoid periods for GCSE exams, holidays etc. She is very happy with it. However dd2 (13) was offered topical lotion for her skin and that has been fantastic also.Took about 6 weeks to work, hope that helps.

I am taking Dianette for spots and so far it seems to be working - after trying every antibiotic cream/facewash etc in existence. I've managed to lose weight since taking it. From what I've read, the pill itself doesn't make you gain weight - other than a couple of pounds of water retention maybe - but it does increase appetite, so just be mindful of not always giving into the pill induced cravings.

Dianette is good but if her skin is really bad I'd recommend Roaccutane. It has some severe side effects but I am 27 now and not had a spot since finishing treatment 6 months ago. I had bad skin from 15 and only normal when pregnant or breastfeeding. Wish I had done it years ago now!

Worth a try but watch out for weight gain and depression

DD2 (also 17) took Dianette for spots/acne and it didn't help her unfortunately (although also no weight gain etc), but she is now on Yasmin which is working really well. My DD1 is also on it and neither have weight gain problems. The GP will probably suggest Dianette first though, party because Yasmin is one of the more expensive ones. Hope your DD gets it sorted out soon .

Saw the GP who has recommended an antibiotic and gel for the next couple of months, and she will start on Dianette when she returns from a two month exchange to South Africa over the summer. He - quite rightly - doesn't want her to start on the pill whilst she's away from home.

Now worrying about some of the horror stories I've found about Dianette.

Whoever said babies were hard work?!!!