Out of options - teen acne - really need help

[Anonymous]

Ask about a cut and but start with a small dose. It can cause skin issues also.

[Anonymous]

Epiduo from dermatologist
Don’t know if it will be strong enough for your DC but is fantastic and no side effects except sun sensitivity

[Anonymous]

Accutane for me Mom PCOs found later
Accutane eldest DD
Now youngest DD on Accutane
I believe it’s genetic and though thin they will be found to have PCOs later such as me (apple shaped now but thin as teen-40s)

[Anonymous]

Accutane may not be the answer. My DD did it three (!) times and got only temporary improvement (six months or so) each time.

Finally, we got her hormones tested with an OB/GYN--this was our initiative. The two different derms we went to did not suggest. Her testosterone was 104 (normal 15 to 70). She was diagnosed with PCOS but she apart from acne had no other symptoms (not overweight, etc.)

She went on spirolactone and that has brought the acne down to almost nothing.

Accutane can be very effective, but I wish someone had told me to check hormones first before embarking on three rounds of such a strong drug, which in the end did not work at all.

[Anonymous]

I did 3 months of doxycycline at that age and it worked. Others did Accutane.

I also believe facial products are partially to blame. I'd switch his facial moisturizer, maybe to Purpose brand or Olay Senstitive. For topical treatment, all I did was 5% benzoyl peroxide layer at bedtime.

[Anonymous]

Have you tried Winlevi? It is topical and new in the last few months. It cleared up DDs skin in two weeks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did 3 months of doxycycline at that age and it worked. Others did Accutane.

I also believe facial products are partially to blame. I'd switch his facial moisturizer, maybe to Purpose brand or Olay Senstitive. For topical treatment, all I did was 5% benzoyl peroxide layer at bedtime.

doxycycline seemed to work overnight for my cystic acne (20-22 year old). I would only have a few bad cysts at a time, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Accutane may not be the answer. My DD did it three (!) times and got only temporary improvement (six months or so) each time.

Finally, we got her hormones tested with an OB/GYN--this was our initiative. The two different derms we went to did not suggest. Her testosterone was 104 (normal 15 to 70). She was diagnosed with PCOS but she apart from acne had no other symptoms (not overweight, etc.)

She went on spirolactone and that has brought the acne down to almost nothing.

Accutane can be very effective, but I wish someone had told me to check hormones first before embarking on three rounds of such a strong drug, which in the end did not work at all.

+1000, please pay attention to the totality of your DDs health. I had painful cystic acne, and I was not able to get it under control until I was diagnosed with PCOS and my treatment was geared toward that. I was thin with regular periods, and had no signs of PCOS other than the struggles with my skin. They didn’t link my skin issues up with PCOS until I was trying to get pregnant and couldn’t. I so wish for many reasons that someone had looked at it through a lens wider than just acne.

[Anonymous]

In addition to medication, removing all dairy products for 2 weeks really cleared up my skin. I also recommend you have dd check out the skincareaddiction reddit. There's a lot of great information on how to find non irritating products for her skin type, and how not to make the skin more inflamed.

[Anonymous]

My son did accutane for 5 months and while his skin improved his triglycerides went up to an unacceptable level. He went off the medication and now months later, the acne is returning. I'm not certain what we should do but will ask doctor about winlevi.

[Anonymous]

I did accurante and it worked while I was on it and for about one year after and then my acne came back full force. It was like I had never done anything. I also have PCOS now but don’t know if that’s related. I’ve found a few things that help, in addition to both oral and topical medications. 1. Be very, very consistent and regimented with skincare. 2. If sweat, since face with water. 3. Wash pillows routinely and change pillowcases nightly. 4. Find products that work for you but don’t use anything too harsh. These don’t have to be super expensive but don’t use just anything either. Think Cetaphil, cerave, Neutrogena, Purpose, etc. 4. Be careful with makeup. Don’t ever wear if going to sweat and only wear non-comedogenic. 5. Find a sunscreen that works. Generally avoid chemical sunscreens. I use EltaMD UV clear but some friends like Cerave and La Roche Posay. 6. Double cleanse if using sunscreen or makeup. I use a little jojoba oil and a warm washcloth and then wash. 7. Stay hydrated and sleep enough. 8. I’ve heard limiting dairy helps but I’ve never done it.

[Anonymous]

If you don’t want to do Accutane, you could try a retinol cream.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Sigh. When will you guys understand that Accutane is the only solution that really works?

It's like retinol is the only molecule that's been PROVEN to work for wrinkles. Nothing else has the track record of retinol. For acne, it's the same. Nothing else has the same track record, or even approaching it, than Accutane for acne.

You have a girl, so the derm will have a very serious conversation with her about preventing pregnancy, because Accutane leads to fetal malformation.

THIS!! Get the accutane.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Sigh. When will you guys understand that Accutane is the only solution that really works?

It's like retinol is the only molecule that's been PROVEN to work for wrinkles. Nothing else has the track record of retinol. For acne, it's the same. Nothing else has the same track record, or even approaching it, than Accutane for acne.

You have a girl, so the derm will have a very serious conversation with her about preventing pregnancy, because Accutane leads to fetal malformation.

THIS!! Get the accutane.

Because there are some side effects concerns that I have with accutane side effects or long term effects. Do you think I do not know about this product?


For those with Winlevi, can you tell me more?

[Anonymous]

DD eliminated dairy and started taking a vitamin b5 supplement. Clearer skin in about two weeks