Teen Acne-DS needs help!

[Anonymous]

For our DD, a visit to the dermatologist ---who proscribed a low grade antibiotic coupled with two types of prescription creams (tretonin(sp?) plus benzoyl peroxide body wash (Panoxyl). She was very diligent about the regimen and everything cleared up. She now still uses the creams and bodywash, but no longer takes the antibiotics.

DS, on the other hand, ignored all dermatologist advice and is sporadic about use of special washes, medication. I wish he cared more, because the breakouts mar his otherwise striking looks---but the dermatologist warned me that nothing would improve until DS took ownership of the issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Acutane

+100
OP, I don't know if your teen has cystic acne or not, but if so, Accutane is the only thing that will permanently work.

I can't believe these irresponsible recommendations for Accutane! Nobody should just jump to accutane. Accutane is a dangerous drug that has been known to cause depression that has resulted in suicides. Before you even consider this drug, you should try prescription topical agents and antibiotics. My DS had terrible acne (not cystic) and although it took a while, these methods worked. It is now very much under control. We did consider Accutane if these methods did not work. FYI, one dermatologist wanted us to go right to Accutane. So glad we waited.

As I said, above: Accutane is the only thing that will permanently work for CYSTIC acne. Which is absolutely true. You can try stop-gap measures, such as antibiotics, and they appear to work beautifully - with the caveat that you have to stay on them indefinitely. Our son was on them for two years. When we decided to stop - because his skin looked so great - the acne came back with a vengeance. Our dermatologist had warned us about this when he laid out our options (Accutane being one of them), but we had to see it for ourselves to believe it. After that, it was straight to Accutane. His skin cleared - permanently - after about five months. Unfortunately, because we took so long to act, he was left with scars. Now we know what to do if our other children develop cystic acne. Accutane, immediately.

You may find it "irresponsible" to recommend Accutane, but then you son *didn't have* cystic acne, did he? You might change your tune if you had a child with cystic acne whose self-esteem was in the toilet and who needed help. I find it irresponsible to try and dissuade parents from the only sure bet out there (again - for CYSTIC acne). Our son's life changed due to this medicine, and he'd be the first to say so. He went from a DEPRESSED, withdrawn teen, to a confident, outgoing one. And this would never have happened without Accutane.

Yes you said that your son had cystic acne, but you didn't say anything about the risks associated with the medicine. You don't know if the OP's kid has cystic acne, so you and others just threw out the word Accutane like it's a miracle cure of all. I didn't say YOU shouldn't have used it, I just said that it shouldn't be recommended so freely with no knowledge of the person's condition and without disclosing the risks. I know a family that lost their son due to this medicine.

I've helpfully bolded my exact words, above. I said that I didn't know what kind of acne the OP's son had but IF it was cystic, Accutane is the only medicine that will actually eradicate the acne. So please stop trying to make it sound like I just threw that out there, willy-nilly. I stand by what I said - if it's cystic acne the OP is talking about, then there is really only one medication proven to cure it. Everything else is simply a stop-gap measure.

As for side-effects: has Accutane been linked to suicide? Yes, in rare instances. But who's to say the suicide wasn't caused by the acne *itself*?? Accutane takes a long time to work. And it also makes things worse before it gets better. I could definitely see a teen becoming more and more depressed that his/her acne was getting worse, not better. My own son was horribly depressed - BEFORE going on Accutane. We had to reassure him that it would be worth it in the end, and it was. It sounds schmaltzy, but he was like a caterpillar gradually turning into a butterfly. The difference in his demeanor was like night and day. Once the acne had cleared up, he was so much more comfortable socializing, and even worked up the nerve to date, something he had never done before. He really came out of his shell and actually enjoyed his last year of high school.

I will always recommend Accutane for anyone suffering from cystic acne. It can have serious side effects, but it usually does not. The miniscule risk was worth it to us, as our son was already depressed and needed help. Accutane helped him.

But the Accutane should not be used until other measures tried first. Accutane is not the only cure of cystic acne, as you seem to claim. It was the only one for your DC, yes. But to recommend it to people right off the bat is irresponsible.

[Anonymous]

But the Accutane should not be used until other measures tried first. Accutane is not the only cure of cystic acne, as you seem to claim. It was the only one for your DC, yes. But to recommend it to people right off the bat is irresponsible.

NP here. The PP isn't the only one it worked for. Accutane has been around a very long time and while the side effects can be significant, it is a literal lifesaver for many.

You blasting the PP for making a medical recommendation is pretty ironic given you, too, are providing medical advice.."Accutane should not be used until other measures tried first". It would have been less hypocritical of you to just say 'you should consult with a dermatologist'.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

But the Accutane should not be used until other measures tried first. Accutane is not the only cure of cystic acne, as you seem to claim. It was the only one for your DC, yes. But to recommend it to people right off the bat is irresponsible.

NP here. The PP isn't the only one it worked for. Accutane has been around a very long time and while the side effects can be significant, it is a literal lifesaver for many.

You blasting the PP for making a medical recommendation is pretty ironic given you, too, are providing medical advice.."Accutane should not be used until other measures tried first". It would have been less hypocritical of you to just say 'you should consult with a dermatologist'.

Perhaps, but with a significant difference. My recommendation won't kill them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Epiduo Forte Gel. Just make sure to ask your derm for a coupon. The stuff is expensive, even with insurance.

The generic is available now. Around $17 bucks at CVS.

A couple of years ago, I had read on DCUM that bad teen acne was a middle/low class phenomenon, and rich people's kids never have bad skin. I was intrigued by the premise and it spurred me into action to take my DD to a dermatologist. She was just about to start college and the dr. promised that her skin will clear in 3 months but it will get worse before it will get better. Antibiotics and epiduo worked and cleared her cystic acne from her face, chest and back. Hef skin is flawless and absolutely luminous now. She takes really good care of her skin and I think she will continue to do so for the rest of her life. For someone who has gone through horrible acne, they can never forget how bad it became for them. Thankfully, no pitting, discoloration or scarring happened to her.

She is on antibiotics as well as Epiduo. I tool my youngest as soon as his first cystic acne appeared. 1 month later his skin is soft, clear and bright.

How long will she be on antibiotics?

Amoxicillin - once a day. To be had with food and only on the few days around her periods when she usually breaks out. Antibiotic use has gone down significantly. It was used as needed. The big culprit was the Cystic Acne and that cleared up with Epiduo. And be aware that it does become worse before it magically clears up. Epiduo brings on the surface all the deep cystic acne which are developing deep under the skin too.

She also eats a lot of probiotics - yogurt, kombucha. and a lot of prebiotics in the form of inulin. She also takes cranberry, Azo and b-complex on the days that she takes antibiotics because she was getting yeast infections when she first started antibiotics. It has been a 13 months.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

But the Accutane should not be used until other measures tried first. Accutane is not the only cure of cystic acne, as you seem to claim. It was the only one for your DC, yes. But to recommend it to people right off the bat is irresponsible.

NP here. The PP isn't the only one it worked for. Accutane has been around a very long time and while the side effects can be significant, it is a literal lifesaver for many.

You blasting the PP for making a medical recommendation is pretty ironic given you, too, are providing medical advice.."Accutane should not be used until other measures tried first". It would have been less hypocritical of you to just say 'you should consult with a dermatologist'.

Perhaps, but with a significant difference. My recommendation won't kill them.

How long did you experience cystic acne that didn't respond to treatment? I'm guessing never since you don't think cystic acne can lead to depression and suicide.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Epiduo Forte Gel. Just make sure to ask your derm for a coupon. The stuff is expensive, even with insurance.

The generic is available now. Around $17 bucks at CVS.

A couple of years ago, I had read on DCUM that bad teen acne was a middle/low class phenomenon, and rich people's kids never have bad skin. I was intrigued by the premise and it spurred me into action to take my DD to a dermatologist. She was just about to start college and the dr. promised that her skin will clear in 3 months but it will get worse before it will get better. Antibiotics and epiduo worked and cleared her cystic acne from her face, chest and back. Hef skin is flawless and absolutely luminous now. She takes really good care of her skin and I think she will continue to do so for the rest of her life. For someone who has gone through horrible acne, they can never forget how bad it became for them. Thankfully, no pitting, discoloration or scarring happened to her.

She is on antibiotics as well as Epiduo. I tool my youngest as soon as his first cystic acne appeared. 1 month later his skin is soft, clear and bright.

How long will she be on antibiotics?

+1 the post reads as if she's been in antibiotics for years

+2
Antibiotics work great... until you stop taking them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Acutane

+100
OP, I don't know if your teen has cystic acne or not, but if so, Accutane is the only thing that will permanently work.

I can't believe these irresponsible recommendations for Accutane! Nobody should just jump to accutane. Accutane is a dangerous drug that has been known to cause depression that has resulted in suicides. Before you even consider this drug, you should try prescription topical agents and antibiotics. My DS had terrible acne (not cystic) and although it took a while, these methods worked. It is now very much under control. We did consider Accutane if these methods did not work. FYI, one dermatologist wanted us to go right to Accutane. So glad we waited.

As I said, above: Accutane is the only thing that will permanently work for CYSTIC acne. Which is absolutely true. You can try stop-gap measures, such as antibiotics, and they appear to work beautifully - with the caveat that you have to stay on them indefinitely. Our son was on them for two years. When we decided to stop - because his skin looked so great - the acne came back with a vengeance. Our dermatologist had warned us about this when he laid out our options (Accutane being one of them), but we had to see it for ourselves to believe it. After that, it was straight to Accutane. His skin cleared - permanently - after about five months. Unfortunately, because we took so long to act, he was left with scars. Now we know what to do if our other children develop cystic acne. Accutane, immediately.

You may find it "irresponsible" to recommend Accutane, but then you son *didn't have* cystic acne, did he? You might change your tune if you had a child with cystic acne whose self-esteem was in the toilet and who needed help. I find it irresponsible to try and dissuade parents from the only sure bet out there (again - for CYSTIC acne). Our son's life changed due to this medicine, and he'd be the first to say so. He went from a DEPRESSED, withdrawn teen, to a confident, outgoing one. And this would never have happened without Accutane.

Yes you said that your son had cystic acne, but you didn't say anything about the risks associated with the medicine. You don't know if the OP's kid has cystic acne, so you and others just threw out the word Accutane like it's a miracle cure of all. I didn't say YOU shouldn't have used it, I just said that it shouldn't be recommended so freely with no knowledge of the person's condition and without disclosing the risks. I know a family that lost their son due to this medicine.

I've helpfully bolded my exact words, above. I said that I didn't know what kind of acne the OP's son had but IF it was cystic, Accutane is the only medicine that will actually eradicate the acne. So please stop trying to make it sound like I just threw that out there, willy-nilly. I stand by what I said - if it's cystic acne the OP is talking about, then there is really only one medication proven to cure it. Everything else is simply a stop-gap measure.

As for side-effects: has Accutane been linked to suicide? Yes, in rare instances. But who's to say the suicide wasn't caused by the acne *itself*?? Accutane takes a long time to work. And it also makes things worse before it gets better. I could definitely see a teen becoming more and more depressed that his/her acne was getting worse, not better. My own son was horribly depressed - BEFORE going on Accutane. We had to reassure him that it would be worth it in the end, and it was. It sounds schmaltzy, but he was like a caterpillar gradually turning into a butterfly. The difference in his demeanor was like night and day. Once the acne had cleared up, he was so much more comfortable socializing, and even worked up the nerve to date, something he had never done before. He really came out of his shell and actually enjoyed his last year of high school.

I will always recommend Accutane for anyone suffering from cystic acne. It can have serious side effects, but it usually does not. The miniscule risk was worth it to us, as our son was already depressed and needed help. Accutane helped him.

But the Accutane should not be used until other measures tried first. Accutane is not the only cure of cystic acne, as you seem to claim. It was the only one for your DC, yes. But to recommend it to people right off the bat is irresponsible.

Tell you what. No one's forcing you (or anyone else, for that matter) to use Accutane. After going through this with two boys, and wasting years on temporary measures such as antibiotics, prescription creams and lotions, tetracycline, etc., I would never, ever go that route again. If our third child develops cystic acne (note: I'm stipulating CYSTIC acne, not run-of-the-mill topical pimples/breakouts), we will immediately head to the dermatologist for Accutane. And I will certainly recommend it to anyone who asks - as the OP did, btw.

[Anonymous]

Tazorac with doxycycline work for acne, not cystic. Best to go see a dermatologist to get it prescribed. It works for both my teens.

[Anonymous]

As to cystic acne discussion. I wish my sister used it when she was in her 20s. Instead she had these enormous deep acne that she picked and now in her 40s scars are all there. She is otherwise gorgeous, Michelle Pfeifer look alike, but maybe even prettier. And I know a teen boy, good looking/Chris Pine like but better looking, had terrible cystic acne and only at 17 got Accutane. It worked miracles, and he is finally having confidence. I don't know if it he will ever be able to repair the scar damage, but it has made a huge difference. People who don't have cystic acne have no clue how bad it is. I had them on and off and not that bad, and I was not on Accutane, it is not only disfiguring, it is painful. I was lucky that I got away with almost no scars as they were around my ears and chin mostly and I did see dermatologist and had weekly peels, that is how it was done in the 80s where I lived.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

But the Accutane should not be used until other measures tried first. Accutane is not the only cure of cystic acne, as you seem to claim. It was the only one for your DC, yes. But to recommend it to people right off the bat is irresponsible.

NP here. The PP isn't the only one it worked for. Accutane has been around a very long time and while the side effects can be significant, it is a literal lifesaver for many.

You blasting the PP for making a medical recommendation is pretty ironic given you, too, are providing medical advice.."Accutane should not be used until other measures tried first". It would have been less hypocritical of you to just say 'you should consult with a dermatologist'.

Perhaps, but with a significant difference. My recommendation won't kill them.

Oh my goodness. Did it ever occur to you that many teens with horrific cystic acne had depression long before taking Accutane? And that a major factor in their depression was *THE ACNE ITSELF*? It scares me to think of what might have happened to my son(s) had they not been given the opportunity to get rid of their acne, once and for all. Accutane saved them.

I certainly agree that any responsible parent should consult with a dermatologist about their options, and review any potential side effects. But in my case, I now know our options. And I'm very thankful we found one that actually works.

[Anonymous]

Antibiotic overuse ruined my gut. Try stopping all dairy, because of the hormones, and stopping soda and salty foods like chips, because of the sodium. Made a big difference for me. Have food allergy testing if the kid has seasonal allergies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Antibiotic overuse ruined my gut. Try stopping all dairy, because of the hormones, and stopping soda and salty foods like chips, because of the sodium. Made a big difference for me. Have food allergy testing if the kid has seasonal allergies.

+1

I developed significant health issues after three years of antibiotic use.

Dairy, soy, and vegetable oils are highly acnegenic.

[Anonymous]

Antibiotics. If bad, definitely see a dermatologist. Don't want scarring!

[Anonymous]

Wash with Salycilic acid cleanser, then clean with astringent. My sons face completely cleared up, he had to be religious about washing, if he skips it breaks out.