Treatment for acne

Bob the Builder

Hey,

I'm 14 years old, with a fairly major acne problem(basically spots all over my face). I have been to the doctor. he prescribed me "Zindaclin" which did absoloutley nothing to me. I bought 100% aloe vera recently which I managed to get my hands on. I hope it will work.

The thing is, I am getting acne very bad(along with other effects of puberty), but I can't get rid of it.

Can anybody who has experienced a similar situation please tell bout how you went about removing it.

Thanks all!

DonkeyStyle \o/

There's a whole community built up around this at www.acne.org ... they've got some pretty busy forums, might make good reading.
I haven't tried any of their recommendations, but I kinda grew out of acne before I found that site anyway.

StormWarrior

ask your doctor for isotrexin gel. It helps alot!

xzanti

Your doctor can prescribe you antibiotics... I had terrible spots as a teenager and my doctor gave me Minosin SA and it started working straight away.. The only side effect I suffered from it was heart burn but it was sooooo worth it... Really worked.. skin was cleared up in a couple of months and never came back.. I still get the odd spot but nothing like what it was... My advice is do something now while you're still young and minimise scarring... Luckily I wasn't left with any scars but a lot of people do nothing and their skin is left destroyed after the acne is gone.. Good luck with it

sionnach

Try isotrexin, panoxyl and minocin with your GP and if none of those work, when you're a bit older see a dermatologist and maybe the last resort of roaccutane will do the job. I tried everything possible but Roaccutane was the only one that worked. Read up on the drug, it can be dangerous. Personally i suffered no side effects.

Umaro

xzanti wrote:

Your doctor can prescribe you antibiotics... I had terrible spots as a teenager and my doctor gave me Minosin SA and it started working straight away.. The only side effect I suffered from it was heart burn but it was sooooo worth it... Really worked.. skin was cleared up in a couple of months and never came back.. I still get the odd spot but nothing like what it was... My advice is do something now while you're still young and minimise scarring... Luckily I wasn't left with any scars but a lot of people do nothing and their skin is left destroyed after the acne is gone.. Good luck with it

I was at the doctors there on Tuesday after being bugged by acne for like 5 years I decided to do something about it. She prescribed me 3 months of Minocin SA and I started them on Wednesday along with Panoxyl (which I'd been using with not much luck for 2-3 years)

So I'm hoping this'll work for me anyways, and that I won't be scarred. But I do know you can get treatments that will get rid of the scars (they can be expensive though €300/treatment and so on..) Either that or I can just grow a fancy beard.

Best of luck with the treatment anyways - the important thing is that you've done something about it and that you should stick to the treatment now.

Santa Claus

At 14 there's not a lot medicines can do for acne as your hormones are in full swing. Drugs only tend to work towards the end of puberty when acne is still an issue.

Have a look at your diet OP. I know my ex girlfriend used to always go on about how people should drink loads of water for their skin (she's a beautician) but whether that will help acne or not I don't know but it certainly can't do any harm to try.

Have you used any over the counter treatments such as Biactol etc....they can help.

Overall it will disappear in time as you hormones calm down, not much you can do to eliminate it...but everyone has to go through it !

Dave!

If the drug you're on isn't doing anything (and your GP acknowledges this), then ask him to put you on something else -- there are alot of different drugs, creams, etc., for acne. If it's bad enough perhaps you could ask to be referred to a dermatologist, cos they'll better know what will work for you.

They may put you on Roaccutane. It works, but it sucks. Most people are cleared up within a few months.

Santa Claus wrote:

Overall it will disappear in time as you hormones calm down, not much you can do to eliminate it...but everyone has to go through it !

It doesn't always disappear after puberty mate, and there are things you can do to eliminate it!

LegacyUser

I'm 20 and still have them. Its not all hormones as Dave says. If you are given a course of antibiotics - FINSH THEM for gods sake. Always finish the course!

marissa

like u at your age i had terrivle acne and it seemed the end of the world,but now at 17 its eased off,thank god!
i tried every prescription drug and cream there was available! nothing worked!
then i went to one of those herbal shops..the shopkeeper sorted me out with a few tablets and the like..it cleared it up yes,but once i stopped the blasted buggers came back again!
finally in the end..went to a witch/herbal docter gave me a months supply of a herbal cream...and iv never looked back since!!!! stank a bit but it worked the charm at the low price of a tenner!

id recommend a local witch docter in your area,i didnt believe the myth at first but he really helped me out!

Bob the Builder

Thanks a million all for your replies!

I will take a look at that website which i thought never existed!

As for the drugs, my body/skin never reacts to anything, and yet I have never had that many prescriptions. My doctor always has to double the dose for everything I put on my skin. It takes strong cream to even make a difference.

I put steam on my face last night to open my pores(held my face over a kettle!!), followed quickly by Aloe Vera and Zindaclin together. Today, My spots have calmed down. they were sticking out bad but down they have changed color and softened. I am so Happy

Dave!

Finishing the course of a medicine when it shows no signs of improving is a bit pointless. nevf, have you gone to a dermatologist or are you still with the GP?

Ask him about changing the antibiotic if it's not working, and ask him what he thinks about being referred to a dermatologist.

If it's bad enough Roaccutane may be the only option (that sounds a bit dramatic -- like it's torture. It's not, but if there's an alternative method then I'd prefer that)

forget about that witch-doctor stuff please!

Santa Claus

DaveMcG wrote:

Finishing the course of a medicine when it shows no signs of improving is a bit pointless. nevf, have you gone to a dermatologist or are you still with the GP?

Ask him about changing the antibiotic if it's not working, and ask him what he thinks about being referred to a dermatologist.

If it's bad enough Roaccutane may be the only option (that sounds a bit dramatic -- like it's torture. It's not, but if there's an alternative method then I'd prefer that)

forget about that witch-doctor stuff please!

People, lets bear in mind that the OP is 14.....While meidcation can help if acne is still an issue after puberty, there's very little it can do while just starting puberty !
I'd be suprised if any GP would refer someone so young to a dermatologist !

SingingCherry

www.proactiv.com

I started using this when I was around 16/17 and I now I'm 25 and I still use it. It really did wonders on my skin and very fast. My skin was looking perfect in around 2 weeks and then it kept my skin looking healthy since. Sure, I get the odd spot now and again, and when I go off of it (sometimes I run out) it's a problem, but as long as you keep yourself in supply, it'll be great.

Dave!

Santa Claus wrote:

People, lets bear in mind that the OP is 14.....While meidcation can help if acne is still an issue after puberty, there's very little it can do while just starting puberty !
I'd be suprised if any GP would refer someone so young to a dermatologist !

Ah didn't realise he was 14. While Roaccutane probably can help acne when you're that young (since it works by reducing the amount of sebum -- the cause of acne -- your glands produce), I doubt a doctor would put you on it at that age without trying everything else first.

Stark

I find Quinoderm cream (active ingredient benzoyl peroxide, same as in panoxyl cream and proactiv) to be great. You can get it without prescription from pretty much any chemist/Boots. Go for the 5% strength, it's far less harsh on your skin than the 10% version which will leave your skin dry and flaky.

Bob the Builder

EDIT: I have only ever tried Clearasil and Blunaclin as OTC's. Both did feck all for me...Benzoyl peroxide has enever been an ingredient in any of my products, it might work.

p.s. Never ever been to a Dermatologist..../EDIT

Stark wrote:

I find Quinoderm cream (active ingredient , benzoyl peroxide same as in panoxyl cream and proactiv) to be great. You can get it without prescription from pretty much any chemist/Boots. Go for the 5% strength, it's far less harsh on your skin than the 10% version which will leave your skin dry and flaky.

I was looking at www.acne.org, a URL I was given earlier in this thread, it recommends benzoyl peroxide on that website

My Question! is that cream available as an OTC(over the counter)?

Stark

nevf wrote:

My Question! is that cream available as an OTC(over the counter)?

Yes

Bob the Builder

is it expensive?

StormWarrior

I would also recommend Dermalogica's Medicated Clearing gel. You can buy it in beauty salons.

Bob the Builder

StormWarrior wrote:

I would also recommend Dermalogica's Medicated Clearing gel. You can buy it in beauty salons.

I mean to sound like no expert but does it contain benzoyl peroxide?

Stark

nevf wrote:

is it expensive?

I can't remember the exact cost but it's not expensive at all. I have a tube that cost me less than €5 and has lasted me for months.

Bob the Builder

Stark wrote:

I can't remember the exact cost but it's not expensive at all. I have a tube that cost me less than €5 and has lasted me for months.

Thanks!

lolo2

Hi Op,

Steaming your face when you have acne is not a great idea, unless done by a professional beautician, it can irritate your skin further. I know its horrible to have acne, just when you get interested in the opposite sex too! I had it from about 13 until 22. Did everything too, anti-biotics all the creams etc. to no avail.

On the http://www.acne.org/ site that was mentioned I realised I was NOT puttiing enough benzoyl peroxide on because I didnt want the red/scaly look and I wasnt moisturising.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to over-cleanse acne prone skin. Use the most gentle face wash and light moisturiser twice a day. Then apply your cream. If you over dry your skin by using medicated wash, medicated creams and medicated toner etc, you will make your problem worse. Be as gentle as you can with your skin.

Be careful with anti-biotics prescribed for acne as they can cause severe depression in some people. (I personally know of three cases of this.)

Bob the Builder

lolo2 wrote:

Hi Op,

Steaming your face when you have acne is not a great idea, unless done by a professional beautician, it can irritate your skin further. I know its horrible to have acne, just when you get interested in the opposite sex too! I had it from about 13 until 22. Did everything too, anti-biotics all the creams etc. to no avail.

On the http://www.acne.org/ site that was mentioned I realised I was NOT puttiing enough benzoyl peroxide on because I didnt want the red/scaly look and I wasnt moisturising.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to over-cleanse acne prone skin. Use the most gentle face wash and light moisturiser twice a day. Then apply your cream. If you over dry your skin by using medicated wash, medicated creams and medicated toner etc, you will make your problem worse. Be as gentle as you can with your skin.

Be careful with anti-biotics prescribed for acne as they can cause severe depression in some people. (I personally know of three cases of this.)

I suppose, doing that isn't a good idea at all...Acne.org is a very helpful site, I will defo follow them instructions.
I understand about the fact too much or too little of them creams is bad, getting it right is a priority, as with irritation

Anti-biotics fro acne are known to cause depression. Sounds very peculiar but I'll depend on your word...

um7y1h83ge06nx

I was put on Tetracycline (an antibiotic) at 22/23 for 6 months. It seems to have worked.

The odd time when I notice a spot I put on some Tea Tree oil. I think that seems to help a little. Don't wash your face too much as you'll only irritate it.

Bob the Builder

Marleigh Some Pastrami wrote:

I was put on Tetracycline (an antibiotic) at 22/23 for 6 months. It seems to have worked.

The odd time when I notice a spot I put on some Tea Tree oil. I think that seems to help a little. Don't wash your face too much as you'll only irritate it.

Has acne ever came back? I heard Tea Tree wasn't a good idea and Aloe Vera was better...I was told to wash it every time I passed a sink!

Also, has Clearasil help ANYONE that had acne? its advertised everywhere for being so good, but it never helped me

Stark

nevf wrote:

Also, has Clearasil help ANYONE that had acne? its advertised everywhere for being so good, but it never helped me

God no, it's ****e.

/me awaits boards.ie lawsuit from the Clearasil guys

Dave!

I'd never use Clearasil after seeing the TV ads they put up, and I've complained to them twice (not that it makes a difference). They've no shame.

projectmayhem

honestly the only thing that ever worked for me is water. i drink about 2litres a day and have clear skin!

Umaro

Water is a myth though, it will have a small effect on spots but not on acne.

And Clearasil is a load of rubbish. It doesn't work!!

Bob the Builder

yes, everyone buys clearasil(including me) when they start getting acne. it took me two months to figure out that it was crap....

um7y1h83ge06nx

nevf wrote:

Has acne ever came back? I heard Tea Tree wasn't a good idea and Aloe Vera was better...I was told to wash it every time I passed a sink!

Also, has Clearasil help ANYONE that had acne? its advertised everywhere for being so good, but it never helped me

Well I only finished the course of treatment 2 months ago, so far so good.

There is so many different opinions on teating acne, I really think it's an art rather than medical science. It seems to be a far more complex issue than most people give credit for. Some methods work for some people, some don't. The Tetracycline for instance doesn't work for some people, thankfully it sorted me out.

Aloe vera is meant to be fairly good alright. My doctor told me to just wash twice a day, only make exceptions after physical activity where I would be sweating a lot.

The Tea Tree oil works for me when a pimple is just beginning to occur. Again all our bodies are different ao this migt not suit you.

Good luck!

itzii

hi,i just posted a reply to another post which i think is appropiate here as well!

i had this skin problem as well as many others and solved it as follows:

try avoiding all processed foods - basically anything that comes ready made in a packet; junk like crisps, sweets, fizzy drinks but also ragu, sausages, ham etc etc... basically anything that has more than two or three ingredients or "E" numbers in the listing; tins of tomatoes, beans, cheese, plain yoghurt etc are fine. eat lots of fruit and veg, fish, pasta, rice, at least 3 litres of water/tea a day (count coffee as extra). bread is ok but not too much. juice also fine but avoid too much citrus.

once your skin is clear, keep at it for another few weeks, then gradually reintroduce foods, using a food diary. introduce foods every second day only - it can take 24-36 hrs for the reaction in your skin to happen. it may turn out that you are only reacting to one artificial ingredient or one food. or you may be like me - i now avoid processed foods as much as possible but also cant eat dairy or egg (gives me wind and stomach cramps), or pork (get the most amazing boils all over my back!!)

also pay attention to any food that makes you very thirsty (orange juice does this for me), or that you get cravings for, and cut these out.

i think food intolerance tests, patch tests etc can be very unreliable in this kind of case, simply because of the low level of reaction going on. in allergies, it is more clear cut. this is my opinion anyway (am a medical doctor).

the tetracyclines and retinoic acid etc that dermatologists will prescribe should really only be used as a last resort, or to prevent scarring if your acne is really severe.

Bob the Builder

itzii wrote:

hi,i just posted a reply to another post which i think is appropiate here as well!

i had this skin problem as well as many others and solved it as follows:

try avoiding all processed foods - basically anything that comes ready made in a packet; junk like crisps, sweets, fizzy drinks but also ragu, sausages, ham etc etc... basically anything that has more than two or three ingredients or "E" numbers in the listing; tins of tomatoes, beans, cheese, plain yoghurt etc are fine. eat lots of fruit and veg, fish, pasta, rice, at least 3 litres of water/tea a day (count coffee as extra). bread is ok but not too much. juice also fine but avoid too much citrus.

once your skin is clear, keep at it for another few weeks, then gradually reintroduce foods, using a food diary. introduce foods every second day only - it can take 24-36 hrs for the reaction in your skin to happen. it may turn out that you are only reacting to one artificial ingredient or one food. or you may be like me - i now avoid processed foods as much as possible but also cant eat dairy or egg (gives me wind and stomach cramps), or pork (get the most amazing boils all over my back!!)

also pay attention to any food that makes you very thirsty (orange juice does this for me), or that you get cravings for, and cut these out.

i think food intolerance tests, patch tests etc can be very unreliable in this kind of case, simply because of the low level of reaction going on. in allergies, it is more clear cut. this is my opinion anyway (am a medical doctor).

the tetracyclines and retinoic acid etc that dermatologists will prescribe should really only be used as a last resort, or to prevent scarring if your acne is really severe.

I understand that you have a medical background but many books, websites, etc. state that diet has absoloutley noting to do with acne....

Coffee would be my killer, what does this mean for my acne?

I will leave acids and that other stuff until I knjow other medicines aren't affecting me

Thanks

Santa Claus

nevf wrote:

I understand that you have a medical background but many books, websites, etc. state that diet has absoloutley noting to do with acne....

Coffee would be my killer, what does this mean for my acne?

I will leave acids and that other stuff until I knjow other medicines aren't affecting me

Thanks

OP,
As I've said previously on this thread, YOU'RE 14.....ACNE IS A NATURAL (if unwanted) PART OF PUBERTY !
Don't go rushing straight to topical creams and antibiotics yet as there's very little they can do for you at such a young age....these treatements mainly work when people are at the end of puberty (around 17-18) and are still experiencing severe acne !

Someone else stated depression as a side effect of particular acne treatments. I have also heard of this and a quick google found this on the US Food & Drug Administrations website http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/1998/accuta.htm
Although this relates to 1 particular brand name, the same medicine is available under many other brand names including Roaccutane (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isotretinoin#Pharmacodynamics)

Bob the Builder

Santa Claus wrote:

OP,
As I've said previously on this thread, YOU'RE 14.....ACNE IS A NATURAL (if unwanted) PART OF PUBERTY !
Don't go rushing straight to topical creams and antibiotics yet as there's very little they can do for you at such a young age....these treatements mainly work when people are at the end of puberty (around 17-18) and are still experiencing severe acne !

Someone else stated depression as a side effect of particular acne treatments. I have also heard of this and a quick google found this on the US Food & Drug Administrations website http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/1998/accuta.htm
Although this relates to 1 particular brand name, the same medicine is available under many other brand names including Roaccutane (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isotretinoin#Pharmacodynamics)

You certainly researched your stuff! I suppose I'd prefer acne to depression anyday though! It's just that I wouldn't consider the spots on my face a welcome addition, considering, i'm not exactly good looking and I'cve got braces on top of that...

Santa Claus

nevf wrote:

You certainly researched your stuff! I suppose I'd prefer acne to depression anyday though! It's just that I wouldn't consider the spots on my face a welcome addition, considering, i'm not exactly good looking and I'cve got braces on top of that...

Yeah, but put things in perspective....how many of your classmates have spots and braces too, a fair few I'd imagine (unless you're some sort of gifted 14 year old who's starting medicine in UCD next week and don't want to stand out from the crowd).

And girls get acne and braces too....I went to school with a guy who had train track braces and really bad spots but the guy was beating away the local girls with a sh*tty stick.....It's all about personality!
Anyway, happens to everyone think of it as a rite of passage and just do your best not to let it affect your life too much !

Dave!

Acne itself is a cause of depression for some people, and also there has been no conclusive evidence to show that Roaccutane causes it, so don't dismiss it off the bat because a tiny number of people have commited suicide while on it.

Try to bear in mind that they have a horribly disfiguring skin condition -- might that play a role in them commiting suicide?

Has there been any research done about the amount of suicide victims who weren't on Roaccutane, yet still had severe acne? Perhaps it's the same amount? (if someone has literature on this, link me to it and I'll concede the point! I'm curious myself!)

EDIT:

Have a read of this too -- "Accutane may elevate patients' mood"

I'd take the research with a pinch of salt as ya never know who's funding their research or who's supporting that site, but I would be inclined to agree with their conclusion -- that the positive effect Roaccutane has on acne is likely to decrease depression.

Girl Friday

Hi all, I was wondering if any of you have tried the n-lite laser treatment for acne and if so did it work for you?

chump

forget all these cleaning lotions and crap... they don't work for 'acne' - perhaps breakouts etc.

Best bet is to wash max. 2 times a day, morning and night, with soapy water. Important that you dont overdo it.
Your skin will be greasy because of your age and hormones, but just leave it be. Don't pick and touch your face, and what you really want to do is avoid scarring.

I don't know where people are getting the wisdom that stuff like minocin (tetracycline antibiotic i believe) doesn't work for people during puberty, because it does for a lot. Go on it or something similar if the acne is bad enough.

The topical stuff doesn't really work tbh, not in my experience anyway. Minocin did work for me, but tbh you don't want to be on that stuff for too long - although I know people who've be on it for years.
My advice would be
touch face as little as possible
wash much less than you think you need to
don't overdo topical stuff, infact underdo it
take minocin

Bob the Builder

chump wrote:

forget all these cleaning lotions and crap... they don't work for 'acne' - perhaps breakouts etc.

Best bet is to wash max. 2 times a day, morning and night, with soapy water. Important that you dont overdo it.
Your skin will be greasy because of your age and hormones, but just leave it be. Don't pick and touch your face, and what you really want to do is avoid scarring.

I don't know where people are getting the wisdom that stuff like minocin (tetracycline antibiotic i believe) doesn't work for people during puberty, because it does for a lot. Go on it or something similar if the acne is bad enough.

The topical stuff doesn't really work tbh, not in my experience anyway. Minocin did work for me, but tbh you don't want to be on that stuff for too long - although I know people who've be on it for years.
My advice would be
touch face as little as possible
wash much less than you think you need to
don't overdo topical stuff, infact underdo it
take minocin

well i'll take a look at this quinoderm cream first, i'll keep my hands away from my face(something i fail to do).
What do you define topical as....?

Santa Claus

nevf wrote:

What do you define topical as....?

Topical is any medicine you put on your body such as creams/gels as opposed to medicine you take internally such as tablets/liquid !

Bob the Builder

Santa Claus wrote:

Topical is any medicine you put on your body such as creams/gels as opposed to medicine you take internally such as tablets/liquid !

Thank you Santa Claus!

LegacyUser

You name it, I've tried it! I've spent a fortune over the years trying to get rid of acne. A friend recommended laser and it's been the only thing to clear up my skin. I went to Cork Lasercare Clinic and after the first session the difference was unreal. I've had 3 sessions over 3 months and my face is completely clear. I found them very thorough as they discussed everything from diet to skincare. I can say now that I have spent way more on doctors and creams, laser is not expensive. Anyone suffering from acne, I would really recommend giving them a go!
Oh, and on the subject of Aloe Vera products, they stock them and they do work.

af_thefragile

washing ur face as often as possible with stuff like clerasil and clean and clear.. i guess that works...
and drinking plenty of water is supposed to be helpful too...

Dalfiatach

Forget about all the various creams and lotions and facewashes and all. Junk, most of 'em.

It's pretty common to have really bad acne at 14. I know I did, was brutal for a year or two then died down to normal levels in late teens.

Wash your face morning and night with warm water and soap. Drink plenty of water. Try not to pick at them, you don't want permanent scarring. Try to keep your hands away from your face, and wash your hands a few times a day. Try to avoid greasy foods like chips. Wash yer hair frequently if it's long. Some people have reactions to certain foods like chocolate or cheese.

Do all that and it might calm down a bit, but really you just have to give it time. Don't worry, 99% of people with bad acne at 14 are fine at 16. If it is still very bad by 16/17, then consider seeing a doctor about it.

lizzyvera

itzii wrote:

am a medical doctor
QUOTE]
I sincerely doubt this because you believe that E numbers and sugar give you acne?!?!?!

That's obviously untrue- when I had acne I meticulously avoided those things because some complete fool told me they made my skin worse. Now my skin is clear and milky and I eat crap non stop. I have pastries and coffee for breakfast, cheese sandwiches for lunch and chips and oil soaked salad for dinner most days.

Also everything you said has been completely disproven in hundreds of studies, one particular one carried out on young prisoners was the nail in the coffin- they fed one group crap and the other group healthy food and lots of water and there was no difference between their skin in the end.

Your advice could be damaging, like it was when I received the same advice. My skin could have been clear two years earlier and my confidence wouldn't have been detroyed.

Soby

Roaccutane did the job for me..you have to keep gonig back to the hospital for monthly for check ups[long long list of side effects],none of which i had..Worked a miracle for me brillant stuff..Some of the major side effects bwere depression and suicde but rare caes

lizzyvera

Go to the doctor is the best advice. They'll know what to do, it's important to clear it up if it's bad or you'll get permanant scarring.

Call Me Jimmy

af_thefragile wrote:

washing ur face as often as possible with stuff like clerasil and clean and clear.. i guess that works...
and drinking plenty of water is supposed to be helpful too...

please do not do this! this will dry out your skin big time. Washing your face with honey will help your acne immensely.