Thanks to OP for posting question and to cckwmh for sharing this soooo very helpful info!!
Thanks to OP for posting question and to cckwmh for sharing this soooo very helpful info!!
Mom to 2
My DD has had excellent results with using an oral antibiotic like ampicillin along with the facial wash and two types of topical (prescription) creams/gels. Like cckwmh posted, there's a lot going on and some kids really need the dermatologist to intervene, as you don't want to end up with acne scars, and the self esteem part is also huge with a preteen/teen (or anyone for that matter).
My DD has had excellent results with using an oral antibiotic like ampicillin along with the facial wash and two types of topical (prescription) creams/gels. Like cckwmh posted, there's a lot going on and some kids really need the dermatologist to intervene, as you don't want to end up with acne scars, and the self esteem part is also huge with a preteen/teen (or anyone for that matter).
glad it worked for you. I love treating acne, because it can really change a teens self esteem and acne is linked to depression. I love it when a kid comes in, won't make eye contact or speak to me- three months later at the follow up he/she is happy, engaged in the visit.
take pictures if whoever you see does not. So many teens think they made no improvement until I show them the photo of the
last visit. The picture will also show lack of improvement or worsening.
My 15-year-old son started breaking out on his chin this spring. We couldn't get a handle on it all summer, so I took him to the ped for the first step. He prescribed a 10% Benzoyl Peroxide wash for the shower plus EpiDuo (which is a mix of Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide). I was hoping for an antibiotic gel, as Benzoyl Peroxide can bleach sheets and towels. But this is "safer" in case he forgets to use it on any given night (you don't want to skip doses of an antibiotic). So we are giving it a try. He's been on it for 2 weeks, and we are seeing improvement. No bleaching of anything yet, though I put some old sheets on his bed just to be safe. I would go straight to a dermatologist if your child's acne is anything other than mild--it's best to get on top of it, for sure.
Lisa
Mama to Jack (4/20/01)
and Joshua (11/16/03)
I am just seeing this now, but wanted to post our experience.
Dd is 13. We have been using apple cider vinegar for quite a while when she gets acne. We do a 1:1 water/apple cider vinegar solution and keep it in an old liquid soap bottle in the bathroom. She uses the flat round cotton pads (and sometimes just regular cotton) go apply. I forget if I told her if she should use any soap after that or just rinse and definitely not sure what she does, but it seems to work here. I know there are a lot of crazy claims about apple cider vinegar (and that it can be too acetic for some--I believe you can also do one third acv to two-third water), but it really seems to take care of the acne for my dd.
lucky single mom to 20 yr old dd and 17 yr old ds through 2 very different adoption routes
If you can't figure out a dermatologist that can see her quickly, I'd go to the pediatrician in the meantime. They should be able to prescribe something to get her started.
Green Tea, mom to three
I would not be afraid to use accutane if it comes to that. Life changing for me - I should have done it sooner.
I would also consider eliminating dairy and sugar. I know that is potentially super difficult - I wish someone had told me that years ago.
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I used the Unblemished line in 2005 (it was sold in stores then) when I was pregnant and it made my acne worse too; thankfully I was able to return it. I am outlier and can't stand Paula's Choice products either; I tried them in my early twenties so late 1990s-early 2000s when the line was fairly new (I had persistent acne until I was 26) and it just didn't work. I figured it was the topical salicylic acid (aka BHA).
TBH if you can get her into a dermatologist ASAP do that, and tbh the more products she uses the more it could be complicating the problem. Aczone, and Benzaclin are great acne creams, and don't be surprised if the derm. prescribes something strong like Tazorac or Retin A because they do dry the skin out. Oral meds like tetracycline, and minocycline are great if she can swallow pills. I started seeing the deem. at 15 and wish I would've started sooner. The derm will also keep it simple and recommend brands like Dove soap, And maybe a 2% or 4% acne wash, but nothing super complicated or along the lines or R+F.
For OTC I would recommend Kiehl's Blue Herbal gel cleanser, which I started using in my mid 20s and that has helped with my acne as well and a little goes a long way. It has made blackheads and most cystic acne easier to deal with. They also make a blue herbal toner which I use sparingly and mainly after I have put a lot of sunscreen on my face or my skin is overly oily.
I also used Accutane when I was 18 and it did work wonders for my acne, but I had tried everything else at the time (1995) and had been under a dermatologist's care for three years before I took it. With Accutane you have to take a monthly pregnancy test as well so keep that in mind (because the high levels of vitamin A can cause serious birth defects and an abortion is required if you are prgnant and on Accutane). I was not sexually active at 18 so it was a non issue for me, but I still had to test monthly. At 20 I did have to go back on oral acne meds and was on them until I was 26 and stopped eating wheat on a really regular basis to deal with constipation IBS (but that is not something I would recommend for a 12 yo unless gluten intolerance and or constipation is already an issue), but in general I was happy with Accutane, and I wish I would've taken it sooner (only because having acne in high school was a total pita). My lasting side effects are dry insides of my nose, dry skin, and sensitivity to detergents (can't use regular Tide), I can't wash with various bar soaps so I stick with Dove, and if I need to use a body wash instead I use Olay.
Last edited by AnnieW625; 09-18-2016 at 08:14 AM.
Annie
WOHM to two wonderful little girls born in April
DD E, 17
DD L, 13,
baby 2, 4-2009 (our Tri-18 baby)