<p>My DS age 18 has been struggling with acne for about a year. He came home for Thanksgiving and it appears to be worse than ever. We have tried (generally for at least 6 weeks each) benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin topical solution, Retin-A, Adapalene, Benzamycin, and doxycycline. We briefly tried Pro-activ but he is allergic to aloe which is in the toner and it caused a reaction. Currently he is using Duac (clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide) in the morning, and Ziana (clindamycin and Retin-A) in the evening. He is also taking Doryx (long-acting doxycycline). He washes with Cetaphil soap and puts Aveeno Ultra-calming lotion on after the acne cream. Other things we have tried include carrot juice, avoiding milk products, and Head and Shoulders shampoo. The Doryx (and doxycyline) causes him to get an exaggerated sunburn even if he wears sunscreen so he had stopped taking it this fall and just re-started a couple of weeks ago. He also has acne on his shoulders. My daughter had mild-moderate acne which went away when she went on birth control pills. The dermatologist says that it is hormonal. Unfortunately boys can’t take birth control pills. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>If your son is a heavy drinker, he must stop if he wants his acne to go away.</p>
<p>Retin-A worked for me but if none of that stuff is working, I’ll give you a home remedy that saved my life: lemon juice. Cut a lemon (not lime) slice and rub it all over the affected area - let it stay on for about 15 mins and then wash it off. (if it stings, its working!) If you son does this once in the morning and once before bed, I guarantee that in two weeks, you will see an improvement!</p>
<p>Caution: when the lemon juice is on his face, he must not expose his face to the sun. Once you’ve washed it off, then he can go out in the sun. :)</p>
<p>My S also went through all the treatments you described, with only marginal success, and then finally opted to go on the 5-month regimen of Claravis. It will be necessary for him to get monthly lab work done, wear a moisturizing sunblock, use facial scrub, etc. etc. but this really did the trick for my son. Good luck.</p>
<p>I know someone who used accutane but I think it had some adverse reaction to his mental well being. He has either gained some new confidence since his acne cleared up and became an arrogant idiot or his mind was altered. Either which way he was nicer when he had pimples. I would suggest being very careful if this product is being considered and I would also recommend that if it is being considered than to do so during the long break so that adverse reactions could be monitered by those who know the person best.</p>
<p>I have researched this topic and my conclusion is that the topical approach is generally not effective, and if you really want to bring an end to it, Accutane is the way to go. </p>
<p>Accutane is not without risk, so in our family’s case we have decided to live with the acne.</p>
<p>(Point of clarification: Isotretinoin is the generic form of Accutane. Isotretinoin is marketed under several different names including Claravis, Amnesteem and Sotret.)</p>
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<p>That’s very interesting. I’ve never heard this. Can you explain the link?</p>
<p>My S tried a variety of things to overcome his acne, but in the end, accutane was the only thing that worked. We were well aware of the risks, and in his case, none of them occurred.</p>
<p>Zinc oxide ointment (also known as diaper rash cream). This study is for oral zinc (like those zinc tablets people use for colds): [Arch</a> Dermatol – Abstract: Effects of Oral Zinc and Vitamin A in Acne, January 1977, Michalsson et al. 113 (1): 31](<a href=“http://archderm.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/113/1/31]Arch”>http://archderm.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/113/1/31) but it has been my experience and that of many other people that zinc oxide cream works just as well.</p>
<p>Sigh…dermatologist put DS on an antibiotic (been on Duac for a couple of years) and no real improvement. Making him another appointment over Christmas break. I was hoping for accutane, but now I’m worried - going to research!</p>
<p>Keep in mind that IF your son’s Dermotologist prescribes Accutane (Claravis), he will be monitored MONTHLY by his Dermotologist. It’s not like they turn you loose to fend for yourself. Prescription refills are not available until after the lab results are reviewed AND your son meets with the doctor each and every month for the (usual) 5 or 6 month period to discuss any adverse reactions, etc. I have had both my D and S on Accutane with wonderful results and minimal side effects other than some “dryness”.</p>
<p>What is funny, and I know you might not believe me, but my son doesn’t drink at all. We have tried to tell him he should loosen up a little but, and we thought for sure he would when he got to college, but so far, he doesn’t drink.</p>
<p>I second jshain - Accutane is the way to go. You are heavily, heavily monitored.</p>
<p>S did a course of Accutane in HS, and it cleared up his acne. Antibiotics and topical treatments did nothing. He did suffer from very, very dry lips, and had to have high-quality lip balm at the ready all the time while taking the drug. After a while–maybe a year?–his acne gradually recurred and he went back on Accutane for another course. He chose to stop taking it after three months, saying that he thought it had a negative effect on his mood. I would have preferred that he stay on it, since I’ve been told by others that two courses seemed to do the trick for their kid, but couldn’t argue with him if he genuinely detected mood changes.</p>
<p>I don’t see any Salicylic Acid products on your list of over-the-counter items. Did you give them a try? Happykid doesn’t have severe acne, just your regular everyday teenage kind. I can tell within a matter of days when she stops using her OTC cleanser, and everything clears up within less than a week as soon as she uses it again. I’m sure there must be prescription concentrations as well as the OTC versions.</p>
<p>Another Accutane parent here. A couple of things…first of all as noted, your kiddo WILL be monitored monthly for side effects. My kiddo had elevated cholesterol which lowered once he finished his course of treatment. It also has a very DRYING effect on lips, for example. My kiddo used tons of chapstick. I would suggest you look at Chopsaver which is for brass instrument players. Also, check your insurance. Accutane treatment is VERY expensive. Hopefully your prescription rider will cover it (there is a generic which is what my son used). If you are paying out of pocket, it is VERY pricey.</p>
<p>That said…my kid dealt with his acne for years and he was a different kid in a GREAT way when he no longer had that to deal with. His dermatologist released him from any follow up about a year ago and he’s good to go (about 6 years after his accutane follow up…he continued to use a topical for some break out).</p>
<p>My D tried everything and I mean everything from the time she was eleven until it cleared up at around 17. We did accutane after great hesitation and it worked while she was on it but recurred when she discontinued use. Here are few things to think about. We opted not to do a second round but my niece had success with her second round.</p>
<p>First, new research is showing that ACNE contributes to depression in teens. Not surprising. So Accutane may cause mood issues but it is likely that a child who has severe or stubborn acne is already suffering from mild depression. Some dermatologists are using accutane differently now. Rather than amping up the dosage over six months, they keep the patient on a very low dose for a longer period of time. This was the approach with my niece and she did very well.</p>
<p>Clean your bedding frequently. Bacteria on the pillow case can cause acne and you may notice that one side of the face is more affected than the other. It may be the side your chid sleeps on. </p>
<p>Get some very high thread count pillow cases. The higher the thread count the less irritating it is on the skin. Have him change the pillow case every other day and flip the pillow on the off day so that he is always sleeping on a clean side. Cumbersome, I know but it does help. it may not be a coincidence that his skin is worse after being away at college. We all know how often they change their sheets.</p>
<p>As far as medications go, my D found success with a cream called Tazorac (a very strong Retin A) along with YAZ BC pills. Her skin looks beautiful, she is happy and is thinking about a career in the field of dermatology.</p>
<p>^^^
I should acknowledge that the YAZ is obviously not helpful for your son but you may want to ask your doctor about Tazorac. It is a tough cream to use and it makes the acne worse before it gets better but it had a dramatic effect on my daughter’s skin.</p>
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Ditto. DS is thoroughly enjoying his high school junior year without acne.</p>
<p>My son had terrible acne that was threatening to permanently scar his handsome face. The antibiotics and prescription creams did nothing. </p>
<p>Finally, he went on several rounds of Accutane. That drug is a miracle! After two sessions of treatment his acne disappeared and for four years now it has not reoccurred. </p>
<p>The treatment is difficult. He had to have monthly blood tests to check for liver function. But he went from a kid who wanted to hide out to a social butterfly with so much more confidence. </p>
<p>But I thought I read or heard that Accutane was taken off the market. Does anyone know if this is true?</p>
<p>Add: Roche pulled Accutane off the market due to a possible link to inflammatory bowel disease. It may still be offered in the generic, istrentinoin (sp?).</p>
<p>My son used Accutane before it became hard to get. It did lasting wonders for his acne but left him with what are basically permanent chapped lips. If he had still been playing a wind instrument (he quit years earlier), this would have been a disastrous side effect.</p>