Help!

[Bloop45]

Hi everyone, I’m new here.

I had amazing skin as a teenager then as soon as I hit 20 my acne started. It’s gradually got worse, I’m currently on the last treatment my GP can give me (Differin cream and erythromycin for 3 months). Unfortunately when I was put on limecycline it was also a “let’s see if you react to it” trial after reacting to doxycycline, and of course I broke out in hives and started getting a tingly mouth so changing to those antibiotics isn’t an option.

I’ve been told if this doesn’t work then she’ll refer me to dermatology, I’m into my 2nd month and I’ve seen no change, if anything, the spots on my shoulders and back are worse :(. What can I expect from the dermatologist? I did mention to the GP that my skin is horrifically oily! Between leaving my house, with a freshly washed face, by the time I’ve got to work (40mins away) my skin is so shiny and oily. It looks and feels horrible! Is there anything the dermatologist can do to reduce it or even I can do? (Given I’ve probably tried every home remedy possible!) thanks!

[Glas46]

Hi there,

I was the same as you, didn't get skin problems until I was in my 20s. For me the combined contraception pill was the answer and being kinder to my skin with less harsh facewash etc. However, both my kids (17 yo son and 14 yo daughter) have skin problems. My son was referred to a derm and perscibed Roaccutane (isotretinoin). If you have acne on your back this is probably what they would suggest for you. It does work and pretty quickly too, it will clear your acne. There are side affects and you should read up on them before seeing the derm, but the majority of people are not significantly affected by these (remember that, as people do write horror stories). Roaccutane works to stop sebum (the oil on your face) production, so it would immediately stop the oilyness. While your taking it (normally for 4 months), the biggest complaint is dry skin so you need a good moisturiser (like Cerave). But after having a big problem with oil, I'm thinking you'll welcome a bit of dryness. If you also suffer from oily hair, that's controlled too. For my son it was a wonder drug. 3 years on and he's still completely acne free (and he had cystic acne). It's given him back his confidence. If after the 3 months on erythromycin you don't see any improvement then I would definitely request a derm referral. When my son first went, the first thing the Dr said was "people do not need to live with acne these days, there is so many ways to treat it, we'll just find the one that works for you." and she did. I think Roaccutane is the last thing to try, but it works. Good luck.

xx

[Bloop45]

Thank you so much for this reply, it’s been super helpful! I think the referral is definitely happening, she said if this doesn’t work then she’ll refer me on. I’m a little nervous RE side effects but purely because I’ve previously had a really rare drug reaction that almost killed me, but thankfully roaccutane isn’t on the list of drugs known to cause it! The oilyness is relentless! I’d happily take dry skin over the oil! I’ve got some moisturiser specifically made for use during the retinol treatment, it’s amazing but when it mixes with the oil my face is like an oily fry up thank you so much for getting back to me, it’s given me some hope! Unfortunately the pill isn’t an option for me due to my migraines, but it was the first option!