Acne problem with teen

[warden]

I've used the Proactiv stuff and it did work, however, I had to adjust the regimen because if I followed the directions to a T, it severely dried my skin out. Even more so during the winter, to the point where I ultimately had to stop using it.

I'm currently taking a natural supplement called "Perfect Skin", which is available at Natural Resources downtown. The primary ingredients in it are fish oils and ginseng. I'm finding this is working really well for me. As a bonus, it also helps to regulate your blood sugars and hormones which can help with food cravings and mood swings. I've been taking it for a couple of months, and while I still get the odd zit, my skin is in really good shape, and I've lost some weight! (No, I don't sell this product, it has just really worked well for me!)

[dirtrider]

A product called Staticin is amazing!
You may want to talk to your Dr. about this.

It comes with a sponge applicator, but use it sparingly.
A new pimple only needs to have the product applied with a toothpick sized dab once, maybe twice and voila!
I know! Sounds amazing! ...but it's true!

Uh oh, It might not be too great for teens.

Brand Name
Staticin

Common Name
erythromycin - ethyl alcohol - laureth-4 topical


How does this medication work? What will it do for me?

This medication is a combination product that contains the antibiotic erythromycin. It is used to treat certain types of acne. It works by killing the bacteria that can cause or aggravate acne. It also contains ethyl alcohol, which helps to dry out acne lesions. The full benefit of this medication may not be experienced for up to 12 weeks.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed

http://www.medbroadcast.com/drug_info_d ... ame_id=990

[gardengirl]

I am allergic to Erythromycin. That could be very bad.

[dirtrider]

i used Phisoderm and a Buff Puff for a long time when i was working in a really dirty place. nothing like cement dust to clog everything up.

Is Phisoderm like Spectro Gel?

i have no idea. i see it has changed a lot since i used it. it used to come in a green bottle and was like a liquid soap. PH balanced and really did a good job of cleaning. there was no perfume in it either. i really liked it.

The green bottle was PhisoHEX somewhere along the line, they changed the ingredients and it became Phisoderm. I think it was a food/drug thing which made phisohex a prescription product, this happened about the same time that NEOsporin changed to POLYsporin.

As for Brettbaby, I would not recommend these products as they are medicated and can be very irritating and drying. Buff Puffs or other abrasives can damage sensitive skin.

My recommendation (and that of many dermatologists) is Cetaphil lotion.
It is very mild and will not irritate or strip the skin. You could use a rough washcloth if you like, but I find that it can harbour bacteria which can aggravate skin conditions. I prefer to just use my hands.

If you have areas with breakouts, you can use something like a benzoyl peroxide product specifically on those areas.
With adult acne, it is a good idea to check with your doctor. It could be an indication of a hormonal imbalance, lupus, rosacea or other conditions which can be mistaken for simple acne.

Wifey says the same, our teen daughter uses it. 25% benzoyl peroxide is the main active ingredient in proactiv....the cost is a lot less too. She also uses some kind of Biore warming anti-blackhead cream cleanser, but according to the link below, maybe she doesn't need it.

I have to admit, I always thought that acne was caused by dirt that had blocked the entrance to the sabaceous gland....but according to this link one of the causes is by adnormal cell flaking inside a hair follicle, that causes a plug, oil gland spills over the skin and the bacteria then does it's business.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/acne/page2_em.htm

There are other anti-bacterial treatment but looks like benzoyl peroxide
is the best most cost effective treament mentioned so far for your teenage son. Hope this helps, good luck.

edit to add: Ooops, I meant to say 2.5% (instead of 25%) benzoyl peroxide. The strength goes all the way up to 10%....always start with the
least amount that's effective......and your welcome Ferri, just part of the sharing here in castanet.

[ferri]

Wifey says the same, our teen daughter uses it. 25% benzoyl peroxide is the main active ingredient in proactiv....the cost is a lot less too. She also uses some kind of Biore warming anti-blackhead cream cleanser, but according to the link below, maybe she doesn't need it.

I have to admit, I always thought that acne was caused by dirt that had blocked the entrance to the sabaceous gland....but according to this link one of the causes is by adnormal cell flaking inside a hair follicle, that causes a plug, oil gland spills over the skin and the bacteria then does it's business.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/acne/page2_em.htm

There are other anti-bacterial treatment but looks like benzoyl peroxide
is the best most cost effective treament mentioned so far for your teenage son. Hope this helps, good luck.

this is great info dirtrider! thank you!