Teen Acne AND Excema

[SettinSail]

Hi all, looking for help for my DS. Would love to find something without having to go to the dermatologist but if we can't that will be the next step.

He has always had mild excema/sensitive skin, esp in Winter. Now, he has developed what I would call moderate acne. He has tried Clearasil products, stridex, Sea Breeze and none have helped the acne too much but all have really exacerbated the excema.

A friend's son had fantastic results with a Calrisonic. We bought one and it does seem to be helping the acne but has really dried his skin out. We just switched to using the Clarisonic with Aveeno pump soap and not seeing any improvements after a week. We think he may also secretly be shaving He has a very fine rash all over the jawline on both sides.

Any help/suggestions appreciated!

 

[megan926]

How about Proactiv? That seems to help a lot of people dealing with acne.

My stepson has very dry skin...not eczema, but the dermatologist just recommended Amlactin for his severe dry skin.

http://www.amlactin.com/

It is over the counter. My stepson has mild acne and uses the acne medicine first...then uses the amlactin mixed with a facial lotion on top to cut down on the dryness.

Hope that helps!

 

[of2dbeach]

ouch sounds like he is dry shaving. he could be allergic to the acne products too. We just went thru this with my DD15 they gave her cortizone cream.

 

[JaymeC]

I have super, super, super duper sensitive skin plus acne. And sadly neither went away in my adulthood (why oh why is life sometimes not fair?) Anyhow, what I've found helps the most is surprisingly simple. I use about 50/50 castor oil and extra extra virgin olive oil as a facial treatment every night. It makes my skin much, much softer and much less oily. I think part of it is that when I used the typical acne meds they dried my skin out so much that my body tried making more and more oil to combat the lack of oil and well... a giant circle ensued.

Anyway, what I do is put a thick layer of castor oil/extra extra virgin olive oil on my face. Then put on a HOT wash cloth on my face and let it sit for the minute or so it takes to get cool. Take off the wash cloth, massage the oil in, then wipe the extra oil off with the wash cloth (making sure you get along the hairlines, etc cause the extra oil will cause outbreaks if not washed off). Surprisingly simple, but for my skin type it's worked really well.

Best of luck to you both! Sometimes the worst part is trying everything to find something that works. Everyone's skin is a bit different.

 

[tink576]

I can get really severe excezma in the winter on my face (like before makeup you'd think I was punched in the eye, because my eyelid and 3in surrounding my eye get such a bad rash). My dermatologist prescribes specific creams that I can use on my face and specific ones for that close to my eye. I would call your dermatologist and see if they would recommend anything to you over the phone. Like the pp said they might say to use xyz acne product first and then medicate with excezma cream. That's what I would try first.

 

[lisaross]

i started using the OCM the past month (pp google OCM) anyway i use 1/4 castor oil and 3/4 EVOO! I just read about using honey as well to clean your face - i'm going to try that on the days i don't have makeup on!

I have super, super, super duper sensitive skin plus acne. And sadly neither went away in my adulthood (why oh why is life sometimes not fair?) Anyhow, what I've found helps the most is surprisingly simple. I use about 50/50 castor oil and extra extra virgin olive oil as a facial treatment every night. It makes my skin much, much softer and much less oily. I think part of it is that when I used the typical acne meds they dried my skin out so much that my body tried making more and more oil to combat the lack of oil and well... a giant circle ensued.

Anyway, what I do is put a thick layer of castor oil/extra extra virgin olive oil on my face. Then put on a HOT wash cloth on my face and let it sit for the minute or so it takes to get cool. Take off the wash cloth, massage the oil in, then wipe the extra oil off with the wash cloth (making sure you get along the hairlines, etc cause the extra oil will cause outbreaks if not washed off). Surprisingly simple, but for my skin type it's worked really well.

Best of luck to you both! Sometimes the worst part is trying everything to find something that works. Everyone's skin is a bit different.

 

[lady9]

My DS 15 has pretty severe acne. A few years ago he was at his regular doctor's for basketball physical. His reg. dr. wrote a prescription for benezaclin and he's been using that ever since with good results. He does have to use a moisturize at night to help with the dry skin. He's not been to a dermatologist so I'd start with his regular doc first.

 

[C-CMom]

Another vote for your primary care physician...

Most Pediatricians and Family Medical Physicians routinely deal with minor skin issues, making this a reasonable first step before a Dermatologist (which, as specialty care, often has a higher copay and longer wait before an appointment can be obtained). Despite the medical visit cost, there could be potential savings in the long run because you could skip treatments that have better advertising than they actually work. The young person in question may appreciate getting to an effective treatment sooner. Many of the available recommended medical treatments (including antibiotics and other classes) are available in generic versions which may be very affordable.

 

[goofgal31]

My DD(now 18) has had extremely sensitive skin and eczema since she was a newborn. When she was young her doctor suggested letting her spend time in the sun, so she spent a lot of time running around our back yard in just a diaper/underpants. It worked wonders, but living in Michigan it was only possible for a few months of the year so her doctors have prescribed varying creams throughout the years (many containing steroids). Once she reached her teen years and there was no sign of the eczema easing up there was concern about the effects of using steroid creams for so many years. So her dermatologist suggested trying tanning(same effect as sunlight). It is only in the winter months that she does this and only when she starts getting a bad flair up. It does not completely remove the eczema but does help a lot and she found that it seemed to help with acne too.

 

[100AcreWood]

I have had acne for the last 23 years. Is he using moisturizer? A lot of people don't realize how important that is even with acne. A good cheap one that my dermatologist recommends is cereve. You can find it at Wal Mart. They also make a face wash that is very mild. Acne can actually get worse if you have dry skin. And I agree, the clarisonic can really dry out your skin. I only use mine at night and wash my face normally in the morning. If I use it twice a day my face hurts.

Also, my dermatologist said a good place to start with mild acne is to use a 1-2% benzyl peroxide cream. Only use it on the spots needed, not the entire face. I know how frustrating this is!

 

[Happy Mom2]

I have super, super, super duper sensitive skin plus acne. And sadly neither went away in my adulthood (why oh why is life sometimes not fair?) Anyhow, what I've found helps the most is surprisingly simple. I use about 50/50 castor oil and extra extra virgin olive oil as a facial treatment every night. It makes my skin much, much softer and much less oily. I think part of it is that when I used the typical acne meds they dried my skin out so much that my body tried making more and more oil to combat the lack of oil and well... a giant circle ensued.

Anyway, what I do is put a thick layer of castor oil/extra extra virgin olive oil on my face. Then put on a HOT wash cloth on my face and let it sit for the minute or so it takes to get cool. Take off the wash cloth, massage the oil in, then wipe the extra oil off with the wash cloth (making sure you get along the hairlines, etc cause the extra oil will cause outbreaks if not washed off). Surprisingly simple, but for my skin type it's worked really well.

Best of luck to you both! Sometimes the worst part is trying everything to find something that works. Everyone's skin is a bit different.

I have not tried this, but I have a bunch of friends who use oil. They use a variety of grape seed oil, avacado oil, olive oil, etc. Each is good for a different skin condition. My friends swear by this for their skin problems. I'm sure you could google and do some research.

 

[cvjw]

My DS (15) had very mild acne since middle school. We were able to control it with Proactiv for several years. About a year ago, it turned from mild acne to moderate acne. We went to the dermatologist, and started all of the prescription creams and washes. It just made it worse. It got so bad that he didn't want to go to school. Even though it made me incredibly nervous, his doctor put him on a generic Accutane. I can't tell you the difference that drug has made to his face, and his life. In a matter of months, he went from a face that was totally broken out, to a face that is as clear as a baby's bottom. His self esteem is back, and he looks amazing. It is very drying to the skin, but the drying is only temporary, and can be controlled with lotions. After 6 months of Accutane, you are only supposed to get a pimple here or there, never have a full face break out again.

 

[lisaross]

just curious - do u use mositurizer or use the oil as a moisturizer?

I have super, super, super duper sensitive skin plus acne. And sadly neither went away in my adulthood (why oh why is life sometimes not fair?) Anyhow, what I've found helps the most is surprisingly simple. I use about 50/50 castor oil and extra extra virgin olive oil as a facial treatment every night. It makes my skin much, much softer and much less oily. I think part of it is that when I used the typical acne meds they dried my skin out so much that my body tried making more and more oil to combat the lack of oil and well... a giant circle ensued.

Anyway, what I do is put a thick layer of castor oil/extra extra virgin olive oil on my face. Then put on a HOT wash cloth on my face and let it sit for the minute or so it takes to get cool. Take off the wash cloth, massage the oil in, then wipe the extra oil off with the wash cloth (making sure you get along the hairlines, etc cause the extra oil will cause outbreaks if not washed off). Surprisingly simple, but for my skin type it's worked really well.

Best of luck to you both! Sometimes the worst part is trying everything to find something that works. Everyone's skin is a bit different.

 

[idohair2]

I've had my daughter to 6 dermatologists and nothing seemed to work. She does NOT have acne at all. Just facial eczema. We now just go through her Pediatrician.

She uses Protopic...the only Rx she uses. Dream Cream from Lush (got from amazon). Carmax and Burts bees chapstick...she uses these throughout the day all over her face on irritating spots. HTH

 

[pigletto]

I would highly suggest visiting your GP or a dermatologist. Only because dd had acne on her back that was very embarrassing for her. We tried this and that with limited success. Finally we went to the doctor. She took one look and said "Oh, this type responds really well to..", prescribed a Vitamin A cream and said we may need an antibiotic. She used the cream for a week and no more acne at all. It was just so simple and I wasted so much money on other stuff.

The vitamin A is drying, but she did say there were other things that we could use for that. Thankfully not a problem. I don't know that it will work for your son, but there was so much relief for dd with such a simple fix, that I wish I had gone sooner.

ETA) dd also has very fair skin, prone to eczema on her hands but not her face.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

Cetaphil wash is awesome for eczema/dry skin, but will still help with the acne issue. The Clairsonic is also awesome, but make sure he's using is sparingly - once a week or less, and only in his trouble acne spots.

I'm almost 30, but am suddenly dealing with eczema and acne from my pregnancy (I had awesome skin with DS, but apparently this pregnancy is different! Grrrr!) and that's what I've found to work the best. Very mild hypoallergenic cleanser for everyday, and sparing use of the Clarsonic.

 

[mickeytattoo95]

If his excema is that severe, he may need to see an allergist. I have battled it on my face for years. I can control the acne with Aveeno acne foaming face wash, but it can be a tad drying. I use Aveeno lotions and that helps, but still get spots of excema. I have a prescription for it, but don't love it.

I see an allergist and found out that I have OAS - oral allergy syndrome. Basically, I'm allergic to pollen (which I knew) and whenever I eat fruits or vegetables that have high pollen counts I get an excema breakout. So, I can either avoid all fruits and veggies or take antihistamines. I take allegra and I also get shots. The shots have majorly improved my quality of life!!! Everything is better: breathing, headaches, freaky rashes, etc.

I always think it is worth it to see a specialist. You can end up spending so much money on trial and error products. Plus, I have a pre-teen myself and their self esteem is so vulnerable I think a visit to the doctor shows them you're in their corner.

 

[clh2]

Looking back - I spent a ton of money trying to fix DD's acne on over-the counter products.

Even had DD see her pediatrician. The creams the pedi prescribed were in the $150/month range. OUCH (We have a high deductible plan - so in reality - this was OOP.)

The creams weren't working so we went to the dermatologist. Monthly prescripton cost is ~$4.00 per month. She also gets a cream - only uses when the acne flares up a little - that one is about $15 per tube - and lasts a couple of months.

So - wish we would have just started with the derm - and skipped the rest.

 

[disfan07]

I have very severe eczema all over, severe allergies and still some mild acne.

I have never used anything OTC....I've been seeing a derm. for so long that when it started she just treated it. But, I am also not the best person to ask because I cannot use the majority of acne products out there. They either contain lanolin, parabens or sodium benzoate which I am allergic to OR they are just way to harsh on my skin.

The Evoclin Foam is clindomycin. I don't use it all the time. I really only have problems with eczema when I am having an eczema flare and after being in the hospital. It does sting the first couple of times and can dry out your skin the first day or two but afterwards it is amazing.

For anything lotion or cream wise, my dermatologist tries to avoid using anything with lanolin or parabens on all of her patients with very sensitive skin. The reason is, many people with sensitive skin are either allergic to or sensitive to wool products, which means that they are allso sensitive or allergic to lanolin....they just don't know it. And parabens...well...there's just nothing good about those preservatives in general.

So my advice is, check the ingredients and try to avoid those two ingredients...it is very very hard to avoid because they are in everything but they are both not really good for sensitive skin and eczema.

 

[Missy29]

My DS (15) had very mild acne since middle school. We were able to control it with Proactiv for several years. About a year ago, it turned from mild acne to moderate acne. We went to the dermatologist, and started all of the prescription creams and washes. It just made it worse. It got so bad that he didn't want to go to school. Even though it made me incredibly nervous, his doctor put him on a generic Accutane. I can't tell you the difference that drug has made to his face, and his life. In a matter of months, he went from a face that was totally broken out, to a face that is as clear as a baby's bottom. His self esteem is back, and he looks amazing. It is very drying to the skin, but the drying is only temporary, and can be controlled with lotions. After 6 months of Accutane, you are only supposed to get a pimple here or there, never have a full face break out again.

A friend of mine had severe acne in high school and dr put him on Accutane and it was amazing how clear his skin was after a month or so. I know you said you don't want to go to the derm but if It gets bad, I would go.