9 replies to this topic

[Addie]

I'm thinking of breaking up with Duac. I've given it 4 months, and I just don't think things are going to work out.

Reasons:
1. Burns, itches, and stings like crazy the first couple hours it's on.
2. Burns, itches and stings to some extent the entire time it's on.
3. Makes my entire face and neck red the first couple hours it's on.
4. Makes blotches of my face and neck red the entire time it's on.
5. While it's on, the slightest touch will make patches of skin slough off.
6. Wearing sunscreen with it is like dipping my head into a pot of boiling water.
7. Fries my face/neck if I sweat or am exposed to any heat.
8. Bleaches hair and eyebrows no matter how hard I try to keep it away from them.
9. Can't wear makeup, because skin sloughs off during application.
10. Possibly the source of my never-ending hives.
11. Discomfort from it encourages me to touch my face more often.
12. To make the discomfort more tolerable, I moisturize before (and after) it, so it might not even be working at all.

I'm sick of this crap, but I've also cleared up a lot. I'm worried that as soon as I discontinue Duac, I'll break out and will have even a harder time getting it under control this time around.

On the other hand with this crap out of the way, I'll have an easier time following my regimen, since it'll be simplified and less painful. Right now I dread even washing my face, because most of the time, Duac is what follows. I'll be able to leave the house. I'll even be able to wear sunscreen and makeup.

Do you guys think this is a good idea? Are mino and Taz strong enough to go it alone?

[JR86]

use cleocin instead of duac. it is much much more gentle.

[prettyacnegirl]

my derm prescribed duac to me yesterday and gave me a few samples... i tried the sample on my face, and there is no way anyone can get me to keep using that medication- it is hell! i burned all day

[Addie]

my derm prescribed duac to me yesterday and gave me a few samples... i tried the sample on my face, and there is no way anyone can get me to keep using that medication- it is hell! i burned all day

From reading here, I do believe that effect goes away pretty quickly for most people. That's why I kept trying for 4 months.

[barmpot]

Duac is absolute rubbish. It didn't work for me much at all and it stinks!

You should try benzamycin, hell even azelaic acid is better. Duac is very harsh.

[Wynne]

use cleocin instead of duac. it is much much more gentle.

I second this recommendation. Combined with Taz and the mino, your skin should feel and look better. Sometimes the irritation from certain topicals actually interferes with clearing. People react differently (as we all know!) and some just cannot tolerate Duac.

[stereophonic]

ive been using duac for about 8months and it hasnt burnt my skin at all maybe im not using it right or something

[Wynne]

ive been using duac for about 8months and it hasnt burnt my skin at all maybe im not using it right or something

You're probably using it just fine. Some people just can't tolerate certain topicals.

[suhongy]

I know I'm a little late but I love duac. It worked really well for me. It burned for a little bit at the beginning.

[momiji_girl]

I've got mixed feelings about duac. I'm in South Korea and asked my derm for 2.5% BP (OTC topicals are extremely limited here) and duac was the closest he could give me. 4 months in it still burns, but not terribly, and the topical antibiotic is probably a good thing considering how polluted the air and water is here. That said, when I'm in Aus 6 weeks from now I'll be working it out of my regime in favor of good ol' 2.5% BP or azaleaic acid. Duac really is strong, and I think it is too strong for me.

For Addie with the cute ratties, it sounds way too strong, and you've given it a good shot.