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I have been reading the forums of acne.org looking for ideas to help my son handle his skin through his teenage years. I thought I would post our updates as we go.
My son's skin developed blackheads at 12 years of age, and broke out considerably by 12 1/2. His forehead, side of the face, chin, and cheeks were covered in patches of red skin intermixed by pimples/blackheads/whiteheads and under the skin blocked pores. We had tried a range of facial scrubs and over the counter chemist products with little luck. I also found that he had trouble maintaining a cleaning routine consistently enough to make enough ground to decide which combination of products to continue with.
After a particularly bad breakout I made a doctors appointment. He proscribed Doxycycline 50mg once a day and a Eryacne antibiotic Gel 2% to be applied twice a day. I decided to hold off starting the tablets until we researched a bit more as I didnt know a great deal about them and have one last attempt at cleaning his skin up externally with a consistent routine.
Cleaning effort started Friday 07 July 2011.
Cleaning consisted of Phisohex Anti Bacterial wash massaged into skin, rinse and repeat, dry, followed by an application of Eryacne antibiotic. Both the wash and application of Eryacne was done both morning and night. We gave the Eryacne half an hour to "work" before applying a generous amount of the moisturizer (Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion for all skin types) just in case it interfered with the Eryacne.
During the first two days my son forgot to moisturizer and it resulted in dry pealing skin, almost a chemical burn. It was severe enough for both of us to be slightly shocked and a great reminder not to forget again. The pealing and redness cleared up very quickly however with the Cetaphil Moisturizer and several drops of Jojoba Oil. I only used the oil for the peeling and stopped when it healed. I didn't want to be introducing too many products at once.
Results were encouraging by the end of 7 days. The skin overall looked more cared for with less blackheads. It however looked redder particularly after washing. There were signs of healing around the chin and towards the hair line.
Within two weeks the area around the chin had cleared up considerably. Areas that had in the past been consistently covered in red skin and acne (from the corner of his mouth heading towards the lower point of his chin on both sides)were healing on the surface. However, what didn't seem to be solved was the small under the skin blocked pores. These could still be felt as small bumps even though the surface of the skin looked clear.
The sideburn patches of skin however took longer. The skin that border on the hair line was the easiest to clear, however that heading into the cheekbone area was much slower. That area of skin seemed to be affected in a different deeper way. One "pimple" was still slowly in the process of getting smaller even after 19 days of antibiotic application.
The forehead cleared quickly other then the odd blackhead/white head. There doesn't seem to be any of the under the skin blocked pores that have remained on the cheeks and down by his chin. Although around the eyebrows on both sides and down to the temple there are patches of blackheads that will eventually turn into whiteheads if they are not cleared. Great success. The skin however is not neat as it is multi toned where the acne has cleared away. Im hoping that that will change eventually over time.
24.07.2001
Overall, his skin has the appearance of someone who has had a bad acne issue rather than in the middle of one. There is still some active acne in patches, and where there isn't anymore there is a range of skin tones ranging from red to pinkish. His skin looks clean and fresh. He is really happy with the results as am I. The difference is great.
I think the combination of Phisohex face wash and Eryacne was well worth the try. It has been successful and has taken us a long way. However, by the 24th of July it has become apparent that it has its limitations. Areas of skin that become clear continue to break out again due to the combination of not being effective on removing black heads or managing to impact on under the skin pore blockages. Therefore, both tend to eventually erupt out and result in more acne. Having had a look at a range of skin care options that seem popular Im going to give Paula's Choice acne control range a try. The combination of Antibacterial cleaner, Salicylic Acid toner and Benzoyl Peroxide treatment might be successful. I liked the idea of Dans products but postage to Australia was huge, and therefore long term would be difficult.
26.07.2001.
On the 26th July the order of Paulas Choice Products arrived. Clear Normalizing Cleanser (Anti Bacterial wash), Clear Targeted Acne Relief Toner (salicylic acid), Clear Acne Fighting Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide). Will continue on with the Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion.
I have decided to change the face cleaner from Phisolhex to Clear Normalizing Cleanser in preparation for trying to introduce a Cleaner/ Toner / Moisturizing long term routine in for long term skin care. Once the Eryacne antibiotics have finished their job, I am hoping to start the Clear Acne Fighting Treatment product in the hope it will be enough to keep the skin clear. I will not use both the Eryacne and the BP together, I think it will be too much. AS Eryacne as been so successful for us, I want to get every inch of benefit out of it.
27/07/2011.
Over night there was no adverse reaction for the Clear Normalizing Cleanser on either the full facial area or his back. I only tried the Clear Targeted Acne Relief toner on the forehead to test for rashes or stinging. There was no issue. Therefore, the night time clean consisted of Clear Normalizing Cleanser (Anti Bacterial wash), Clear Targeted Acne Relief Toner (salicylic acid), Eryacne, 20 mins after Eryacne was applied, Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion.
Edited by Nancy12, 27 July 2011 - 06:15 AM.
