Acne Question for the Ladies - Personal in Nature

[susiestar]

First of all, thank you to anyone who reads and responds, commiserates, and or just thinks of Jessie.

On top of all the other stuff she has had to face, Jessie's acne is out of control. Up to now we kept getting the "it is just mild. Use OTC products like oxy or proactive." directions from the pediatrician.

Just lately though it has spread down her arms almost to the elbow, all over her back and even all over her breasts. The zits are NOT small and are NOT blackheads. They go very deep and end up with nasty painful looking scabs.

She tries her hardest not to rub or pick at them. They actually HURT, even just having a shirt or bra rub on them is painful.

We are doing proactive b/c Gma bought some for Wiz and he refused to even use it. By the time Gma realized he wasn't using it she had paid for 4 months worth of product.

Proactive helps some with her face. Not so much with the rest of her though.

Pretty much the docs are blowing this off in light of the other problems. I don't want her on a bunch of meds if it isn't needed, but I am actually starting to worry about the health of her breasts. the zits actually go right up to the nipple and seem very deep.

Any advice? Suggestions? Does anyone know if it can interfere with breast development or leave scarring that would make it hard for her to nurse a child? (I ask b/c one of the zits burst and it actually stained through her top - which was NOT tight.) (Hope that is not too gross, sorry.)

She sure does NOT need any more problems, but she is handling things better than I would.

Thanks.

[muttmeister]

That just doesn't sound normal at all; I think I'd be looking for another doctor for a second opinion.

[KTMom91]

Is it acne or something like eczema? That sounds really painful...poor Jessie. Can you get her to a dermatologist?

[Suz]

I agree. If it's recent, plus how it's spread, one has to wonder if it's an allergy or med-related? I think you need to take her to a specialist/dermatologist, Susie. This is way past the scope of a GP.

Suz

[klmno]

I'd take her to a dermitologist. It sounds like something is irritating it and making it worse. Some things mentioned as possibilities with my son- hot showers, irritating clothing (try to keep her in cotton- washed before worn the first time), soaps with perfumes or lotions (Dove for sensitive skin usuaully works well). You may need to switch to a milder laundry detergent. Again, this is another process of elimination. Plus, since it sounds like the pimples may be on the verge of being infected, a dermitologist is probably your best bet.

GFG's ped nurse was concerned about his acne on his head (in his hair area) b/c they hurt and were getting infected (he has oily hair) and rx'd something for it. The *&$*&$* nurse in djj recently told him he didn't need any medicine, not to worry about it- that all teens get pimples.

[Wiped Out]

I agree about taking her to a dermatologist. I'm sorry she is in so much pain due to this. I've been keeping Jesse in my daily prayers and will continue to do so. Hugs to Jesse.

[ML]

I agree with the others about getting a second opinion. I'm sorry she's having to deal with this on top of everything else. Have you already looked into a possible allergic reaction? Thinking of my board niece and sending her big hugs xo ML

[flutterby]

I would actually take her to an endocrinologist.

[slsh]

This sounds above and beyond "normal" acne. I definitely would see a dermatologist. I don't believe arm and chest areas are typical for this degree of breakouts.

Poor Jess - being 13 is tough enough. I'm glad she's handling this challenge well, but it's got to be tough for her. Sending her good thoughts!

Just an off the cuff suggestion - have you tried tea tree oil? One of oldest son's nurses suggested it when he hit puberty and I was really amazed at how effective it is. It's a natural ... not antibiotic but... ugh, can't think of the word... disinfectant, that's it. I just put a drop on a q-tip and apply to affected area and in a day (honest) the redness is gone. It's not oily but it does have a strong smell (I like the smell, but you/Jess might not). Might be worth a try - I picked up our last bottle at Kmart, but GNC also carries it.

[graceupongrace]

Ouch! It sounds awful, poor Jessie! Agree that a derm visit is a very good idea. But in the meantime, fwiw ... the Clean & Clear spot treatment products are really effective on cystic acne -- those deep, painful "lumpy" zits. They use salicylic acid, not benzoyl peroxide like Oxy & ProActiv. In our experience, Clean & Clear works faster and doesn't seem to be as harsh on the surrounding skin. Sorry she has to go through this.