Best way to heal Acne ( and stop it re-occuring)

[Rolanddrums]

Hi, my Thai GF ( Age 22 very slim build)) has problem with Acne and we're looking for advice on how to heal it. First some backgound on what shes tried and what we know ( Ok 'think we know', already). Shes tried clinics in Pattaya that either laser or cut it out . The problem here is it comes back after a few weeks. She knows to drink lots of water, eat fruit & veg etc. She doesnt use whitening cream anymore ( Thank god, I like the coffee colour). Its only on her face . Everywhere else smooth as silk.

Question particularly for the ladies here..Is her 3 mth 'birth control' injection possibly to blame ? She thinks yes as didnt have problem before. Shes been having them 1 1/2 years btw. Would the little 2 inch stick 'thingy' just under the skin in the arm be a better choice?  yeah yeah I know 'Ask the doctor' ( we will) , but advice from personal experience on this would help to .  

Where/ who would be recommended to fix this problem in Pattaya . Maybe Bkk Hospital , or  the smaller International Hospital in Soi 4 ? Hospital dermototologists  or cliics you can recommend  ?  Not too worried about price as long as get results..Any other advice welcome to... best regards.

 

 

Edited May 13, 2018 by Rolanddrums

[geriatrickid]

Variants of the hormones used in dual hormone birth control products  are used to treat acne (usually off label use even though a couple products in the USA are allowed to be used, provided the primary intent is birth control), so it is doubtful that this type of product would cause the acne. However, the mono hormone products containing only one hormone (usually formulated as progestin) can sometimes be associated with acne. You should have a product monograph that will tell you the  active ingredient(s).

 

However. let's back up first. There is a reason why some women are prescribed the mono hormone  format, and it is because of underlying health conditions. This product is usually seen with smokers, people with high blood pressure, patients with bad cramping or underlying immune system issues. 

 

One way of determining if it is the pharmaceutical ingredients, is to stop the  pills for several months. As a personal opinion, I am a big believer in women going off the pill for a "vacation". The man can assume the responsibility of a condom, or the woman can use alternative methods such as an IUD or other device. 

[Rolanddrums]

Hi havnt got a clue what the active ingredient is.I suppose could go back to clinic and ask. Im a great believer in bare back, so condom  or other is a definite no go. She has no health issues, I think her (budget) clinic just inject same old thing to almost every girl...i could be wrong though.

Edited May 13, 2018 by Rolanddrums

[petermik]

7 hours ago, Rolanddrums said:

. Im a great believer in bare back, so condom  or other is a definite no go. She has no health issues, I think her (budget) clinic just inject same old thing to almost every girl...i could be wrong though.

So your concerned about her acne but not that concerned if it comes down to your "loss of pleasure" i.e. using a condom so that she can come off the birth control injections you suspect me be causing the problem...

[Denim]

A girlfriend of mine had good success with hydrogen peroxide. (6%)

 

After use Hada Lobo moisturiser......very gentle.

 

 

 

[Rolanddrums]

 PeterMik..Yes I was just waiting for some reply along those lines . Please stick to topic, and quesions asked .There must be dozens of active ingredients/ combinations   ingredients  for birth control out there . Weve tried ONE so far , so plenty more to try first. And thats even if thats the problem in the first place...cheers

Denim..good advice & video. We might just try that.

Edited May 13, 2018 by Rolanddrums

[Sheryl]

The "birth control injection" is depo provera, a progestin. And yes, it can cause acne.

 

Switching to a combined oral contraceptive pill like Yasmin, Yaz, or Justima may help provided she has no contraindications to them.

 

She may also need to apply topical solution containing hydrogen peroxide.

[petermik]

7 hours ago, Rolanddrums said:

 PeterMik..Yes I was just waiting for some reply along those lines . Please stick to topic, and quesions asked .There must be dozens of active ingredients/ combinations   ingredients  for birth control out there . Weve tried ONE so far , so plenty more to try first. And thats even if thats the problem in the first place...cheers

 

Take her off all non-essential medication for 3 months and see if there is an improvement,and yes that means you may have to put up with some inconvenience

[Rolanddrums]

Hi Sheryl, ok good info ( As always) .  Are these 'pills' ( Yasmin, Yaz, Justina) available as a 2" twig planted just below the skin in the arm aswell ? Is there any reason not to have this small implant knowing her situation ? Pills ok but doesnt want to get fat  or miss a pill. One of her friends ballooned on the pill but she doesnt know which one. Think this plus Hydrogen Peroxide sounds a good starting point. 

[xylophone]

5 minutes ago, Rolanddrums said:

Hi Sheryl, ok good info ( As always) .  Are these 'pills' ( Yasmin, Yaz, Justina) available as a 2" twig planted just below the skin in the arm aswell ? Is there any reason not to have this small implant knowing her situation ? Pills ok but doesnt want to get fat  or miss a pill. One of her friends ballooned on the pill but she doesnt know which one. Think this plus Hydrogen Peroxide sounds a good starting point. 

I like the idea of stopping her medication for a while to see if her acne improves, then you know the cause and can take steps to try another contraceptive...…….but in the meantime try Retinol cream or the stronger Retin-A cream, both recommended by Drs to treat acne, and can be bought over the counter here.

[Sheryl]

24 minutes ago, Rolanddrums said:

Hi Sheryl, ok good info ( As always) .  Are these 'pills' ( Yasmin, Yaz, Justina) available as a 2" twig planted just below the skin in the arm aswell ? Is there any reason not to have this small implant knowing her situation ? Pills ok but doesnt want to get fat  or miss a pill. One of her friends ballooned on the pill but she doesnt know which one. Think this plus Hydrogen Peroxide sounds a good starting point. 

 

 

The formulation contained in the pill does nto come in implant form. Contraceptive implants are the exact same drug as the injectable so will also likely cause her acne.

 

If she does nto want to take the pill (and indeed, need to be able to remember to take it daily) then IUD would be another, non-hormonal, option.

[Rolanddrums]

Ok thanks. Aside remembering to take the pill regularly and on time, GF  is convinced  using a pill ( In place of injection) she is much more likely to get pregnant. Is this true?  Who should we see ? Or just buy pill from pharmacy. 

[Sheryl]

She is no more likely to get pregnant with the pill than with the injection provided she never misses a dose. If she does, that is a whole other matter.

 

Pills can be bought at a pharmacy but given that she has some concerns and questions it would be useful for her to consult a gynecologist to get more detailed counseling on family planning options.  There is a Dr. Supanee (female Ob-Gyn) with a clinic on  Soi Potisan, who has been favorably recommended by some TV members. About 500m in from the Pattaya-Naklua Road end, right hand side (just past the 7-eleven).

 

 

[Rally123]

Tea Tree Oil

 

 

Quote

For some users, this oil clears up their acnes spots within two weeks after application. Overall, reviews have shown positive effects of tea tree oil on acne scars and spots; just be patient and give it more time to work.

http://www.lorebay.com/tea-oil/tea-tree-oil-acne-scars-results-pictures/

 

Quote

It is commonly used in household and beauty products because of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The top 8 benefits of tea tree oil include its ability to: fight acne and other skin conditions. improve dry scalp.

https://draxe.com/tea-tree-oil-uses-benefits/

 

 

• Quote

  Mild to moderate acne. Applying a 5% tea tree oil gel appears to be as effective as 5% benzoyl peroxide (Oxy-5, Benzac AC, and others) for treating acne. Tea tree oil might work more slowly than benzoyl peroxide, but seems to be less irritating to facial skin. When applied twice daily for 45 days, tea tree oil reduces several acne symptoms, including acne severity.

   

Edited May 13, 2018 by Rally123

[Rolanddrums]

Ok thanks , great help . We will check out clinic in Soi Potisan, get some Hydrogen Peroxide and look more into Tree Oil to...perfect guys.

[xylophone]

26 minutes ago, Rolanddrums said:

Ok thanks , great help . We will check out clinic in Soi Potisan, get some Hydrogen Peroxide and look more into Tree Oil to...perfect guys.

And don't forget to look into/try Retinol cream or the stronger Retin-A cream, both recommended by Drs to treat acne, and can be bought over the counter here.

 

I bought it for a Thai friend and it worked wonders on her acne.

[scoutman360]

You are asking for a cure. The drug is Isotretinoin (commonly known as Accutane). I had severe acne until age 29, and was cured in 3 months. I have 2 other friends cured by it. All the other suggestions are mildly effective, at best. Daily scrubs and creams is just prolonged suffering, in my experience. Why continue to suffer when you can be done with it?

 

Be forewarned, this is a potent drug and should be monitored by a physician. I heard the success rate is only 50%, but my physician said he sees 80% success rate. Prepare for joint pain, loss of energy, and severely dry skin and cracked lips during the course of treatment. No alcohol, and it is absolutely critical that she does not get pregnant or it could cause birth defects. In my case, the drug was a painful experience, but I have been acne free for over 20 years now. 

[Rolanddrums]

Ok we will talk to Dr Supanee, in Soi Potisan clinic. Does anyone know name or address of clinic?...cant seem to find it at the moment.

[petermik]

7 hours ago, Rolanddrums said:

Ok we will talk to Dr Supanee, in Soi Potisan clinic. Does anyone know name or address of clinic?...cant seem to find it at the moment.

Just googled it simple............Dr Supanee Pattaya

[scorecard]

On 13/5/2561 at 12:59 PM, Rolanddrums said:

Hi havnt got a clue what the active ingredient is.I suppose could go back to clinic and ask. Im a great believer in bare back, so condom  or other is a definite no go. She has no health issues, I think her (budget) clinic just inject same old thing to almost every girl...i could be wrong though.

 

'Clinic'

 

  Is this 1). A shopping mall beauty clinic, or 2). A standard doctor's clinic or 3). A certified skin specialist?

 

  If it's:

 

Number 1). The OP should do some reading about the lack of knowledge and professionalism, and note how many of these clinics have been raided and closed down often charging the owner / operator with being a fake doctor.

 

Number 2). Better but your standard GP is not likely to have strong knowledge about this subject area which is complex.

 

Number 3). Much more likely to have the specific professional knowledge of what's causing the problem and up to date specialised medications required.

 

 

[Rolanddrums]

ok we were searching just searching Soi Potisan ( so much bigger area to narrow down) ..didnt realise Dr Supanee was actually the name of clinic  as well as the doctors name. Not too far to go.

[Rolanddrums]

22 minutes ago, scorecard said:

 

'Clinic'

 

  Is this 1). A shopping mall beauty clinic, or 2). A standard doctor's clinic or 3). A certified skin specialist?

 

  If it's:

 

Number 1). The OP should do some reading about the lack of knowledge and professionalism, and note how many of these clinics have been raided and closed down often charging the owner / operator with being a fake doctor.

 

Number 2). Better but your standard GP is not likely to have strong knowledge about this subject area which is complex.

 

Number 3). Much more likely to have the specific professional knowledge of what's causing the problem and up to date specialised medications required.

 

 

Number 2  Was her original clinic used for birth control injection. But I havn't seen their papers ..could be a 'Number 1' I suppose, fake possibly but not a beauty clinic . She did use a high end beauty clinic before , but the problem came back.

Number 3  Is what we are looking for now . Hopefully the clinic Sheryl pointed us to on Soi Potisan ,is in that category. Gyno rather than skin, but a specialist none the less ...cheers

Edited May 14, 2018 by Rolanddrums

[flyingdoc]

Also a 2% Beta Glucan cream should clear up the problem within 2 weeks !

[JoeInSurin]

Tetracycline worked best for me. Cleared it up and has never came back.

[Rolanddrums]

Actually she says now she's more inclined to try some creams/solutions applied externally first, mainly because her 3 monthly injection was only done one month ago... We see about 5 of these recommended in this thread .(thanks)  The only thing we tried ( still applying ) is 'FreeDerm' bought in UK ..contains Nictotinamide whatever that is ... doesnt seem to do much tbh

[Per Walter]

Isotretinoin will solve the problem. Normally it is in pill form and taken orally. But for minor problems, cream is also available. You need to visit a major hospital with dermatology departement and get the medication from them. This medication cures the most common acne problems 100%. After some time there might be reoccurance, then the medication has to be repeated. But finally, all acne problems will be gone. Isotretinoin should not be taken if there is the is a possibility of pregnancy. 

[UnkleGoooose]

You put your "2 inch stick thingy" under her arm?

[Brunolem]

3 hours ago, Rolanddrums said:

Ok we will talk to Dr Supanee, in Soi Potisan clinic. Does anyone know name or address of clinic?...cant seem to find it at the moment.

Scoutman360 above is perfectly right!

 

Like many Thai women, my wife had the same problem.

We went to see a top dermatologist at Bumrumgrad Hospital and successfully dealt with the problem.

 

Acne is caused by a particularly tenacious bacteria.

All the creams, teas and other peroxide won't do no good long term.

 

The only really efficient treatment is with Roaccutane, a very strong medicine with some side effects.

 

Meanwhile, your wife should go on the pill because it helps to keep the acne under control once the treatment is over.

 

Don't waste your time and money on clinics and creams, go to see a serious dermatologist in a serious hospital...

[BigT73]

2 hours ago, Rolanddrums said:

Actually she says now she's more inclined to try some creams/solutions applied externally first, mainly because her 3 monthly injection was only done one month ago... We see about 5 of these recommended in this thread .(thanks)  The only thing we tried ( still applying ) is 'FreeDerm' bought in UK ..contains Nictotinamide whatever that is ... doesnt seem to do much tbh

Since she wants to try the oral creams try testosterone once daily, it will work wonders.  

[Rolanddrums]

47 minutes ago, BigT73 said:

Since she wants to try the oral creams try testosterone once daily, it will work wonders.  

Serious? ..I think we'll give that a miss. Ive read read it can cause acne amongst many other possible problems used on Woman.

Yes I think we will try proper hospital . Maybe Bangkok Hospital ( Pattaya). Not quite Bumrungrad but half reasonable.