Best route for a 20 year old girl to treat her Acne

[tomgreen]

My Thai next door neighbor who has in the past done some part time work for me 
has a 20 year old daughter who works in a local 7-11 store , the 
family are hard working people and are not well off . Their daughter  
has acne and it seems to be getting worse as time goes on . 
 The daughter has tried several creams and facial wash products 
 sold in her 7-11 store for about 3 months now but there seems to  

be no signs of any improvement in her condition at all.

 

They don't have a lot of money to make a trip to a private dermatologist

and the daughter is not very keen about going to hospital.

 

 I have checked out a few articles on the subject , but it gets a bit confusing . 

 

The products Ive seen mention are -

 

1. Retin – A Cream
2. Acnotin 10
3. Ganospec 500 ( Tetracycline )
4. Roaccutane

 

 

Can any please recommend a route that I can suggest to the daughter that she can follow at home.
I will be paying for any drugs or creams that are required to keep treating her.

 

Thanks 

 

 

[BritManToo]

1 minute ago, tomgreen said:

Can any please recommend a route that I can suggest to the daughter that she can follow at home.
I will be paying for any drugs or creams that are required to keep treating her.

Contraceptive pill usually helps, and is fairly cheap (or free).

[OneMoreFarang]

Long time ago when I was young I had acne. I visited several doctors and they gave me over time many different creams and tablets and almost nothing changed.

A few years later a nonmedical practitioner (not sure if that is the correct term) told me my skin problem might be related to eating pork and pork products. So I tried and I didn't eat any pork, ham, etc. anymore. And surprise, soon the acne was gone - without any medicine.

 

Obviously I don't know if that will work for her but maybe she should try. It cost nothing to try.

 

For the record: I only stopped pork. I continued eating other meat like beef and chicken. That was no problem.

[moe666]

Retin a works good, my son used it 20 years ago cleard up good. The stuff from 7'11 probably making it worse.

[tlandtday]

Antibiotics tetracycline or doxycycline 250 mg twice per day. Take on an empty stomach.  You can thank me in a couple months.  Discontinue when the acne has cleared.  May well be permanently gone.   And she needs to stay off the sugar.

Edited June 23, 2020 by tlandtday

[xylophone]

19 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Contraceptive pill usually helps, and is fairly cheap (or free).

Yes, in quite a few cases, acne like this is in women is a result of hormonal imbalance, and the pill can often remedy that, although one might have to try a couple of different types/strengths to get the best result.

 

It has certainly worked with younger people whom I've known over time.

[NanLaew]

3 minutes ago, tlandtday said:

Antibiotics tetracycline or doxycycline 250 mg twice per day. Take on an empty stomach.  You can thank me in a couple months.  Discontinue when the acne has cleared.  May well be permanently gone.

Sorts out toenail fungus too. Different dosage mind you.

[tlandtday]

Just now, NanLaew said:

Sorts out toenail fungus too. Different dosage mind you.

Toenail fungus can easily be cleared with a topical application in a matter of a few short weeks at most.  Not recommended for fungus.

[dddave]

23 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Contraceptive pill usually helps, and is fairly cheap (or free).

My niece had severe acne.  Went on birth control at age 25 and it made a dramatic difference in less than 6 months.  Probably an 80% reduction.  She also had previously suffered from severe menstrual cramping and headaches and that to greatly diminished.

Different people react differently to various BC formulations.  Takes some trial and error.  Unfortunately, a lot of doctors in Thailand are reluctant to recommend this approach.  She might have to shop around for one who is informed and willing to help her.

[NanLaew]

25 minutes ago, tlandtday said:

Toenail fungus can easily be cleared with a topical application in a matter of a few short weeks at most.  Not recommended for fungus.

Happy that expensive, OTC topical solutions worked "easily" for you in "a few short weeks at most."

 

For a persistent problem due to wearing work boots for up to 12 hours a day and 7-days a week, the 'nail varnish' didn't work. Doxy 250 once a week for 10 weeks, then 10 weeks off followed by repeat of the first weekly dosage and the issue is gone forever. Toe nails grow slowly hence the long treatment.

 

Now, back to our regular programming.

Edited June 23, 2020 by NanLaew

[tlandtday]

4 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

Happy that expensive, OTC topical solutions worked "easily" for you in "a few short weeks at most."

Okay so here you go.  I recommend anyone with this problem and it is common in Thailand to follow this protocol.

 

The fastest way to get rid of toenail fungus or fingernail is vinegar mixed with a 3% hydrogen peroxide. The mixture 50/50. Keep adding it with a dropper or soak until there is no fizzing (if it is severe) and when there is minimum discoloration. Some people will feel as slight pinch after awhile.

This is then followed by getting your hands soaked in a Clorox bleach (in U.S. you use Clorox, in Thailand we used Haiter). A strong concentration is 1 cap per 1/2 glass of water, stir and soak. And leave your finger or toe with fungus for about 1/2 minute. If severe fungus then try 1 cap Clorox to 4 caps water. Again leave for about 1/2 minute. Chlorine will be absorbed through the nails during that time.

Rinse in water and dry it and follow this with vaseline. Put in on the fingernail and put on Band-Aid (in Thailand we use tensoplast) and leave it on for a whole day and repeat the vinegar and H2O2 again, followed by vaseline. Doing this for at least 3-4 days. And it should be all gone. Actually it should be gone in 2 days if the required maintenance of reinfection remains. Please remember that Band-Aid is not absolutely required depending on circumstances. It just helps you save time in preventing the reapplication throughout the whole day. 

 

The BIG problem is the fungus that exists in socks, shoes and moisture which makes fingernails or toe nail vulnerable to another fungus reinfection. Use clorox bleaches for socks and change socks EVERY DAY. During the working hour, if possible avoid tennis shoes or shoes which prevent ventilation. For fingernails, avoid getting the hands wet especially dishwashing. To avoid it either wash dishes with a waterproof clean plastic or rubber gloves or use a dishwashing machine. Avoid getting the hands except when necessary. If the hand is wet, then you must apply pure tea tree oil (no more bandaids after 2-3 days every time it does get wet.

Finally those who have fingernail fungus, avoid using any nail polish as most colored nail polish covers up the fingernail, causing or encouraging fungus growth. Fungus DOES NOT like sunlight. Getting your hands expose of fungus and sunlight is helpful. In countries where weather is cold, people often use dark gloves, however they are often not laundered. Try to get gloves laundered once a day, if possible using clorox bleach or other bleaches such as sodium percarbonate (better than chlorine bleaches and safer) or the old standby of sodium perborate.

 

Edited June 23, 2020 by tlandtday

[scubascuba3]

42 minutes ago, xylophone said:

Yes, in quite a few cases, acne like this is in women is a result of hormonal imbalance, and the pill can often remedy that, although one might have to try a couple of different types/strengths to get the best result.

 

It has certainly worked with younger people whom I've known over time.

I've met some girls here who are scared of the contraceptive pill, they think:

- makes the skin go dark

- stops you getting pregnant in future

- should have 1 baby first

[ratcatcher]

I think it is also possible that her diet may be a contributory factor.  If she works in a 7-11 there is much temptation at hand.

 

 https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/acne-causes#:~:text=Food%3A All over the world,%2C however%2C can trigger acne.

[Dumbastheycome]

My daughter developed wicked acne in her late teens/ early twenties. A 2 month course of Yaz brought it under control and she then stopped. It has never  come back. She also now  has  3 children.

[Bender Rodriguez]

you people are crazy about antibiotics ?

 

1) does she drink tap water ?  chlorinated water can have bad effects

2) does she eat a lot of sugar ?  yes, she might be thin, but insulin resistant !

3) does she get regular sun exposure ?

4) you know what the skin needs?  not CREAMS you put on your face with vitamin A, but REAL vitamin A or high dose vitamin A, look on iherb and get her 25.000 IU every second day

5) does she eat crappy food warmed in microwave in plastic or cardboard container ?

[Bender Rodriguez]

59 minutes ago, dddave said:

My niece had severe acne.  Went on birth control at age 25 and it made a dramatic difference in less than 6 months.  Probably an 80% reduction.  She also had previously suffered from severe menstrual cramping and headaches and that to greatly diminished.

Different people react differently to various BC formulations.  Takes some trial and error.  Unfortunately, a lot of doctors in Thailand are reluctant to recommend this approach.  She might have to shop around for one who is informed and willing to help her.

funny as menstrual cramping is more a lack of MAGNESIUM !

 

if you eat a lot of sugar, you <deleted> out many minerals

 

the "pill" is an estrogen BOMB that will clog up your liver, hence the warning people might get cloths or liver tumors....

[baansgr]

Retinol +2% available on Lazada or Shoppee, approx 100-130 baht for small bottle which should last 1 month...

[nanglong218]

Suggest to a suitably qualified practitioner the use of Spironolactone.  It inhibits the body's use of testosterone so increasing the ratio of estrogen. Perhaps Sheryl has a view.  This is not a quick OTC remedy. a doctor would need to prescribe the correct dosage and supervise the course of treatment which reaches maximum effect after 3 months.  Google it for some initial knowledge.

[Sheryl]

This is seveer acne and there  really isn't a route which she can safely and effectively do at home. She needs to go to the hospital and see a dermatologist. And stop wasting her koney on creams etc that are lijkley to either do nothing or make it worse.

 

She may need treatment with Isotretinoin (accutane etc) , this must be prescribed and liver function monitored but will work. Oral contraceptives may also help though some formulations can make it worse.

 

Where in Thailand is she located?

 

 

[tomgreen]

 big thanks to every one for your kind help and suggestions its really appreciated .????

[tomgreen]

37 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

This is seveer acne and there  really isn't a route which she can safely and effectively do at home. She needs to go to the hospital and see a dermatologist. And stop wasting her koney on creams etc that are lijkley to either do nothing or make it worse.

 

She may need treatment with Isotretinoin (accutane etc) , this must be prescribed and liver function monitored but will work. Oral contraceptives may also help though some formulations can make it worse.

 

Where in Thailand is she located?

 

 

Sheryl thanks for the advice .

The neighbors daughter has recently moved into her boyfriend family house ( planning to marry ) about 30 km away in a small village called Soeng Sang . I’m not sure if there's a Government hospital there . 
 

[Sheryl]

1 hour ago, tomgreen said:

Sheryl thanks for the advice .

The neighbors daughter has recently moved into her boyfriend family house ( planning to marry ) about 30 km away in a small village called Soeng Sang . I’m not sure if there's a Government hospital there . 
 

What province and district?

[tlandtday]

As per previous experience in prescribing to patients accutane can be effective but is generally only used when antibiotics have not been effective.   if you are cautious I suggest trying the doxycycline with only a 250 mg dose daily for a period of two weeks.  If results are positive continue the medication and increase the dose.  Accutane must be used with caution and can have serious side effects.

 

You may or may not recieve similar recommendations from a Thai doctor.  Good luck.

Edited June 23, 2020 by tlandtday

[how241]

My Thai lady,  who had similar acne,  switched from the strong Thai birth control pills to 'Yasmin' brand  and this permanently cleared it up after a few months.  'Yasmin' cost more than Thai brand birth control pills but it was worth it. I think the Thai brands are too strong. 

[Speedo1968]

6 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Long time ago when I was young I had acne. I visited several doctors and they gave me over time many different creams and tablets and almost nothing changed.

A few years later a nonmedical practitioner (not sure if that is the correct term) told me my skin problem might be related to eating pork and pork products. So I tried and I didn't eat any pork, ham, etc. anymore. And surprise, soon the acne was gone - without any medicine.

 

Obviously I don't know if that will work for her but maybe she should try. It cost nothing to try.

 

For the record: I only stopped pork. I continued eating other meat like beef and chicken. That was no problem.

Have worked in farming since the 60's mainly overseas and freelance including this country.
Growth promoters were often given to pigs, also visited one duck farm that was trying out the same drug in ducks.
Yes, sometimes you can be what you eat.

 

Diet, including water intake etc, can be a cause.
As a practicing vegan for over 40 years I dread to think whats on / in the veggies I eat that come from the "local" market.     There are organically grown veggies available but I generally take such labeling as a 'maybe'.      I only know of certain communities that do certainly grow 100% orgainic.

 

Sheryl is of course right and the young lady concerned should see a specialist.   I wish her well.

[mr mr]

i took accutane around the same age as this girl. it worked but there were some nasty side effects. 

 

 

 

[Janner1]

There is not really a cure for acne at this time but there are ways to suppress it.

As has already been said the pill can help once she discovers which one will help her without some unpleasant side effects, of which one is is weight gain.

The following is a suggestion that has worked for my girlfriend so you may like to try it.

Go onto Lazada and look for 100% pure natural Rose Water, this is an astringent and she should use it twice daily in the morning AFTER she has washed her face, put it on with cotton wool and do not wash it off, Do the same before bed again leave to dry.

Apply it sparingly in a circular motion and do not use the same cotton pad twice.

The Rose Water will cost around 1000Baht but this will probably be your only expense.

She must not pop the pimples because this will push the gunk deeper in the skin and cause black scarring.

Creams are bad news as they clog the pores, the idea is to do everything to let the skin breath naturally.

Now the hard part Maybe

If she uses make up and or powder she must stop because again they just clog the pores.

Reduce SALT intake by at least 50% in everything.

SUGAR this is very important. She must reduce sugar as much as possible to the point of cutting it out altogether, This means NO candy, sweet drinks like green tea etc, etc, and also in cooking or added to cooked food.

Natural sugars in fruit and water melon is ok BUT remember moderation is everything.

If she follows this practise she should see her facial skin begin to clear after about a week and Look seriously better after a month.

May I suggest that If she is not already using the pill she does not use it for now and waits for the results of the Rose Water etc.

Good daily practises will reduce the acne considerably and she will eventually grow out of it but that may be years away.

The above is for like so genuinely Good luck 

[Janner1]

The above is for LIFE

sorry pre-emptive text changed it to like

[tomgreen]

2 hours ago, Sheryl said:

What province and district?

Nakhon Ratchasima  / Soeng Sang District 

[Sheryl]

7 minutes ago, tomgreen said:

Nakhon Ratchasima  / Soeng Sang District 

She needs to go to the main government hospital in Korat town. There is nto going to be a dermatologist at her district hospital.