Sons Acne...no progress

[cindyc59]

Hello,
a few weeks ago I wrote to you regarding sons acne. His Dermo prescribed Doxy 100 mg once daily.   along with Finacea gel to apply twice per day.
It has been 5 weeks.  My sons acne has gotten worse, and his chest where previously 2 or 3 lesions has grown to 10+. His face has not improved at all, and his back the same. I phoned the dermo office and they asked if he was taking his doxy twice per day. I indicated that the rx called for only once per day. They said to start taking 2x per day.  He has followed this new regimen for 3 weeks.  There is absolutely no improvement and in fact has progressivly gotten worse.  My questions:
Should after 5 weeks the acne be getting worse?
Is doxy a good rx?
Could the fineace (azeliac acid) not be the right topical?  I see that it is frequently used for rosecea, but dont find much about the use for acne.
I have phoned the dermo office, but they are not much help and he cannot get in until after the 1st of the year.
My son is getting very depressed, and I applaud him for trying to keep on this regimen, but it is difficult as a parent because the progression is worse not better.
Any information and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

It takes acne regimens, even Accutane, 8-10 weeks to work, or even more.  Doxycycline twice a day plus Finacea is a reasonable regiment to start with.  Your son's acne is getting worse not because the treatment is making it worse but because it hasn't taken effect yet.  This is without question a very frustrating situation.  Please ask your son to stay the course.  I'm sure your dermatologist will make the appropriate modifications at the right times as the course unfolds.
Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[ryn21]

I have a brother who suffered from severe acne.  For years and years, my parents brought him to some of the best dermatologists in my area, maybe 6 or 7 total.  They gave him treatment after treatment which none would help or they would over-dry his skin making his face look worse.  My parents bought him Pro-Active off the infomercial.  I swear to you, this stuff cleared his face up in a month or so.  He still uses it occasionally and what a difference this stuff makes.  I am in no way promoting this product and i am not advertising for pro-active.  As a consumer, I wanted to pass this great product testimonial on to you.  Having seen the difference myself, i know pro-active works.  I hope you take my advice and give proactive a try.  You can probably find it on the net fairly cheap. I know it will work.