Scared of Derm Recommendation | ExpatWoman.com
 

Scared of Derm Recommendation

52
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 22:19
I just wanted to give an update. I didn't seek a second opinion. I continued with the benzac and started applying twice a day instead. I also used bodyshop seaweed cleanser and mattifying day cream and alba botanica SPF 45 sunscreen and kept my fingers off my face. I started taking omega 3 and a general multivitamin everyday as well. This combined with my shower filter seems to be working. The acne on both cheeks is gone and all that's left are a few stubborn ones on my forehead. I will be switching to dermalogica medibac after I get the acne under control and will try some peels for the scars. I could have simply done this from the start instead of paying someone AED450 to tell me my face will be destroyed if I don't pump down roaccutane and augmentin for 6 months. I want to advice everyone to seek a second & third opinion before taking anything a doctor says as definitive especially when said doctor does his/her best to shove expensive medication down your throat. <em>edited by ladygodiva on 18/07/2011</em>
143
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 13:30
From memory roughly Dh225 for 500ml of face wash but you only need a tiny amount. The others were about Dh 170 each. I bought mine at Boots in the Arabian Centre but I've noticed a chemist in Mirdif City Centre sells it too (though not the MCC Boots). Given the amount I've spent on supermarket ranges over the years and the good results I think it's money well spent and it doesn't muck about with my hormones either. This isn't too bad. its not much more or about the same as anything like channel etc
143
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 13:28
have you tried - Duac with 5% benzoyl peroxide and 1% Clindamycin I find it good, clears up blackheads too! Must be kept in the fridge. edited by lidkekiwi on 21/06/2011 no i haven't tried duac. only benzac AC. don't know if it's advisable to combine two treatments at once. is this available over the counter? edited by ladygodiva on 21/06/2011 no idea, got mine on prescription in UK and in NZ.But i would guess in Dubai that you can get it over the counter.
32
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 12:13
From memory roughly Dh225 for 500ml of face wash but you only need a tiny amount. The others were about Dh 170 each. I bought mine at Boots in the Arabian Centre but I've noticed a chemist in Mirdif City Centre sells it too (though not the MCC Boots). Given the amount I've spent on supermarket ranges over the years and the good results I think it's money well spent and it doesn't muck about with my hormones either.
52
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 12:10
have you tried - Duac with 5% benzoyl peroxide and 1% Clindamycin I find it good, clears up blackheads too! Must be kept in the fridge. edited by lidkekiwi on 21/06/2011 no i haven't tried duac. only benzac AC. don't know if it's advisable to combine two treatments at once. is this available over the counter? <em>edited by ladygodiva on 21/06/2011</em>
52
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 12:07
Just posted this on another thread this morning and it seems to apply here too. No, I'm not on commission but am so impressed (and relieved) that I want to spread the word... Hi, I've always suffered with bad skin but it's got really bad since moving here in December. I've just switched to Dermalogica Medibac products and my skin has cleared up within days. I bought the face wash first but it didn't seem to be effective on its own but combined with the overnight treatmeant and mattifier in the morning the difference was immediate. I don't seem to need a moisturiser either. It is v expensive but I wish I'd discovered it years ago. Hope that helps. how much did the 3 items cost?
32
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 12:05
Just posted this on another thread this morning and it seems to apply here too. No, I'm not on commission but am so impressed (and relieved) that I want to spread the word... Hi, I've always suffered with bad skin but it's got really bad since moving here in December. I've just switched to Dermalogica Medibac products and my skin has cleared up within days. I bought the face wash first but it didn't seem to be effective on its own but combined with the overnight treatmeant and mattifier in the morning the difference was immediate. I don't seem to need a moisturiser either. It is v expensive but I wish I'd discovered it years ago. Hope that helps.
143
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 12:04
actually on second thoughts, go and see a different doctor. If the second doctor agrees - then give it a go:)
143
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 12:02
I honestly don't think my acne is that severe. I did express discomfort at taking drugs for this and he asked me if I wanted to save my face. It sounded like I look like scar face or something. I've never had babies and don't really want to take anything to mess my body up for when I'm ready to. I didn't buy any of the drugs and still have the prescription in my handbag. DON'T USE IN THE MORNING, COS THE SUN WILL MAKE YOU FRY AND BURN!!!! ONLY USE AT NIGHT Keep in fridge too - very important
143
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 11:55
have you tried - Duac with 5% benzoyl peroxide and 1% Clindamycin I find it good, clears up blackheads too! Must be kept in the fridge. <em>edited by lidkekiwi on 21/06/2011</em>
143
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 11:53
Have you tried Proactiv? It's really amazing and at a lot of pharmacies here. I use this, and I find it ok, not great, just ok.
143
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 11:52
I know a bit about this drug. My friend's cousin killed himself while taking this drug. Also my brother was on it. It made him very apathetic and he would stare into space more than normal. It made my brothers skin very very dry. But he doesn't have pimples anymore.... I think, if its the only option - you should try it, but make sure you have someone who lives with you monitor how you are doing on it. Also, if you know the possible side effects - you might get none of them.... you will be aware of what is is happening and can stop the drug.
297
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 11:48
Ok, so I don't have any experience with acne. But I have with going to the doctors here. First you should go back to your doctor and discuss your concerns about the strong medication with him. If he can't satisfactoraly explain the treatment to you and if you don't feel at ease then, if I were you, I would not take any of the pills he prescribed and go get a second opinion and a third if necessary. Only take any medication after you have a doctor where you feel he/she knows what he/she is doing and who can fully explain your treatment, and who is not offended if you have questions (one of my pet peave about dr's here) We had to deal with skin conditions in my family a while ago (no acne though) and it was a nightmare to find someone who could help us and where we didn't feel uneasy when we left their office.
52
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 10:56
Ladygodiva, did your doctor tell you the diagnosis ie what TYPE of acne you have? There are many ways to treat acne. Like I said previously, I have had one of the more severe types of acne and had it treated with roacutane and more recently without. There are no quick fixes and home remedies for certain types of acnes. You need a good doctor who will answer all your questions and work with you on a solution that suits you! No, he didn't tell me what kind of acne I had. Just took me into a room and told me to lie down then gave me a mirror and told me to look at my face and that was it. I thought dermatologists had instruments with lights and stuff that they use to closely examine the spots?!?! He made it sound like my options were limited and if I didn't take all this stuff, that was the end of my looks.
52
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 10:49
Hi Ladygodiva Sorry to hear of your struggle, i hav been going through the same thing, went to see a few doctors and they tried to get me to take ro accutane also, finally found a great derm at health bay clinic Dr Reuter, you will love her, go see her, my skin is clearing with her topical treatment, taken a few months but i am seeing the light. stay strong its tough but it will get better xxx Thank you very much. I'll make an appointment. Sounds like she will understand my reluctance to take such strong drugs that require checking liver functions regularly. Can I have the number or website address please? Thank you. <em>edited by ladygodiva on 21/06/2011</em>
52
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 10:46
roaccutane...by any chance is this doctor from Dubai herbal? Sounds like him for sure. No, not this guy either.
258
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 09:43
Ladygodiva, did your doctor tell you the diagnosis ie what TYPE of acne you have? There are many ways to treat acne. Like I said previously, I have had one of the more severe types of acne and had it treated with roacutane and more recently without. There are no quick fixes and home remedies for certain types of acnes. You need a good doctor who will answer all your questions and work with you on a solution that suits you!
122
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 09:30
Hi Ladygodiva Sorry to hear of your struggle, i hav been going through the same thing, went to see a few doctors and they tried to get me to take ro accutane also, finally found a great derm at health bay clinic Dr Reuter, you will love her, go see her, my skin is clearing with her topical treatment, taken a few months but i am seeing the light. stay strong its tough but it will get better xxx
20
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 07:57
roaccutane...by any chance is this doctor from Dubai herbal? Sounds like him for sure.
52
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 01:20
You are right A rancher. Perhaps, I should get a second opinion. I'm a bit disappointed as this doctor came with the highest recommendation. I will do another search and try someone else. Hopefully, the insurance company will cover the costs.
1811
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 22:04
You can get benzoyl peroxide over-the-counter in the USA. I'm not sure how to get it here. I found that worked quite well too but only for a few days at a time because it really dries out your skin. You can get it here too; BenzoAC is one type. It's much cheaper than buying the proactiv version!! BenzacAC is what i've been using for the last month (2.5%) but only in the evenings. Maybe I need to increase to 5% and use twice a day before heading the way of all these drugs. DD was using it twice a day, morning and night. They say you should use the lowest concentration if possible. If you are not comfortable with the prescription, it's worth getting a second opinion. Good Luck!
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 21:59
I have a not severe but persistent case of adult acne and my treatment with doctor maria at aesthetica clinic in the healthcare city has really worked. I dont have her number here but I'm sure they have a website if you google it.
52
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 21:38
You can get benzoyl peroxide over-the-counter in the USA. I'm not sure how to get it here. I found that worked quite well too but only for a few days at a time because it really dries out your skin. You can get it here too; BenzoAC is one type. It's much cheaper than buying the proactiv version!! BenzacAC is what i've been using for the last month (2.5%) but only in the evenings. Maybe I need to increase to 5% and use twice a day before heading the way of all these drugs.
52
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 21:37
hi ladygodiva, I agree, roaccutane is a very serious drug, that should only be prescribed as a last resort for very severe acne. I do think you should call your dr. and inform him you are uncomfortable using this drug ( how old are you? because I do believe that the reason for the blood test is to make sure you are not pregnant) this medication causes very serious deformities to a fetus, if you become pregnant while on it... in all cases, there are many different combos that drs can prescribe to help control acne, including anti-biotics ( taken by mouth )... these antibiotics might have some side effects, but they are usually minimal and most people adjust to them quickly... I honestly don't think my acne is that severe. I did express discomfort at taking drugs for this and he asked me if I wanted to save my face. It sounded like I look like scar face or something. I've never had babies and don't really want to take anything to mess my body up for when I'm ready to. I didn't buy any of the drugs and still have the prescription in my handbag.
1811
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 21:21
You can get benzoyl peroxide over-the-counter in the USA. I'm not sure how to get it here. I found that worked quite well too but only for a few days at a time because it really dries out your skin. You can get it here too; BenzoAC is one type. It's much cheaper than buying the proactiv version!!
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 20:22
Hi ladygodiva - I'm going to go against the grain and thoroughly recommend it! It's not for everyone, but I've had it twice over the past 20 years for mild but chronic acne. Prescibed by dermo in London both times. Yes, it needs to be monitored carefully, but not everyone gets side effects (and for both mine, I only had a blood test beginning and end - it's a liver function test), and I only ever experienced dry lips, and that was only for the first month or so. I can honestly say it changed my life for the better hugely - and I'm incredibly grateful for being prescribed it. There's been a few very detailed threads about it on here in the past - do a search on roaccutane and you'll see them. <em>edited by pinks on 20/06/2011</em>
5452
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 20:22
You can get benzoyl peroxide over-the-counter in the USA. I'm not sure how to get it here. I found that worked quite well too but only for a few days at a time because it really dries out your skin.
5452
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 20:21
I've had really bad acne for over 20 years now and the one thing I found that worked was Diane35, which is a birth control pill. I have been on Roaccutane three times in my life and my acne always came back.
263
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 20:18
I used roaccutane when I was younger and yes you need the regular bloodtest to check it's not effecting your liver function. The biggest problem I would see living in Dubai is that you MUST stay out of the sun. It also really dries out your lips and you'll be very thirsty. On the upside it does work. I never had to take any other drugs with this, it was only the roaccutane. I have more recently used Diane (sorry don't mean to offend if this is against your beliefs) which really kept my skin clear. Won't help of course if you are trying for a baby. Then again on roaccutane you must under no circumstances become pregnant it is very dangerous. I also tried different combinations of face wash and moisturizer till I found one that works. Olay have a good gel face wash if you have oily skin; it is also gentle on your skin if you have senstive skin and I use a Bobby Brown moisturizer. <em>edited by chants39 on 20/06/2011</em>
44
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 20:10
hi ladygodiva, I agree, roaccutane is a very serious drug, that should only be prescribed as a last resort for very severe acne. I do think you should call your dr. and inform him you are uncomfortable using this drug ( how old are you? because I do believe that the reason for the blood test is to make sure you are not pregnant) this medication causes very serious deformities to a fetus, if you become pregnant while on it... in all cases, there are many different combos that drs can prescribe to help control acne, including anti-biotics ( taken by mouth )... these antibiotics might have some side effects, but they are usually minimal and most people adjust to them quickly...
 
 

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