when is a spot not a spot?

[crisgal]

my 14 year old has terrible spots all over his face. How can you tell when it's more than just teenage spots? I remember seeing something on this morning years ago, about how young people needn't put up with acne any more. Should I take him to the doctors? I don't want to waste his time.

[Lakitu]

Go to the doctor, you won't be wasting his time. There are treatments for acne if it really is nothing more than that.

[Bbbananas]

If it is very severe acne, likely to cause scarring, & affecting your son's quality of life etc - his GP may well prescribe him Roaccutane. It is a strong drug, has some side effects, but is very effective. My son went on it at around the age of 17, it gave him extremely dry & flaky lips & eyelids, but his acne cleared up fairly quickly, never came back, and he has no scarring.

Before prescribing Roaccutane, (s)he may try other treatments first - but yes, take him asap.