Hi Ric.ror. I know exectly how your son is feeling. I am 25 and had the same problem of severe acne on my face, chest and back from the age of 19 - 23. I was put on various medication. Antbiotics, Tetracyclines, storoids, creams, pills. Many of these helped to reduce the problem but none of them stopped it. I went to a new doctor who rated me 10 on a scale of 1-10 of severity. He told me about
Roaccutane which is made by Roche.
It is a VERY stong medication and
does have side effects. It is basically a strong form of Vitamin A. I was put on the strongest dose for 3 months due to my severity. I did have side effects such as dry lips, photosensitivity, my night vision was slightly reduced. All of which were only temporary and disappeard after treatment. If your son is like me, I was always shy to take part in sport. swim or anything that involved me taking my shirt off or people seeing my back which started getting me down. There are a lot of people who are against the medication due to its strength but I am all for it. It worked as my Doctor told me and I will never look back. Yes the side effects were uncomfortable but nothing that could not be eased. See the website below. If you need any more information on it please ask! I wish you son all the best as I know it's not easy.
http://www.medic8.com/healthguide/articles/isotretinoin. html