To all Acne Sufferers - Roaccutane

uum

This advice is offered at completely your own risk. I am only relaying my own personal expierence and of close friends.

I had acne bad - very bad. It started when i was 12 and only around my 20th birthday was it finally cleared up. Now my chest and back are in bit's - absolutely destroyed. Even doctors recoil when i take off my top...

ok here goes

My parents were brutal - they did nothing for me - it was only when i started work that i got the money together to see a specialist and went on my own around 13 months ago. He prescribed roaccutane and a high dose at that. 80 mg a day for a guy who weighs 80kg, should have been 20 - 30 mg by all accounts.

Well guess what - for 2 months my acne got way worse, my lips and facial skin dried up for 8 months, my muscles around ankle and groin ached constantly (for a semi pro athlete this was the most serious side effect) but at the end of it all and some E1000 later my acne was gone forever.


Well here's my advice - if you have bad acne and i mean bad (if its not really bad then from the bottom of my heart dont because it's mad stuff), then go to a specialist, get on roaccutane and get it sorted. You will feel depressed but whether thats a side effect of roacc or just from the acne i dont know, just be careful.



Any time i now see someone with bad acne and they turning a certain way so that a breakout wont be as noticeable to people passing by, my heart just breaks. I want to go over and tell what to do, who to see and tell them they arent a freak. I know exactly what they are thinking and i know its the worst feeling in the whole world cas it never leaves you.


I honestly believe im only talkin here to like 2 or 3 percent cas not many have acne bad enough to require roacc but it is the only cure. anyone who tells you its your diet, your hygiene, you water intake - it's not, these will all help like 0.5%, nothing else cures acne.


Remember
This advice is offered at completely your own risk. I am only relaying my own personal expierence and of close friends.




/edit

Now while im here, does any1 know anything of acne scar eg keloids and how to remove them. I ve tried laser and it worked a little only, i got them all injected so they either flat or picked scars now - just very red.

Any1 know anything of skin bleach or anything that might turn the skin back to normal??
Im thinkin of getting a tattoo or many to cover them somewhat. Any advice??

Jokah

My friend had one or two Keloids on his shoulders. He paid a lot of money for a very expensive adhesive patch, that had to be applied X amount of times a day. Can't remember the name really.

If you think of a dry lasagne sheet that you buy in stores. Its the same shape and size, but it is clear right through and flimsy. Chemists would know about it. Thats the treatment for keloids I believe.

Hope this helps.

eth0_

Originally posted by Jokah
My friend had one or two Keloids on his shoulders. He paid a lot of money for a very expensive adhesive patch, that had to be applied X amount of times a day. Can't remember the name really.

If you think of a dry lasagne sheet that you buy in stores. Its the same shape and size, but it is clear right through and flimsy. Chemists would know about it. Thats the treatment for keloids I believe.

Hope this helps.

Acne would be unlikely to leave keloids, unless you are black or mixed race. I know the patches you mean, you can get them in bigger branches of Boots. Vitamin E oil is also good for healing scar tissue. You could also try dermabrasion if you skin has completely healed up after the acne.

aodh_rua

Just to add my 2 cents. I've been through Roaccutane twice - six months each time. Thankfully the emotional side-effects weren't too bad - just some increased anxiety - but the constantly dried skin and lips can be a pain, and it can make your liver have problems.

I suppose the main thing I wanted to add is that it is a wonder drug - but that it's not always successful. About 1 in 10 have to take a second course - although not straight away. I went about four years between my first and second.

I would encourage anyone with serious acne who's been through all the medicines a GP can prescribe to seriously think about going to a dermatologist and getting a course of Roaccutane.

As for the scarring. I'm lucky that the only scars I have are on my back and I think they're milder than uum's. That said - laser treatment can be a solution - your dermatologist can advise you on that.

raster

I'm thinking of Roac at the moment, the dermatologist recommends it, but said that I must have a blood test every month while taking it, to ensure that it isint damaging. Is this standard? sort of puts me off the idea.

aodh_rua

Originally posted by raster
I'm thinking of Roac at the moment, the dermatologist recommends it, but said that I must have a blood test every month while taking it, to ensure that it isint damaging. Is this standard? sort of puts me off the idea.

Its standard - although if the first one or two show everything's normal you can get away with a lower frequency of jabs. They test your liver and lipids to make sure that the drug isn't causing too much harm. I think the drug is a Vitamin E derivative and as such in high doses - like roaccutane - can mess up the operation of your liver.

uum

Ya you have to do a blood test, remember this is a serious drug that has serious side effects. Thats why only bad acne sufferers should take it , its not just for "vanity" if you know what i mean.

Think about it and talk to your parents about it. If you ever need any help or advice here is a good place - seems to be a fair few ex roacc here.



Re keloids - I got them an my chest only tho, none on my back. I know that patch that ye are on about - i tried it for 6 months and nothin. Scars were just too big (some are as big as my thumb). I was too late to try vitamin e, scars were mostly a year or more old before i did anything

Gummy Panda

There is a new laser treatment in dublin which is meant to remove acne for good. Its €395 a session but you're only meant to go once or twice depending on how bad your acne is.

http://www.unison.ie/entertainment/stories.php3?ca=312&si=1086919&eid=25515

xx

I dunno, I've been on two courses of Roaccutane and I'm beginning to think that that stuff is the work of the devil. My acne is completely gone now, but sometimes I don't think that my body is completely working the way it used to. Granted I'm aware of how it treats acne and all that, but my skin doesn't seem to nearly produce as much oil as before so I'm finding it necessary to apply moisturiser about twice a day. And I finished my second course last september.
Seriously though, I'd caution anyone who would consider diving into a course of medication like this. My dermatologist (on both occassions) seemed overly ready to prescribe it to me, which in hindsight I see as a bad thing.
Just my thoughts.

Thorbar

I was on a 60mg(i think) daily dose of Roaccutane for around 8 months. The stuff really cleared up my skin and for 2 years I was completely clear. I get the odd spot or two if I'm really under stress these days but its not enough to warrant going back on Roaccutane. I did notice that I had a fair few mood swings while I was taking the drug. I'd get pissed off any the smallest thing and even tho logically I'd know I shouldn't be annoyed at whatever it was, I'd still get mad over it. Also sweat seemed to pour out of my eyebrows during and for about a year after I was on it. You should be really careful taking this drug it can affect some people very severely like everyone else I'd only recommend the really bad cases of acne to try it.

[edit]Nearly forgot the hardest thing for me was staying off the drink for the 8 months, I'm not sure why you have to maybe its to protect your liver. The few times I did drink the hang overs afterwards were killer after only having a few pints.[/edit]

Turner

Been on it myself... Wonderful stuff.

Although they should rename it "The industrial strength lip and skin drying tablets" Was on 70mg for 8 weeks and am probably due another course.

Had no side effects apart from the chapped lips and only had one blood test after 4 weeks which came up fine. Didnt give up alcohol because i love it too much and as my blood cholesterol test came back normal.

I would recommend this drug to one and all, mind you it is expensive at about E150 per month.

Chief.

Ryo Hazuki

Was considering going on it, but looking at the info sheet with the possible side effects, Id rather not. (Kidney Failure, Depression, Cardiovascular disorders etc.)

And I would have had to go for a full initial blood test, and blood tests every month.
Im not too keen on that because, well just in case they test for.....recreational...drugs, which may have accidently entered my system each day.

And Ive been told they always do test with younger people.

sionnach

Originally posted by uum
My parents were brutal - they did nothing for me - it was only when i started work that i got the money together to see a specialist and went on my own around 13 months ago.

urgh thats sucks. As soon as it was apparent that my acne wasnt gonna b clearasiled away my parents took me straight to a dermatologist. Fair feckin played to u for workin to get to see a specialist. im sur u dont regret any penny of that 1000 u spent.

I was on 80mg a day as well, the only trouble i really had was the dry lips, having to apply vaseline every 15 minutes was kinda annoying, especially when girls would ask me "do you wear lip gloss?" *cringe* neway its been 3 months since my treatment finished and i have only had like 2 spots since that.

SirLemonhead

Hehe I had no trouble from the stuff. I kinda miss it now in a way because it stopped my hair getting greasy I do wash it every day and all but it's quite long so it's horrible when it gets greasy

But yes...If your acne is very bad, you should look into Roaccutane as it does work wonders.

I've actually heard of roche(the makers of roaccutane) employing people to spam this stuff on internet forums. Not saying that this is what this is, because it sounds pretty real, but when I saw the thread title it just reminded me of some of the things I've seen.


I don't believe that accutane is the "only" answer, and it really should only be used on severe acne. There's plenty of other less dangerous methods and it takes only a search with google to see some of the horrible disfigurements and emotional disturbance caused by (ro)accutane.


I'd advise people to check out www.acne.org and give the regimen a go for a while first, although I'd also advise anyone worried about their acne to check out a dermatologist asap too. Roaccutane is a last resort drug, and if you go on it I would make sure that you have routine blood tests every month.

the whole year inn

Think I might give this stuff ago .Went to the doc gave me some drugs some worked for awhile but it stoped its not really on my face just my chest can be bad at times. Have a hairy chest so not to bad , still want to get it sorted tho .The doc told me to ring the dermatologis and book an appointment.Just wondering about the costs? I am on the medical card but the doc said the the dermatologist would cost a 100 but do I have to pay for the roaccutane since I am the medical card ?I am 19 turning 20 and am a poor student.

Also there is these small hard lumps on my chest its not acne and they are there for awhile told the doc bout this and said they take 6 months to go anyone know what they are and if you can get rid of them quickly.Also while taking the drugs I guess a sauna is a bad thing and what bout working out in a gym can I still go while on the drugs.They say not to take acohol while on the drugs what happens if you do?
Sorry bout all the questions but ill thank you in advance

gob_smacked

uum

Originally posted by utility_
I've actually heard of roche(the makers of roaccutane) employing people to spam this stuff on internet forums. Not saying that this is what this is, because it sounds pretty real, but when I saw the thread title it just reminded me of some of the things I've seen.


I don't believe that accutane is the "only" answer, and it really should only be used on severe acne. There's plenty of other less dangerous methods and it takes only a search with google to see some of the horrible disfigurements and emotional disturbance caused by (ro)accutane.


I'd advise people to check out www.acne.org and give the regimen a go for a while first, although I'd also advise anyone worried about their acne to check out a dermatologist asap too. Roaccutane is a last resort drug, and if you go on it I would make sure that you have routine blood tests every month.

I assure you that i am not a spammer and am completely genuine about my acne and how it disfigured me (i used to wish i was someone else but now i just accept myself warts an all )

I tried a lot of different cures for acne believe me and none worked hardly at all bar roacc. I reckon that laser looks good but its new so id never heard of it then. Also my derm who i believe to be one of the best in ireland, a Dr. Walls, and my laser surgeon told me it IS the only cure and to be honest i believe them.

2 of my close friends , who had acne nearly as bad as me on their face but not on the rest of their body, also went on it independantly of me around the same time and they had results similair but not as complete as mine (lower dose i presume)

gob_smacked
those hard lumps you have are keloids and are the remains of acne spots or boils. They will take a long time to shrink if at all. I have a lot of them on my chest and i got them injected with some kind of steroid by my derm about september time. after 6 weeks they were all shrunk down to normal level bar 3 and im going back in february to get them looked after. I know of no other treatment for these. If you have them surgically removed then 90% (according to my doc) will return as keloids returning you to the start again.

My greatest problem now is how to turn these keloid remains back to skin colour from their current pinkish. i may give laser another go if i can scrape the money together but any other cures or suggestions welcome??

About side effects - i drank myself silly before being on the stuff, during and after and it caused no noticeable effects - not even hangovers (never had 1!!) Lookin back i only stopped drinking so much when my acne cleared - i think it was my way of dealing with it. Now im as fit and strong as i've ever been, not looking too bad i think, and in general enjoying life for the first time in so long. I was a really ignorant aggressive pig when a teen mainly because i didnt ever want anyone to get close to me.

I lost so many friends and missed so many oppurtunities because of my acne - im only trying to help others avoid my pain. Sorry if i offend...

uum

Originally posted by utility_
I've actually heard of roche(the makers of roaccutane) employing people to spam this stuff on internet forums. Not saying that this is what this is, because it sounds pretty real, but when I saw the thread title it just reminded me of some of the things I've seen.


I don't believe that accutane is the "only" answer, and it really should only be used on severe acne. There's plenty of other less dangerous methods and it takes only a search with google to see some of the horrible disfigurements and emotional disturbance caused by (ro)accutane.


I'd advise people to check out www.acne.org and give the regimen a go for a while first, although I'd also advise anyone worried about their acne to check out a dermatologist asap too. Roaccutane is a last resort drug, and if you go on it I would make sure that you have routine blood tests every month.

I assure you that i am not a spammer and am completely genuine about my acne and how it disfigured me (i used to wish i was someone else but now i just accept myself warts an all )

I tried a lot of different cures for acne believe me and none worked hardly at all bar roacc. I reckon that laser looks good but its new so id never heard of it then. Also my derm who i believe to be one of the best in ireland, a Dr. Walls, and my laser surgeon told me it IS the only cure and to be honest i believe them.

2 of my close friends , who had acne nearly as bad as me on their face but not on the rest of their body, also went on it independantly of me around the same time and they had results similair but not as complete as mine (lower dose i presume)

gob_smacked
those hard lumps you have are keloids and are the remains of acne spots or boils. They will take a long time to shrink if at all. I have a lot of them on my chest and i got them injected with some kind of steroid by my derm about september time. after 6 weeks they were all shrunk down to normal level bar 3 and im going back in february to get them looked after. I know of no other treatment for these. If you have them surgically removed then 90% (according to my doc) will return as keloids returning you to the start again.

My greatest problem now is how to turn these keloid remains back to skin colour from their current pinkish. i may give laser another go if i can scrape the money together but any other cures or suggestions welcome??

About side effects - i drank myself silly before being on the stuff, during and after and it caused no noticeable effects - not even hangovers (never had 1!!) Lookin back i only stopped drinking so much when my acne cleared - i think it was my way of dealing with it. Now im as fit and strong as i've ever been, not looking too bad i think, and in general enjoying life for the first time in so long. I was a really ignorant aggressive pig when a teen mainly because i didnt ever want anyone to get close to me.

I lost so many friends and missed so many oppurtunities because of my acne - im only trying to help others avoid my pain. Sorry if i offend...

blondie83

I've had acne since I was 10 years old. I tried everything to get rid of them, and finally ended up on Roacutane at 16. I did two courses on it, with about 2 years between them, and I can tell you it did work. it was the only thing that ever worked for me, although the dry lips were a nightmare. (word of advice, if you are going on it vaseline is the best, better then the other lip balms). Now though my acne is coming back on my face, so I'm considering going back on it, I don't really want to though, cos it is a very strong drug. My dermatologist said it was very unusual for someone to even have to do two courses, let alone three! It's really frustrarting though, starting to wonder if I'll ever just be able to get rid of them for good!

Ronaldo7

I had mild mild acne and i didnt even need to go on accutane but the only thing about it was it was stubborn. It was just normal teenager **** but it still pissed me off no end so i went on roaccutane - only 20mgs or 40mgs for a few motnhs but ye i was sorted thereafter. Got no bodyeaches or any side effects. the only side effect i got was dry lips and eyes. Its no big deal...lip balm and eye drops used a couple time a day is no big deal.

bbbbb

Roaccutane is indeed powerful stuff and the consensus seems to be that it is the strongest treatment out there. Note that strongest does not imply best!

I'm in my early thirties and I've had v.bad acne, currently on my 3rd course of roaccutane (spread out over 15 years), each time has lead to a significant improvement.

General advice would be to go to a doctor and try milder treatments such as tetracycline first, failing that get a referral to a dermatologist (If your acne is genuinely v.bad the doctor may refer you directly).

If the consultant recommends roaccutane, don't be afraid of it. Reading threads such as this and other web sites, there is alot of scary stuff about this drug out there, some of which I'm sure is true and others to varying degrees.

In my case I've experienced most of them:
- dry lips and skin; definitely, but nothing some moisturiser and lip balm can't fix
- blood tests; standard, but once they see no variations they stop
- liver; A couple of pints is ok, but I find more than 6 can be risky (I've puked very violently once or twice from this)
- mood swings/depression/suicide; Real dangers, first time round didn't occur, did on second and third courses. I'm a big boy so I've been able to rationalise the demons away. My local pharmcist has shown alot of concern dispensing the drug, I suspect a previous customer may have had a less fortunate experience. On the up side, an improvement in the skin does lift the spirits, and its a nice feeling when catching random girls eyes, you hold the glance for half a second longer then before.

Finally on the cost side, I believe the health boards have a drug refund scheme that means a house hold pays no more than Euro 70 per month for perscription drugs. Ask your local chemist.

smiles

Originally posted by bbbbb

Finally on the cost side, I believe the health boards have a drug refund scheme that means a house hold pays no more than Euro 70 per month for perscription drugs. Ask your local chemist.

78. it went up last week.

<< Fio >>

sionnach

Originally posted by utility_
I would make sure that you have routine blood tests every month.

im pretty sure they're obligatory. You wont get another prescription from your dermatologist unless you take the blood tests. btw ne1 knwo how long u hafta wait after u come off roaccutane before u can donate blood?

galwaydude

Hi
You have to take the blood tests every month, check your liver and stuff as roaccuatne is a very powerful drug.Personally though im 25 and have been on it twice in the last 7 years and personally i wouldnt go back on it again as its terrible stuff , all my scarring now is due to it and i still have mild acne which is the bain of my life as i just want clear skin.Im getting lazer treatment at the moment but still getting a few new annoying spots on my neck.So im glad it has worked for most ppl here, but there are the odd exception and i should know.Has anyone tried the nlite treatment and if so did it actually work as thats what im on , had 2 treatments so far, one for acne and the other for scarring and to be honest i dont c much difference.Pretty expensive too, 350 euro each.The last thing i want to do is go back to a docter as i know he will send me to a dermotologist.The last one had me on hibiscrub for my skin.Thats the stuff the doctors wash their hands before operations.So any advice is helpful as i seem to be coming up against brick walls everytime.Sometimes i cringe when i look in the mirror cause my neck is kinda bad.

Typedef

Yeah roaccutane totally worked for me, with a few caveats.

Caveat-1 : My lips 12 months post treatment are always dry, but, to be honest, it's a price I've gladly paid.

Caveat-2 : I get laid an extraordinary proportion more then I used to.... now, since I really don't want any more competition in the gene pool.... I'd advise all you pimpley people to stay away from roaccutane... and leave the love making to us clear-skinned uber-studs.

Also 'umm', if you have bad scarring on your skin and no longer get acene, what you should do is take a 4 week holiday to Spain, this July.

Then tan yourself. The UV will force your skin to heal and once this process is complete the scarring from acene should be somewhere in the region of 40-80% less, depending on how your skin reacts to the sunlight.

Typedef

Originally posted by uum

I honestly believe im only talkin here to like 2 or 3 percent cas not many have acne bad enough to require roacc but it is the only cure. anyone who tells you its your diet, your hygiene, you water intake - it's not, these will all help like 0.5%, nothing else cures acne.

Yeah, everybody is an amateur doctor.

For ten years I got the standard.

"Drink more water. Have you tried giving up diary products? Apply leaches twice daily. Stop **** (*ha*). Sacrifice Vestal virgins to Zeus twice monthly" etc.

*assholes*

- mood swings/depression/suicide; Real dangers <snip>. I'm a big boy so I've been able to rationalise the demons away.

Yeah I got that too, bit of a bummer.

no pun

Cabaal

My sister used Roaccutane years ago, she had a very rare allergic reaction to it, her lips swelled up and everything, the reaction was so rare infact that the Doctors took pictures and now there in some medical book

Loads of fun :rolleyes:

uum

Originally posted by Typedef


Caveat-2 : I get laid an extraordinary proportion more then I used to.... now, since I really don't want any more competition in the gene pool.... I'd advise all you pimpley people to stay away from roaccutane... and leave the love making to us clear-skinned uber-studs.

Also 'umm', if you have bad scarring on your skin and no longer get acene, what you should do is take a 4 week holiday to Spain, this July.

Then tan yourself. The UV will force your skin to heal and once this process is complete the scarring from acene should be somewhere in the region of 40-80% less, depending on how your skin reacts to the sunlight.

Thanks - sounds like good advice .

Do you think that sunbeds would work?? i reckon that it'd be much easier for me to do this in private than on a packed beach in spain - you really dont know how bad my skin is. I reckon that i'll try them first.

My only other opion i think is a tattoo after the sun treatment if it doesnt work but im still not sure if i want one or not or if they will even cover my scars!!

i'll try the sunbeds first anyway.
thanks

uum

Originally posted by Typedef


Caveat-2 : I get laid an extraordinary proportion more then I used to.... now, since I really don't want any more competition in the gene pool.... I'd advise all you pimpley people to stay away from roaccutane... and leave the love making to us clear-skinned uber-studs.

Also 'umm', if you have bad scarring on your skin and no longer get acene, what you should do is take a 4 week holiday to Spain, this July.

Then tan yourself. The UV will force your skin to heal and once this process is complete the scarring from acene should be somewhere in the region of 40-80% less, depending on how your skin reacts to the sunlight.

Thanks - sounds like good advice .

Do you think that sunbeds would work?? i reckon that it'd be much easier for me to do this in private than on a packed beach in spain - you really dont know how bad my skin is. I reckon that i'll try them first.

My only other opion i think is a tattoo after the sun treatment if it doesnt work but im still not sure if i want one or not or if they will even cover my scars!!

i'll try the sunbeds first anyway.
thanks

Typedef

Eh, I'd advise against sun beds, generally people don't use them enough for the UV to do any good or end up incinerating themselves.

Also, I seem to remember that sunlight is a 'better' way to tan your skin as your relative temprature helps to tell your body about exposure... and sunbeds only emit UVA afaik and it would be advantageous to expose yourself to low levels of UVB, in order to stimulate your skin to regrow itself.

Essentially what you would be doing is burning your skin (well exposing it to UV, which destorys cells and forces them to reform as well as encouraging a melanin reaction (tanning)), all of which makes the skin grow again.

Has your dermi not mentioned all this sort of stuff to you?

Really you can go somewhere relatively secluded... or even tan yourself on your balcony for the first week or so... at which time your tan will be good (provided you use a low enough factor (but not so low as to burn yourself)) and you can venture out onto the beach to look at all the topless women...

I mean... you can work on your tan at the beach.

*ahem*

uum

Originally posted by Typedef
Eh, I'd advise against sun beds, generally people don't use them enough for the UV to do any good or end up incinerating themselves.

Also, I seem to remember that sunlight is a 'better' way to tan your skin as your relative temprature helps to tell your body about exposure... and sunbeds only emit UVA afaik and it would be advantageous to expose yourself to low levels of UVB, in order to stimulate your skin to regrow itself.

Essentially what you would be doing is burning your skin (well exposing it to UV, which destorys cells and forces them to reform as well as encouraging a melanin reaction (tanning)), all of which makes the skin grow again.

Has your dermi not mentioned all this sort of stuff to you?

Really you can go somewhere relatively secluded... or even tan yourself on your balcony for the first week or so... at which time your tan will be good (provided you use a low enough factor (but not so low as to burn yourself)) and you can venture out onto the beach to look at all the topless women...

I mean... you can work on your tan at the beach.

*ahem*

He said it alright but the reason i went to him was so that i wouldnt be afraid to take my top off in public (i actually have a rite nice body other than the scars,) and he told me to actually go out there to improve myself - i doubt i'll be doin that anytime soon (id prolly get arrested anyways !!)

I reckon im gonna get a tattoo anyways, thanks again...

Originally posted by sionnach
im pretty sure they're obligatory. You wont get another prescription from your dermatologist unless you take the blood tests. btw ne1 knwo how long u hafta wait after u come off roaccutane before u can donate blood?

Well THEY say 6 months, BUT

Originally posted by Typedef
Caveat-1 : My lips 12 months post treatment are always dry, but, to be honest, it's a price I've gladly paid.

A lot of people will still feel the effects for years and even decades after taking it because it binds itself to the organs or some crazy shít like that. So...perhaps it would be advisable to wait a few years..

Typedef

I was under the impression the synthetic vitamin-A permenantly reduced the capacity of you skin to produce sebum (aka oil), thus lowering the 'greasiness' of your skin ... 'going forward'[1]


[1]As office morons are fond of saying.

Originally posted by Typedef
I was under the impression the synthetic vitamin-A permenantly reduced the capacity of you skin to produce sebum (aka oil), thus lowering the 'greasiness' of your skin ... 'going forward'[1]


[1]As office morons are fond of saying.

It can't magically "permanently" reduce the ability of your skin to produce oil. If you still feel the effects of the drug then it's still in your system.

Typedef

Are you a medical studen _utility, I mean honestly?

If it were the case the the drug were still 'bonded to your organs' then would it not be the case that discontinuing ingestion of the drug would do nothing for the depression caused by it for example?

So are you speculating or do you have some kind of proof here?
Logic would suggest you are incorrect at the outset.

Perhaps it would help you to read this
http://www.skincentre.com.au/acne_treatment.htm

Also if you use the term 'going forward' a lot, it's not as if I was specifically having a dig at you.

/

uum

Hey typedef

new sig only an hour old?

congrats i spose.


On the whole acne and roacc recurring thing im after getting some new spots in the last few days - could be due to stress from exams i hope anyway cas if my acne comes back i dunno what ill do.


Can acne be stress/lack of sleep related? i had heard this but never expierenced it myself.

LegacyUser

hmmm, I did a search on the forum and this seems a relevent thread to post in.

Just wanted to post my story (I'll make it short)...

I've had acne for a few years now, started getting bad around 13 years old (I'm almost 18 now). I tried a few anti-biotics and that, but eventually my doctor refered me on to a derm and he put me on Roaccutane. I've been on it about a year and a half now. My acne has improved alot -- my face is completely clear, and so is most of the rest of my body. The only area I'm having trouble with is my back and shoulders (and to a much lesser extent my chest/under arms). I realise how well I have it compared to other people, definitely, but it's terribly annoying none the less -- I can't lie on my back, so I often have trouble sleeping, and I can't go to the gym or anything; I can't let people touch my back or chest (eg. my girlfriend), cos (a) it's painful, and (b) it's somewhat embaressing; it's also prohibiting me going away anywhere, or swimming, or anything like this, cos of the pain and the embaressment.
Like I said, I've been on Roaccutane for a year and half now, and the last time I went to my derm (on Monday actually), he said that he wants me to come along to one of these meetings in the city, where all the top derm people meet up and try and fix difficult cases (ie. me). I'm hoping that they'll be able to give me some sort of solution.
As I say, I know I have it good compared to 2 years ago, and compared to other people -- my skin isn't actually greasy or anything, and there's not LOADS of spots, but when they appear they are generally very big, and very painful.
I'd also like to get off the Roaccutane quick enough. I'm a little nervous about being on it so long, afraid it might do long-term damage to my body (although my derm says it doesn't work like that). I've had all the side-effects available, too! Dry lips (goes without saying), dry eyes, swollen (thyroid) glands, sore joints, mood swings (like someone said earlier, I get p*ssed off at silly things when I know I shouldn't/wouldn't normally), fragile skin (if I scratch too hard I get a rash), blurry vision (probably because of dryness), fatigue (probably the most annoying effect; had it during the Leaving cert, and let me tell you -- it's hard enough to stay awake studying physics when NOT on heavy drugs; I had to have naps every day after school), and to a certain extent depression. I also feel like it's messing with my head a bit much... Like I'd go to put sugar in the fridge, silly things like that. My memory is also terrible, recently. And my hearing -- there's another side-effect -- it's gotten worse than I already was! Anyway, I've had enough, I feel I've served my sentence.

I'm just wondering if anyone else can recommend anything to treat my acne. My derm hasn't said anything about my diet, I don't eat terribly unhealthy or anything anyways (he was actually shocked at how good my cholesterol was ). I asked him about vitamins and he told me to stay off them because they might mess with the Roaccutane.

I'm thinking about going on sunbeds (only letting my body get touched, I don't wanna come out one day looking like Eddie Murphy, and have to explain it!)... I know there's a risk of cancer, but it's slight, and I feel it's worth the risk. I'd be very conscious of getting checked for cancer, too.

The other thing I saw mentioned was this thing "NLite" -- it says it's effective on the site, but it's not exactly getting glowing reviews on acne.org!

Anyone got any insight here? Also, anyone been to one of those conferences with all the doctors meeting up? I was told there'll be able 13-15 doctors present -- are they all gonna interrogate me or what! Or lie me down and prod me with sticks, lol.

Thanks all

BTW, I'm registered but I decided to log out when I became conscious of the fact that this is an Irish site, so I may well know some of you people I'll probably forget to log out when I reply again, but meh, no biggy, it was just while I had thought of it

SprostonGreen

My story............

I started on antibiotics, the first of which is called Oxytetracylcline, speaking from experience that cleared it up only for it to come back again.

I went through a few other kinds(the names escape me now, except for Hostacycline) until I ended up taking Roaccutane.

That stuff cleared it and it has never come back. It has a reputation for causing depression, but it only did with me towards the end when I went from 20mg up to 80mg per day. I eventually had to take it at night, so I'd sleep through it.

That said, I've no hesitation in recommending it.

LegacyUser

I'm on roaccutane as well since August. Started out good on 20mg, noticed improvements right away and then was moved up to 60mg, and it started getting much worse on my back, chest everywhere. So I was put down to 20mg again and now I'm on steroids as well which really mess around with your body, but I've had acne for over 5 years and its got me down so much that I don't really care anymore, would try chemo probably if it worked for acne! Anyway I'm gona be on Roaccutane for a year and not really looking forward to it. I' d go to that meeting if I where u whats better than 1 derm, 15!?

LegacyUser

hmmm... just wondering here, what were yer circumstances when you increased your dosage? Like was it the same as when you started on the low dose? Or had it gotten a bit better but some parts were being stubborn? I ask because my derm is a little anxious about increasing the dose in case I "flare up" or anything. I'm on 40mg a day now, but the "success stories" in this thread seem to be from using 80mg a day.

I'm 18 years old and weigh 11st/69kgs, if that matters. Thoughts?

Crania

I have very mild acne, and I'm a teenager so I suppose it will go when I'm about 20 but it does annoy me so I went to my doctor and he prescribed with me with a lotin called Skinoren and although its not brilliant, its alrite and it did cure my spots a minor bit so I would recommend it to anyone with minor acne.

LegacyUser

Sometimes derms will just start you of right away on 80mg, or will gradually move you up to see how you respond, I responded badly at 60mg, I weigh 11 stone as well. It had improved over all, but I was getting wierd cysts which I never had before. U should check out the accutane logs @ www.acne.org/messageboards

shamalive

Never saw this thread before.

I was on this stuff about 9 years ago.
I had tried EVERYTHING, and everything failed.

I went on it when I was 15/16, and yes, as per others, my skin got worse
for about 4-6 weeks.
Then, like magic, it just started to clear up,
and eventually it was gone forever, bar the odd spot here and there.

Something to note, the side effects can be tough,
disgustingly dry skin, and I certainly believe it can alter one's mood.
The disappearance of acne can give any teenager a serious confidence boost,
but be prepared for the ups and downs attributable to these drugs.

I believe there was a case in the media where a father argued
that these drugs were a contributory factor in his son's suicide.

Civilian_Target

Yep - agreed. Nothing else could shift my spots - but Roaccutane did in about 6 months. Side effects were a complete bitch, but nothing compared to the pain of the damn spots.

Recommended, but be prepared for the dry eyes, stiff joints, etc...