Hi,
I thought maybe I could help someone with a solution that worked for me, and one that could hopefully work for someone else, if not a lot
of people. I know there are so many different options out there, and
some work and some different, and some are hoaxes, and others really
do help people, so I just hope maybe this could be of benefit to
someone.
I'm 20 years old, and have suffered from a moderate, sometimes
severe case of acne, with a little bit of rosacea mixed in for the
past 5 years. I went through the motions, tried the antibiotics and
prescription creams, but first started with the over the counter
stuff. Of course, nothing worked, and I felt like my face got worse. I
was ready to 'take the plunge' and go on Accutane when I found a
system, purefect skin, over the internet. It was natural, and I really
didn't want to go on accutane because of the side-effect horror
stories I had heard, so I tried this stuff out.
In about 3 weeks I started noticing the difference.
I am now a person with a lot more self-esteem and a new sense of
respect for myself. I'm not embarrassed by my face anymore. If anyone decides to go on it, let me know, and we can talk about it
and discuss it. I'm more than willing to help in any way possible. The
web site is http://proven.virtualave.net/ketsugo.html - check it out, and I hope that it
can help you.
Good luck and god bless,
Michelle

Hi, I was advised to see a dermatologist about possibly using roaccutane treatments for my severe acne problem but, after hearing about the side effects, I decided to try every other possible remedy first. After trying many face washes, creams etc I have found some products which have almost cured my acne after only 3 weeks. I use a perscription topical cream called differin which itches and dries your skin slightly but I swear by it....it clears up acne almost immediately. I have also been using a medicated soap called Gamophen available off the shelf at any chemist in Australia. It is also really good. It doesn't dry your skin out much at all and seems to stop oil build up. A major thing I have discovered is not to use much makeup!! So, to make myself feel better about my skin, I use Blackmore's cover-up stick which is actually an acne treatment but skin coloured. A combination of all these things has really helped.

Hello, I was experimenting one night finding some stuff that could help atleast make my acne less worse. I ve got acne way below average, but my face tends to get really gressy, which I dont think helps much. I recommend herbal supplements, also I made up my own topical remedy that seems to help. I will share it with you. (first of all drink lots of water.)
I used 1/2 cup Herseys Coca (Non Milk Chocolate only)
1/4 cup Baking Power
1/4 cup Vinegar
1/4 cup Rubbing Alcohol
1 tsp Vinilla
1/4 cup Honey
1/4 cup Hydrogen Proxide
1 tsp Listerine
Mix together and stirr, then aply to face by either a washcloth and or other device. This should be applyed after washing your face, then left on for 5 - 10 mins (10 mins recommended.) I have left it on all night and it seemed to help more, then washed it off in the morning. This will help if you have tons of blackheads, and it will reduce the size of redspots and eliminate most of them.
Let me know how this works for you.
Thanks,
Toby

okay. my acne really isnt that bad at all. compared to some peoples i mean. i have zits all over my forehead and on my noze and on my chin. and on my arms, at which i constantly pick although i know it must make me look somewhat like a grooming monkey or a semi retarded person. oh and in my ears which really pisses me off. well neways. my problem is i pick until what started as a pimple becomes a wound. and then i keep picking the scab and oh its just nasty. and i have tried all the face washes there are. i am serious. i cleared out rite aid and target. well anyway, to all you with acne, not everyone will think your gross. my bf has it and most of my friends do. and i am not a loser. to all you people with no self esteem, think of yourself as who you really are. you are amazing beautiful creations of god and dont let anyone make you feal like anything less than that. acne sucks major big time but it is NOT the end of the world. social life isnt either. get yourself a good friend and be yourself and control your own life. you are your own rainbow. (haha i just happen to love that line [superstar])okay toodles

I have been regularly checking this site because it is really encouraging to hear about other peoples battles with acne. I am currently on Roaccutane, I have been on it for 4 months. It was only about 4 days ago that I really started noticing anything. My face has completely dried out including my hands. I also noticed today that I have new spots developing around my chin. I'm hoping this is normal and is a sign that Roaccutane is working. I wish you all the very best of luck, I am going to keep my hopes up and pray that this medication will work for me like it has worked for so many of you.

I managed to get hold of a device called a Derma Lux lamp made by a company called Sylvania. It was developed by leading specialists in skin conditions and the rays emitted are reported not to be harmful in any way or cause premature ageing, instead it kills the bacteria on the skin. I have to say that it really did seem to work, although i was using other treatments at the same time. However when I stopped using it my skin immediately got worse, so I would recommend that even if you think your skin is cured, keep using it! I went back to using it and my skin improved again. Check with a doctor though, because some seem to think that these lamps have no benefit at all, but from my experience, it was excellent. I think all the details can be found on line, but I think they do set you back a fair bit of money, about £200 if I remember correctly ( I haven't got the best memory though!)and the bulbs have to be replaced frequently which also costs. Good luck!

I heard on a tv show that eating or drinking
citrus fruit causes acne.
it changes your skins pH levels - and can cause
acne in some people.

Hey everyone, i know the feeling of having bad acne i was there, u just dont want anyone to see u u just feel ugly , possibly suicidal in my case, well im here to pass good news to u, see a dermatologist, get accutane it works, its side effects are annoying but worht it, it causes dry eyes lips and skin, and joint pains but only while your on it, it works miracles and changed my life, to anyone that reads this message they should go get it immediately, it almost completely cured my acne i feel so much betta about myself now and i luv to look in the mirror, anyone that needs help go on accutane it works!

Hi guys
Sorry to say I´m getting to the stage where I don´t think roacc is going to help me long term, although I still hold out some hope.
I´ve heard good things about light boxes in the past and they were mentioned by one of the previous writers. I just wondered if anyone knew where I could get hold of one in the UK and how much it would be likely to cost.
Cheers.

Has anyone ever found any good scar removal creams. I have looked on the net and only found creams available in the USA.
I started getting acne when I was 14 and it really got me down, it has calmed down for a about a year now but has left me with some horrible marks.
My skin is quite dark and the marks left are darker than my skin colour.
I was just wondering if any of these scar removal creams work and if you recommend any.
Cheers
Jez

i have suffered from acne since i was 13 i know all about missing school and not going out because of acne.I have tried all the different treatments,ie topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics, benzyl peroxide,the pill-dianette,sulpher tablets,over the years, every over the counter medicine imaginable.I have had months, even years when i have been acne free but it always comes back with-avengence.At the moment i am controlling it using ketsugo ,a spray on treatment that i find works for me,i use neutrogena clear pore face wash day and night,which i also beleive in,i have also bought a light box which if my acne flares up i will use for 15 minutes a day,i find this light therapy effective,but the boxes are expensive to buy.At the moment my acne has flared up as i am really stressed out in my job.I find that stress is one of the biggest factors that will flare up my acne.My boyfriend has long since learned to put up with my moods,and will tell me to snap out of it if i'm moody because of a breakout,there are worse things that you can have ( and as a nurse i realise this),although at the time it doesn't seem like that.What i'm trying to say in this very long statement,is that you can't let it rule your life,just try and find somthing that works for you to control it.If you're prone to acne then it's likely that you will always have a tendency towards breakouts at times.If somebody really loves you they'll love you through clear skin, acne breakouts whatever,and though it can seem so difficult and depressing life is too short to hide away because of acne.P.S I find that running,and regular exercise also helps,you feel less stressed it gives you goals,fresh air is good for the skin,and it makes you look fit.Acne is part of your life,but shouldn't be the main part.

This is a bit similar 2my post on the roacc board,but not exactly the same.this is about my acne experience so far-its a really great time of my life,as im sure u can all relate to-NOT!!its hell,but only has ben 4a while. ive had acne since i was 13,when i first went on antibiotics+all that crap!as u can guess,they never worked. however,i didnt care-in fact,i never really gave my acne a second thought.that was then though. im 17 now, but when i was about 16 and a half(in Dec2000/Jan2001)it went crazy. and i mean it. 4no reason that i can think of,it went mad. +that was it. i went back2 the docs who reffered me2 a derms. he said it would be maybe june 2001 till i could get seen 2. fair enuf. but little did i know i was about to enter the worst part of my life ever 2date. as it got in2feb,the pyshycological difficulties began.now i was really suffering. a few months previous,i never worried about it,but not nmore.it got so bad that i went back2 the docs a BEGGED him2 speed things up,move me up the list. he agreed.he could see hoe much it was ruining my life. my appointment was now@the end of march. im grateful2him4that!!neway,now thingz were awful-sometimes i didnt go out bcoz of it. my birthday was sick-i went out 4 it obv,but why was my acne particularly bad on that nite-it wasnt fair. i started roaccutane @the end of april-i thought my life was really gonna improve.however,i am now 11 weeks in+things are pretty bad-in fact,now i wont go out most times. my mates r great, but although my acne is getting there,the phsycological effects of having it are worse. I JUST PRAY THEY GO AWAY!!!i ahve good days where im happy,+bad ones.u know the score.im hoping that thingz will get better soon,but some of the posts about failed roaccutane expereiences worry me-im trin 2 focuss on the good ones!!!!neway, if ne1 wants 2 eamil me 2 ask about nething then ill gladly answer nething u want me 2.THERE IS STILL HOPE!!!! stephen

This is a bit similar 2my post on the roacc board,but not exactly the same.this is about my acne experience so far-its a really great time of my life,as im sure u can all relate to-NOT!!its hell,but only has ben 4a while. ive had acne since i was 13,when i first went on antibiotics+all that crap!as u can guess,they never worked. however,i didnt care-in fact,i never really gave my acne a second thought.that was then though. im 17 now, but when i was about 16 and a half(in Dec2000/Jan2001)it went crazy. and i mean it. 4no reason that i can think of,it went mad. +that was it. i went back2 the docs who reffered me2 a derms. he said it would be maybe june 2001 till i could get seen 2. fair enuf. but little did i know i was about to enter the worst part of my life ever 2date. as it got in2feb,the pyshycological difficulties began.now i was really suffering. a few months previous,i never worried about it,but not nmore.it got so bad that i went back2 the docs a BEGGED him2 speed things up,move me up the list. he agreed.he could see hoe much it was ruining my life. my appointment was now@the end of march. im grateful2him4that!!neway,now thingz were awful-sometimes i didnt go out bcoz of it. my birthday was sick-i went out 4 it obv,but why was my acne particularly bad on that nite-it wasnt fair. i started roaccutane @the end of april-i thought my life was really gonna improve.however,i am now 11 weeks in+things are pretty bad-in fact,now i wont go out most times. my mates r great, but although my acne is getting there,the phsycological effects of having it are worse. I JUST PRAY THEY GO AWAY!!!i ahve good days where im happy,+bad ones.u know the score.im hoping that thingz will get better soon,but some of the posts about failed roaccutane expereiences worry me-im trin 2 focuss on the good ones!!!!neway, if ne1 wants 2 eamil me 2 ask about nething then ill gladly answer nething u want me 2.THERE IS STILL HOPE!!!! stephen

Wow...
I just wanted to respond to Jason's post, because I'm going through almost the EXACT same experience...
From the beginning: I started getting acne when I was about 12-- in fact, I can even remember getting my first zit and how stunned I was about it. I think acne is something that's considered a "teen" thing, and while it definitely was for me, I also had the joy of dealing with it in junior high, when half my female classmates hadn't even gotten their periods yet, let alone woken up to a spotty chin in the morning. As I got older, my acne continued to be a part of my life, plain and simple. Although I was fortunate enough to not have to deal with a double whammy of body ance (back, shoulders, etc.) to go along with my face problems, believe me, the spots on my face were enough.
I don't guess I would ever consider my acne "severe"-- but, boy, is it persistent. I'm *really* pale skinned, and every zit I have not only looks really red and gross, but also leaves a terrible scar/discoloration that takes months to fade (as of now, I have a crop of them all over my right cheek). I also get a wide range of acne-- from whites heads on my nose to those painful, positively horrid cystic bumps that swell and throb under the skin and make you want to hide in your room and cry.
Although I've had my ups and downs with my acne-- from trying to ignore it to actually missing days upon days of school because I was too embarassed to go out in public. Regardless of my attitude, though, acne has been a constant, and the worst part is knowing how much it affects my social life-- if I have an outbreak, I go from being a social, outgoing person to not wanting to socialize or let anyone see me. In high schoo, I couldn't bear to go to a sleepover and risk having people see my makeup-free, or swim at the local pool and have the crowd see my latest zits.
Anyway... I guess I should get to the point... around January of this past year, my skin seemed to almost miraculously clear up! I was using the same products I always used-- cleaners, astringents, mild moisturizer and a dab of Clearasil on my problem spots-- and the same makeup. Yet I found my skin just magically clearing up. Every day, I'd wake up to a breakout-free face, and I was ecstatic! Like some people have mentioned here, I started being more active, seeing people I hadn't seen in years, and just being more outgoing in general. I felt great and my self-esteem skyrocketed. I thought my skin was finally over it's break out phase for good, that I'd outgrown it.
AND, even better, I'd met my dream guy! After finally getting out of a crappy relationship, I met a guy who a postively fell head over heels for, and I'm happy to say he did the same for me. We're postively perfect for each other, and I'm so excited about my future with him. I've never felt this way about anyone else, and I hope it lasts. He's my blessing and my joy. And, to this day, I still don't think I would've had the same courage to go up and talk to him if it hadn't been for my clear skin.
THEN... as you might have guessed, the good ol' acne came back. At first, I thought it might just be one or two, so I frantically tried to heal them, cover them up... and made them worse in the process. But I still hoped against hope that it wasn't a permanent return to my old face. But... it's been three and a half months since my face started breaking out, and it's consistently gotten worse over the weeks. It's so depressing-- I literally don't think my face has broken out this bad in YEARS. I'm getting more cystic acne than I'm used to... breakouts on my forehead and chin, which I NEVER got before, and those scars are as presistent as ever. The temptation is there to get depressed and hide fromthe world, but I'm trying hard to fight it. Some days are better than others, but I don't want to lost my happy-go-lucky personality, and I definitely don't want to drive my BF away with a sour attitude.
After my face had been breaking out for a couple of weeks, I went back to my old derm, whic said she was "hard pressed" to put me on Accutane, and instead suggested I go on a course of microdermabrasion (VERY disappointing... if you want more info on that, e-mail me). It didn't help in the least, and I went back a second time, where she put me on clindamycin, a topical antibiotic. The clindomycin seemed to help temporarily, but eventually seemed to stop working completely (but I'm still using it-- why, I have no idea). FINALLY, I went back on Friday (yesterday), and she's going to put me on the Accutane-- the low dosage-- this week. They did the blood work while I was in the office, and after my pregnancy test comes back I'll get my perscription, probably on Tuesday. I'm scared a little about the side effects, and I can't stand the thought of my face getting worse, as some people have mentioned on the boards, but at this point I don't know what my other options are. My derm said Accutane is the closest thing they have to a cure for acne, and it is definitely my last ditch effort.
Anyway, Jason, I just want you to know that I feel your pain. I, too, met a fabulous person while I had clear skin, only to have it break out with a vengance in the following weeks. It's such a self-esteem killer... you want so bad to look your best for that person, but it seems the harder you try, the worse it gets. My brother, who's dealt with his own acne problems, insists that I should just stop with all the products and just wash my face with water, but I don't know if I have the guts to do that just yet. I hate how this affects me, though-- I think about it all the time, and I hate interacting with people at work, at social functions, etc. I'm insanely jealous of girls with clear complexions, and I find myself being paranoid (and I'm NEVER normally like this) that my BF will find me less attrative and dump me, though he's given me absolutely no indication that he would (he doesn't even mention my breakouts... God bless 'em).
Still, to Jason and those in our situation, I don't think you should not pursue your dream girl just because of your acne. I know it might be hard to pick up where you left off, since it's been some time since you talked to her, but I'm trying hard to not let my acne rule my life, and you shouldn't let it, either. I mean, if this girl really cares about you, then the fact that you're broken out shouldn't matter that much... my BF says all the time that he thinks I'm hot, but he also says he loves my personality as much as my looks (if not more) and I believe him (it's myself that I have to convince). AND I don't think you should let your acne cause you to miss out on a potentially beautiful relationship. If I'd completely broken down when my face started breaking out and stopped seeing my BF, I would've missed out on the most special, fulfilling relationship of my life. And no matter how bad my skin gets, I wouldn't trade my BF for clear skin. No way. Bottom line: if this girl likes you, truly, for who you are, the skin thing shouldn't matter that much. I would suggest trying to get in touch with her-- if anything else, so she'll know you weren't blowing her off because of something she did. And if things don't work out with her, then at least you won't make the same mistake down the line with someone else.
So, while I understand your situation, and I'm dealing with the exact feelings you are, I guess I'm trying to gain a little insight and positivity from my current acne situation. Yeah, it sucks, but we may as well help each other, right? Also, if Jason or anyone else wants to write me-- especially people who are or oare getting ready to start Accutane-- to share support and experiences, I would love that. My acne makes me feel so isolated-- like I don't have anyone to talk to about it, and I'd really appreciate having someone to talk about my trouble with who understands(as much as I love my BF, he's never had a zit in his life... believe me, I've even seen his high school pics).
Anyway, sorry this post is so long, but I had a lot of get off my chest, as you might imagine. Best of luck to everyone, and here's my e-mail, in case it doesn't pop up in the link:
twowaydream@hotmail.com
All best,
--Cyan

I've had cystic acne since I was about 18. In the past few years, it's ranged from very mild to pretty bad. It's greatly affected my grades, my social life, my esteem. It's clearly a satan-driven disease. Most of the time, however, it was never that bad. At the end of the fall 2000 semester, my acne was hardly noticable...it was great, no spots, marks, scars...no remnants. I just knew I had beaten it. My esteem started to rise. I was hangin out with friends that I hadn't talked to in awhile. One night, I hung out with the girl of my dreams...I've crushed on her for 6 years...she kissed me that night. I was on top of the world. We started hanging out in the following weeks. It was the best month of my life. I talked to her all the time...I hung out with her...I hugged her...I held her hand...I kissed her. And the WHOLE time, I was confident...my face was clear. Then everthing was just shattered. My face started breaking out....badly. Painful cysts...that just wouldn't go away. I stopped calling my angel. I never left home. My grades started dropping. I was devistated. I thought about her everyday...but I couldn't call her. So, I immediately seeked help from a doctor....the best in town. I was hoping for a quick fix so that I could call her again. I thought just maybe it wasn't too late. But my doctor put me on months of topical/antibiotic treatments...and they didn't work. I haven't talked to her in months. During my last doctor's appointment, he suggested accutane. I instantly wanted to throw up. I had heard of all the bad stuff associated with that drug. I couldn't handle the suggestion. I wanted to cry. But then I thought of her. I want more than anything to call her...to see her. I've been on accutane for two days now. I don't know if it's me, but my "problem areas" already look so much better. I know I'm probably being too optimistic...but I don't just WANT this to work, i NEED this to work...I think that statement accurately echoes the sentiments of many acne sufferers. I've heard more good stories about accutane than I have bad stories...and the people I know personally who have been on accutane loved it. I hope I've made the right decision. Maybe in a matter of weeks, I can call her again. I miss her so much.

Why do you still have Hirtuism/Acne/Hair loss (any or all of these 3 Androgenetic dependant conditions) in the year 2001?
Simple answer because the company (Roussell Uclaf) who own the rights to a topical antiandrogen (the mother of all antiandrogens) “RU58841”, developed by a Dr. Sewaya….and I quote “Arent interested in curing these particular conditions”
Make no mistake “RU58841” will cure Hirtuism, acne and hair loss 100% without the systematic side effects associated with the drug accutane for acne or oral antiandrogens that can be a very dangerous drug. “RU58841” works in a similar
This is NOT a new treatment, in fact it has been in the possession of this company for over 10 years yet they do NOTHING with it, they will not even sell the patent rights to this treatment so no other company can pursue this product.
The reason for this a number of people believe is, if this treatment were brought out it would cure all androgen-dependent conditions (I.e hair loss and acne and unwanted body hair) not treat, CURE. And all the hundreds of acne treatments and hair loss treatments, hair removers that are sold to the public (that we all know DON’T work) would be put out of business, now that’s a MASSIVE turnover of money, we believe these company’s are paying Roussell Uclaf not to release this treatment.
So what does that mean? Your thinking “GREAT There’s a cure out there but, uh….what the hell good is that to me since I can’t get it if they wont market it.”
This is where I come in and tell you I am going through the acne, Hirtuism and hair loss forums in an attempt to gain 1,000 traceable non web based e-mail addresses (in other words not yahoo, hotmail ect ect accounts that are internet based accounts) of potential consumers of this product should I find a legitimate supplier. Now a country like India is not subject to the patent laws that stop companies in other countries from making this drug and this is why they produce “generic” drugs, which are identical to other drugs but don’t carry the brand name, they are essentially rip off drugs because they don’t carry the brand name, much like rip off cloths.
These are high class respected and professional company’s, not kids whipping up drugs in there basements with bunson burners, one such company is http://www.cipla.com/ .
When we can achieve 1,000 traceable e-mail accounts I can begin looking or a supplier and show the petition as proof this stuff has large interested group, this will be an incentive for them to produce this topical for us, and as we are dealing not only in generic treatments but also in such a large group the price will be fairly cheap.
I sh_it you not, this will cure you of your acne and oil, the petition link is
http://mars.guestpage.com/home/view.rc?LoginName=bukem
Please add your name if you would be interested in a supply should we find a legitimate source willing to make this PROVEN treatment, below are a few links “RU58841” please read them and see for your self. And do a web search for yourself.
http://www.anagen.net/ru4.htm
http://www.karger.ch/journals/SPH/sph10-6/SPH0288.htm
http://www.brinkzone.com/hair.html
Why take the risk of accutane that can cause serious side effects like permanent hair loss (and I know of several people who have lost almost all there hair from this drug and NOTHING will work to re grow this lost hair) when you can use a topical with none of these side effects?
I will remove the names from the petition onto my hard drive on a daily basis.
P.S this is not illegal, it would be illegal for someone to make it in western countries but not India that is not subject to the same laws, nor is importing this stuff

Hey there, this is the benevolent creator comin at yah. Stop feeling sorry for yourselfes, there are people out there who will care for you no matter what you look like. There are people out there who have worse problems than you. The fact that you have the gift of life to deal with should be more than enough for you to be happy. Most people out there in the world have had to deal with acne once or twice in their lives, and will most likely continue to have problems reoccure in the future. In the famous words of Bob Marley, Don't Worry, Be Happy!

I am 16 years old and have been suffering from acne ever since i was 14. At first it was few pimples..but then over the months they started getting really bad. After awhile, I was getting very depressed because all of my friends and people I knew didn't get acne. Itgot to the point where I didn't like to go out much, due to my acne. It was very bad. Then my mum suggested going to the doctor to find something to help it and I went on 'Minomycin' for about 1 year and that really did improve it. Then after after a year and a half, the tablet wasn't working and my acne started coming back really bad again. I went back to the doctor and was put on 'Diane" which is a birth control pill. My acne went away and recently my acne has started to be bad again. I am still on the pill and it is helping a whole lot. My acne will be good one week, bad the next. I do know how it feels. You get that feeling everyday people are looking at you. You don't feel you have looks, all due to the acne on your face. I know how it feels, but after awhile when you think about it. People get use to it and then they start not really caring that you have it.

Acne sometimes tends to take over your life! I have been dealing with it since 16, and Im 22 now. Its weird, some times I get it very mildly, or not at all, and sometimes its terrible. Like for the past year, I was harldy ever breaking out. and just like a month ago I broke out like crazy. Its so depressing and I feel like it is what i am constantly thinking about when im talking to people. I have been using Proactive solution for 3 years now..and when i first used it , it worked great. And when you use it for a while, your skin tends to get immune to it..so i just switch over to something else and then continue with it. Although it gets expensive, it has kept it under control. But right now, it just seemed to stop working and I am getting really freaked out. I dont know whats wrong!!! I am doing extensive research on finding something that will permanantly make it go away!! But for ppl who havnt tried proactive..give it a try..i was so dependent on it for years. (even though right now..it is dissappointing me) . Acne is ruining my life right now. i am such a happy , talkative person..and having acne just makes me want to stay awaay from ppl as much as posssible. i was clear for a year and now ppl just ask me "what happend ot your skin" , like its my fault. I just wish there was an answer.

Hello. I have two large containers of pantothenic acid that I no longer need as well as a large container of pantothenic acid in powder form. The two containers containing pills are NOW brand, have 250 pills in each container and each pill is 500mg. The powder is a 250g container. All would last 100 days at 5g a day. If you would like them, check what companies are charging and then e-mail me with your price.

Hi, I am 16years old and I have had acne since I was 11years old. It has been the biggest pain ever, and acne has basicly taken over my life. Every year it just gets wrost! Once I was clear from 12-13 but it came back even wrost. 1month and a half ago I had moderate/severe acne but now I have mild, because I got on Minocycline 200mg about 1month and a half ago and it has helped alot but I still have acne!!!!!! Acne is the wrost thing its so ugly and is in one of the wrost parts of the body the FACE which is where everyone looks at you. Please we need the cure.
Crystal~

Why do you still have acne in the year 2001?
Simple answer because the company (Roussell Uclaf) who own the rights to a topical antiandrogen “RU58841”, developed by a Dr. Sewaya….and I quote “Arent interested in curing these particular conditions”
Make no mistake “RU58841” will cure acne and hair loss 100% without the systematic side effects associated with the drug accutane that can be a very dangerous drug. “RU58841” works in a similar way to accutane in that it will shrink your sebaceous glands but without the side effects, more effectively and in a quicker time frame, unlike with accutane it can also be used on a continued basis.
This is NOT a new treatment, in fact it has been in the possession of this company for over 10 years yet they do NOTHING with it, they will not even sell the patent rights to this treatment so no other company can pursue this product.
The reason for this a number of people believe is, if this treatment were brought out it would cure all androgen-dependent conditions (I.e hair loss and acne and unwanted body hair) not treat, CURE. And all the hundreds of acne treatments and hair loss treatments, hair removers that are sold to the public (that we all know DON’T work) would be put out of business, now that’s a MASSIVE turnover of money, we believe these company’s are paying Roussell Uclaf not to release this treatment.
So what does that mean? Your thinking “GREAT There’s a topical acne cure out there but, uh….what the hell good is that to me since I can’t get it if they wont market it.”
This is where I come in and tell you I am going through the acne and hair loss forums in an attempt to gain 1,000 traceable non web based e-mail addresses (in other words not yahoo, hotmail ect ect accounts that are internet based accounts) of potential consumers of this product should I find a legitimate supplier. Now a country like India is not subject to the patent laws that stop companies in other countries from making this drug and this is why they produce “generic” drugs, which are identical to other drugs but don’t carry the brand name, they are essentially rip off drugs because they don’t carry the brand name, much like rip off cloths.
These are high class respected and professional company’s, not kids whipping up drugs in there basements with bunson burners, one such company is http://www.cipla.com/ .
When we can achieve 1,000 traceable e-mail accounts I can begin looking or a supplier and show the petition as proof this stuff has large interested group, this will be an incentive for them to produce this topical for us, and as we are dealing not only in generic treatments but also in such a large group the price will be fairly cheap.
I sh-it you not, this will cure you of your acne and oil, the petition link is
http://mars.guestpage.com/home/view.rc?LoginName=bukem
Please add your name if you would be interested in a supply should we find a legitimate source willing to make this PROVEN treatment, below are a few links “RU58841” please read them and see for your self. And do a web search for yourself.
http://www.karger.ch/journals/SPH/sph10-6/SPH0288.htm
http://www.brinkzone.com/hair.html
Why take the risk of accutane that can cause serious side effects like permanent hair loss (and I know of several people who have lost almost all there hair from this drug and NOTHING will work to re grow this lost hair) when you can use a topical with none of these side effects?
I will remove the names from the petition onto my hard drive on a daily basis.
P.S this is not illegal, it would be illegal for someone to make it in western countries but not India that is not subject to the same laws, nor is importing this stuff

Hi. I was optomistic when my dermatologist said that she could clear up my acne. After all, I'd had severe acne on my face and back for 10 years. However, I finished the course (5 months at 1mg per KG of my body weight per day for 5 months) and by the end my acne had more or less cleared up, save a load of red marks on my back which the acne had left behind.
In the coming months my skin has only got better. Sometimes I have a spell of a few days where my skin gets a few spots but then they clear up again. I hardly have to wash my face at all if I don't want to whereas before if I didn't wash at least 2 times a day my skin would be horrible. It sounds dirty but sometimes I don't wash my face for 3 or 4 days, this way I gewt the fewest spots.
It has been about a year since I came off Roaccutane and I'm still 100 percent clear most of the time. I can't believe how much my life has changed because of Roaccutane. I have so much more confidence now. The scars on my back have almost completely faded-the only cure for these being TIME. I wash once every couple of days with Aqueous cream and apply a thin layer of E-45 straight after. I used this method when I was on roaccutane but every day.
I promised myself that I would come and post a message if roaccutane worked when I was on it because I came here and couldn't find many people who had come back to say that it worked, only people who were on it.
Well all I can say is that it's worked for me and that it can probably work for you too. I didn't see the effects until the end of my treatment and the best was still to come even then. So hang in everyone on Roaccutane. It really is worth it.
Hope this has been of some help.
Oh yeah, and the only real side effects I had were dry skin and especially lips. Oh, and eyes sometimes.
I tended to get a little tired when drinking alchohol but it didn't stop me drinking just as I always had.
Good Luck.

Hiya,
Well it was fantastic to come across this web site and be able to read sutff by other acne suffers like myself, I thought people like us were the forgotten ones. I mean every newspaper, TV show, Magazine, and discussion at work or in the pub seems to be based aroud being overweight or underweight, I mean does anyone stop and think about people like us who have to walk around 24/7 and try to live a normal life with spots/pimples/cysts/scars all over our faces? Know who has the short straw?
I hate to sound like I am moaning, but I am!! lol. I mean when was the last time you saw a person on Witchard and Broody (alias, Richard & Judy), talking about the hell of living with acne and how best to deal with it and help others? Unless I have been on a space mission with Tito, NEVER!!
I have had acne for 8 years now, I have tired so many durgs and lotions that I would fail every sample in the 2004 Olympics games. In 3 weeks time I will finally be given my first dose of Roaccutane and I know the risks and side effects and am willing to take them. I mean can it be worse then waking up every morning, looking in the mirror, and hating everything that I see? I dont think so; so what if my lips dry out and parts of my hair fall out, if it clears up this face then its worth the risk.
Over the past 2 years the acne had got so bad that I had to give up work and University; I have only just returned to University and its been hell, thank god I only have 3 weeks left and hopefully I should graduate. I still have not got back into work and I actually gave up a really good job, oh well who knows I may get a second bite at the cherry.
I get told my friends and family that my acne is not as bad as i think and I am a good looking guy, I even get asked out but I just think people are being nice to me and that I am an ugly beast, I refer that to me and nobody else. Who said beauty was skin deep? In my case acne's skin deep and nothing else!!
We all have to fight acne in our own personal way, this is how I see it, some people are born short, tall, slim, overweight, dark, fair, cute, unattractive; we are born with acne and thats that, I dont plan on worrying about it anymore I mean where the hell has that got me over the past 8 years? No where!!
If u have to struggle in life it makes u stronger and more determine, lets try and use this positvely! After we all appreciate a lot more then non-acne suffers, just waking up with a clear face would put aneternal smile on our faces!!

I've had pretty mild acne for about 2 years I always thought it will clear up soon but it never does it just seems to go on and on. Even though my acne is not as serious as other people on this board I get obsessed about even the smallest spot. I am now on Roacutane - 40mg a day after seeing mr dermy a second time. It's wierd sometimes I'll have like a week were my skin is clearing up totally and then just when I think it's gone it starts to come back does this happen with many other people or is it just nonstop?.

hi everybody!
i have been suffering from acne for the last one year. i did not suffered from this not even when i was a teenager. i used antibiotics( metoprim and monodox) but they did not work. i was prescribed roaccutane 20mgs. i used it for 3 months and at the end of this period you realize taht it reaaly works. although at the end of this period, i was left in a state that i couldn't control my nerves. i was so nervous and in a state of depression that, my doctor advised to stop the cure. but. sooner or late, you find a way to cope with the unwelcome psychological side effects. after 3 months, i have taken 30 mgs roaccutane.this is my last month with roaccutane and only side effect i am suffering is choped lips. i have no new spots in my face. it really looks healtier. what i want to say is that whatever is told about roaccutane is myth you cannot learn about it, until you use it. and when you use it you learn that those unwelcome side effects are so rare.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU

I was really glad to find you people on the internet.I started suffering from acne last year at the age of 26. I thought it was just teenagers that got acne. My doctor has given me Elocon cream which just made my skin worse,I was then given Zineryt lotion which helped , but made my skin really dry I have now been given Dianette contraceptive pill to try and Fusicdin cream I will let you all know how I get on with the battle good luck to you all.

I was really glad to find you people on the internet.I started suffering from acne last year at the age of 26. I thought it was just teenagers that got acne. My doctor has given me Elocon cream which just made my skin worse,I was then given Zineryt lotion which helped , but made my skin really dry I have now been given Dianette contraceptive pill to try and Fusicdin cream I will let you all know how I get on with the battle good luck to you all.

Hey there peeps. I started getting spots when I was a first year at secondary school, so abt 12-13, it knocked my self-confidence severley and when I was 18 at college I decided to try roacutane. My back has been clean ever since, and it has made a significant improvement, of course I do get the occasional break-out which again dents my self-confidence (so much so this time that I decided to come back from uni for a while for it to clear up a litttle), but I've suffered from the breakouts before and it should be o.k in a while. Don't let it eat away at you though! I have had several girlfriends all of whom have been pretty, and you can still be cute with the acne so don't stop going out and enjoying yourself. For the majority of people acne fades soon out f the teens, unfortuantly I have my fathers skin and his didnt fade until well into his twenties, but even if I do get the occasional flareup on my face in comparison to what I used to have its a lot better. So give roacutane a try.

Hiya Everyone, after reading the message board I'm still not sure weather starting Roaccutane last week was a good idea or not. Although I'm sure most of you who have Acne will feel the same; you will try almost anything at this stage to get rid of those damn ugly spots! Last year i was put on dianette by my GP i took it for about 8 months...my mood swings were worse, no weight was gained, it was very useful period wise, but as for the acne it became milder then worsend through my period. This happend all through the treatment and was doing no good at all. I finally got an appointment with a demotoligist(they must be busy blokes) He took me off the pill and told me straight away he recommended Roaccutane, his words were 'we'll clear them up for ya, and ill put u on a higher dose if they dont work'- convincing eh? After having spots since the age of 9 I would be so relived to have clear skin, its quite depressing..i cant even remember when i had no spots! All i can say is, my friend was on it, and his spots have got better, my eldest brothers spots were cleared after it, my other brothers acne has got better- but he has suffered from depression badly because of them, and when i had my blood test the nurse told me it was good stuff, it did wonders for her son. I'm not sayin take it, I'm saying thats gud enough for me to give it a try. Anyway, good luk everyone love ya xxx

HEY EVERYBODY-
Just wanted to share my experiance W/ ACCUTANE w/ ALL OF YOU. I TOOK ACCUTANE FOR 6 MONTHS (40MG A DAY)I HAD TO TAKE SUCH A LOW DOSE CUZ THE SIDE EFFECTS ( DRY LIPS, EYES, MOUTH, SKIN AND DEPRESION) WERE A LITTLE TO MUCH FOR ME TO HANDLE. BUT I'M SOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HAPPY I STUCK WITH IT. TO WAKE UP EVERY DAY WITH CLEAR SKIN IS JUST A AWESOME FEELING. MY SELF-ESTEAM IS JUST SO MUCH BETTER NOW. SOME TIPS I HAVE FOR ALL OF YOU GUYS WHO ARE ON ACCUTANE NOW IS TO USE LOTS OF VASELINE AND CARMEX FOR YOU LIPS, USE CETAPHIL SOAP TWICE A DAY W/ LUKE WARM WATER, AND USE A MOISTURIZER WITH A SPF OF AT LEAST 15.( A BIG PROBLEM I HAD WHEN I WAS ON ACCUTANE WAS THAT MY FACE SEEMED LIKE IT WAS ALWAYS RED, THAT WAS THE WORST SIDE AFFECT FOR ME.)ANYWAZE, I'V BEEN OFF OF ACCUTANE FOR 6 MONTHS NOW AND MY SKIN IS STILL SO AWESOME ( MY LIPS ARE STILL PRETTY DRY THOUGH,)BUT IT WAS SO WORTH IT. I'M VERY HAPPY W/ THE RESULTS ( I JUST HOPE IT KEEPS LASTING.)GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU!!!!!

I there evryone!Ok let me get straight to the point.I have had some seriou probs with my skin. I've had acne probs for such a long time.Anyway, my dermo was going to perscribe me to Roac, but that's pretty scary stuff, so I went to this doctor who does Chinese medicine(dermo)..anyway, he looked at my skin, asked me hundreds of questions and the told me that he can help me get rid of my acne by using Chinese herbs.He was confident in what he said that I have decided to give it a shot. I mean it's worth a try right? At least I won't have to go through hell using Roac.....
Tonight will be the first night i will drinkt he herbal tea that he gave me(it does not smell good)but if drinking this is going to help me look better then why not try it right? He also gave me this face mask which I have to keep on for about an hour made out of pounded herbs...this is to reduce the inflammation of my acne...I used it last night before going to bed and the redness of my acne has already gone down...!wohoo!
I'll keep you guys up to date! I'm so excited! My doc told me that I'll start seeing results within a week! Can't wait!

I have had acne for ten years now. It hadn't gotten bad until I turned 18. After using several methods of treatment, RETIN A, EYRYTHROMYCIN, TETRACYCLIN ... PROACTIV, I have lost hope in these dermatological drugs. Accutane is the last one on my list as far as drugs go, and I am currently using alternative remedies. I am afraid of accutane because I have a family history of severe depression, and have had depression in the past as well. It is not worth it to me to risk going through depression to get rid of my acne. The thing about alternative remedies - vitamin therapy, herbal concoctions, exercise, accupuncture, diet etc. is that they take a lot of time. In alternative medicine the rule of thumb is one month for every year you have had the problem. I have had acne for ten years - so ten months is the estimated time for treatment. For now I have been going onto a Vitamin therapy program and about half of my acne has cleared up in just a month. That is a lot better than I had hoped for. I am taking a very high dosage of these vitamins - and they should only be consumed for the duration of clearing up your acne. Some are dangerous if taken for prolonged periods.
I take a Vitamin B complex 100mg, 3X Daily
Vitamin C 1000mg, 3X Daily
Vitamin A 10,000 IU, 2X Daily
Beta Carotene 25,000 IU, 1X Daily
These should all be taken with meals and a full glass of water.
I also am taking flax seed oil - 1 tablespoon a day because it is great for helping to heal the scars.
The other thing I have just started is acupuncture. I would not recommended this unless you can find an affordable means to pay for this - since many practitioners can charge exhorbitant amounts for this procedure. I am fortunate to be recieving it for $18 a session at the UCLA health center. This is because I am a UCLA student. The practitioners also recommended herbs to take - both tea infusions and pills. I prefer the pills because the teas can be very difficult to make and since they have to be refrigerated they are hard to transport with my busy schedule.
If you have information about alternative therapys - please let me know your results. (and please, only if you have tried them consistently and for a long period of time)
OH - and taking processed sugar out of my diet has also helped tremendously, with more than just my acne! I have done this for about a year and my PMS is better, I have lost ten pounds, my energy levels are better, and I don't get sick as often.
I think sugar will definently cause break outs and should be avoided. Most people are addicted to processed sugar and have a difficult time taking it out of their diets. (I went through major withdrawals)
About self-esteem, I never did know how vain I was until my acne got bad. But having a condition that would make me feel so horrible has taught me to not care so much about how I look - and to focus on inner strengths. I have turned my fight against acne into a search for health and an overall change in lifestyle. I believe that we are what we eat - and how we treat our bodies has a huge affect on our appearance. I have had dermatologists tell me repeatedly that acne is not caused by food or lack of good health care, but I just do not believe it.
GOOD LUCK! Stay dedicated.

From: Doug Jacobs in Basel board of dirs. A 11 to 19 mainly year old roche pd exec/agant.
Subject: paid up fraud execs
Date: 25/01/2001 at 00:02 - Message #202
The chief exec of Roche is a wealthy guy. He owns and controls this and most other sites on drugs produced by Roche. He is pathetic, he is an angel of death.Age or colour or being just 13 or 15 or 20 makes no difference to him. We started a few years ago investigating Roche drug that became known as the date rape drug, then moved onto the Roche anti malaria drug that was causing deaths like people walking off the edge of a cliff without knowing what they were doing. We then accidently stumbled on the Roche drug accutane a few years ago on web site http://www.accutaneactionaction.com
we had already established that Roche have the most terrible deathly numbers of drugs on the market.Over 26 drugs withdrawn within a few weeks of being launched because of the number of deaths and other side effects not disclosed in pre trial studies.Let you.....it must be a test conducted by you, if you have any responsibility.... do a test and post the results to this site.
1.Roche site on web shows annual report for 1999. (see Roche web site)
2. Roche Group settled three fraud claims in 1999 for 1.5 billion dollars......this means Roche, paid as compensation for fraud the company had committed and which was discovered in one year ie 1999 a figure of 1.5 billion US dollars...let us try to write this for those who front this and other Roche sites.....US$1,500,000,000 penalty to US government and compensation to those who Roche defrauded, mainly in U.S.
3. go to note 5 and note 6 of Roche 1999 annual report and accounts for 1999, see web site, pages 66 onwards
for details on the three frauds perpetrated by Roche disclosed in 1999 annual report where Roche paid fines, compensation and penalities of US1.5 billion dollars.
4.Please take time to check the extent to which the makers of accutane/roaccutane are involved in fraud of every kind, involving the theft of not thousands, or hundreds of thousands or millions or hundreds of millions or billions, but 1.5 billion....please, please someone check this info out and post message so that we know that the company who produce this accutane are the most corrupt company in the world.
Is a company who was forced to pay $1.5 billion in fines and compensation for corruption in one year 1999, worthy of trust in the administration of a drug prescribed mainly to those 13 to 19 which has warnings, including suicide, which that number one fraud corporation in the world says is safe.
5. Can someone help to post message that gives automatic cross reference to notes 5 and 6 of annual report of Roche for 1999, so that thew full extent of Roche frauds revealed in 1999 can be savoured and absorbed by those who front this site for Roche, the makers of the drug accutane/roaccutane.

i would just like to say that i think this board is good because it shows that people aren't alone. I am going to be 19 next month and have suffered from acne for about three years. I have good friends,a boyfriend of over a year, and a supportive family. Sometimes I get so depressed over my skin that I cry for hours and my boyfriend just says, "so you have a little bit of acne, I can't even tell." This makes me feel good but I wish I could just make it go away. I've gone to dermatologists who have prescribed benzoyl 10%, antibiotics, accutane, stuff you refrigerate, I even ordered Pro-Activ off tv. NOTHING WORKS. It's hard to have good self confidence when you are ashamed of showing your own face to people. I'm going on birthcontrol shortly b/c I hear that is good for clearing up skin, but I hope it doesn't make me fat! I guess we'll see.

hi. First its great to see a place where experiences can be exchanged. Ive had acne seen I was 15. It was pretty tough back then. I seem to have a tenacious type of cystic acne that exploded on mu back, chest and face. At one stage every week I had cotisone injections into each one on my chest. It hurt snd of course there blood and all the other goo that comes with it. Many of those cysts turned to Kelid scarring which has taken years to go away. I have tried many treatments, all the tetracyclines and way back in the 70s had to wipe this sulphur liquid on my face each night. Pretty awful.
Tried roaccutane in 1982 when it first cme out. it was a shocker. The dose was too high. I turned into a tomato and stopped it. Since then I decided to live with it. It knocks your confidence a bit and you get self conscious in places. But around good friends and girlfriends ect I found I could live with it. In fact looking back there are lots of funny stories about living with acne.
Now at 38, I thought it would be all over. But, its made a bit of a come back and I thought I would try Roaccutane again. Well Im a tomato head again, real dry, hair a bit falling out (no its not my age) and in Sydney in summer at 38 degrees C its pretty uncomfortable even on 20mg. But I wil keep at it for a while, although I should really be resigned to the fact it sems to be me and there isnt much I can do to help. Good luck to otheres.

I've gone on my soapbox before, but since I haven't been around for a while, here it is again. If anybody's interested, try www.acnetreatment.com. Talk with Pamela Swartz about her products. She's really cool and has a great story. I use her stuff, and it works pretty well for me (keep in mind, I'm five months post-Accutane). Anyway, go to the website and fill out the questionnaire to see what she says. It might give you some insight. I don't work for her or anything, just believe in her stuff. Good luck to everyone. I know what it feels like.

hey everyone my name is krista... i kinda hav a lil acne problem... not a really big one but worse for me... all i know i flip out alot and my doctor told me thats why i get pimples but i stop flippin out and im still gettin them... i dont really eat a lot of junk food .. mostly fruit... but sometmes wen in the mood i hav summin chocolatly or chips.. but like hardly ever... i wear make up only to skool or summin that is big... and as soon as i get home i wash it off.. i never sleep wit my make up on ... but i dunno im still gettin them n latly its under my chin and i hate it.. i hav med for it but i dont like takin it cuz it makes me sleepy so i hardly take it... but can like sum1 help wit this i need a cure or sumone to tell me wutz wrong wit this.. is it cuz my brother had it really bad????
thanks
krista

Hello!
If anyone in the UK is interested in taking part in a new Channel 4 documentary about skin disorders in teenagers and young adults, email Jack at maverick@mavf-tv.demon.co.uk.
(sorry, I know this isn't strictly an "acne experience", I just wanted to get in touch with you all)
Thanks a lot!

Hi
I am thrilled to see a website so detailed in information on Acne. I still have breakouts and am not on any prescription meds, only Benzoyl Peroxide. I wish I would not have these breakouts, but I am on numerous meds and my doctor says the acne can be flaring up from that.

Well, lets see. I've had acne ever since the age of 10. It started out mild, very mild, but slowly progressed into a serious problem. My mom took me to a doctor when I was 15, he stuck me on antibiotics and Retin-A. It worked for awhile [of course] but then I started breaking out HORRIBLY. Cysts everywhere. I went to the "best dermo in town", and he just kept upping my dosage of minocycline. I finally found a dermo I liked, and she put me on Accutane right away.
So, I started out at 40mg. Mind you, I'm only 115 lbs, 5'2", 19 years old.
I responded to the treatment well. I endured the normal chapped lips, slight depression, some hair loss, the bad "Beginning" breakout, etc. By the 2nd month, she moved me up to 60mg, and by the 3rd month I was at 80mg. I kept it up for another 3 and a half months, making my entire Accutane treatment last 6 and a half months.
And that brings me to now. I figured I would never have to deal with acne EVER again, right? Hah, wrong.
A week off of Accutane, I get two breakouts. I freaked out, and put TONS of Retin-A on it. Well, I kept getting more breakouts, and I'd gob on more Retin-A.
Now, a month later, I keep getting breakouts ONLY in the areas that I've put the Retin-A. And I'm talking cysts. Big. Painful.
So, I'm hoping it's the Retin-A that is still causing my painful breakouts. I mean, my lips, skin, and hair are still dry from Accutane! What's going on here? And of course, I can't get into my dermo for another month, argh.
Has any one else had an experience like this? I've thrown out my tube of Retin-A, my skin is so painful right now...I just hope my face clears up again... :(

TRY THIS SITE HTTP://WWW.ACNESUPPORT.CO.UK

Hello out there,
First it is good to find a site about Acne. For years I thought I was alone. I started suffering from acne as a teen and it never has stopped. The only real change was that once I started having changes with my hormones again the acne in my face disapeared and now it covers my intimate parts which as everyone surely can image is very painful.
I have started taking Roacutan (40mg/day) and yes everything is drying out except the cysts. I will have to be operated on this month in order to try and get it under control.
I also try everything I can. One of my doctors recently advised me to get rid of all of the amalgam tooth filling I have. Does anyone out there have any experience with Amalgam-Gold reactions?
To close, just want to wish everyone out there all the best. It's easy to say - don't think about your skin all the time, but when you carry marks with you like we do, then sometimes you need friends that help over the worst of times. To all of you - Good luck.

hi everybody. If you're on Roaccutane, or thinking on taking it, i advise you to visit my page. Roaccutane can be very helpful, but can also be devilish for some people. here's the address:
www.oocities.org/guardian_angel_16m/index.htm

I am really very sad because i went to my cousin 's wedding dinner and all the guests looked at my scarred-face instead of the beautiful bride. I had pit-scar and may i know anyone of u out there got any solution to pit scar? please help me,i really want to make my skin smooth and healty. and may i know that does laser resurfacing really helps? please help me and reply to my e-mail.THANKS!!!!

I can empathize with you all--I have had very severe acne (the kind that produces white heads and surface scarring-no pits or depressions though) for about 2 1/2 years. IT is a devastating disease, but not completely debilitating. It hurt my social life, but I still had girlfriends (yes, pretty attractive ones) and plenty of good friends. The key is to not lose self-confidence. It is NOT your fault. At first, I thought the blemishes I had would jsut go away. Obviously, they didn't, and became worse, at which point I started using Benzoyl peroxide in the form of benzamycin. THis helped reduce the frequency of lesions, but was harsh, drying, and sort of smelly. So i switched to Retin-A which made my face oily yet dry and flaky. So far, 0 for 2. A bad sign when you are now a sophomore in college. SO i tried the "no irritation" approach and just used soap and water and frequent cleansing. This worked a bit, but then the monster reared its ugly head again. Now I am using a TV advertised product and actually FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS. It has worked pretty well in the mere 2 WEEKS i have been using it!! Surprise, surprise. Oviously, I still have some scarring, but even that is fading, and my skin is smoother than ever. I know--a TV advertised product--how coudl that work? But, I took a chcane, in a moment of severe desperation and depression, and it has payed off. If you have my type of acne (white heads mostly) go for it (it is called Murad Acne Complex and is advertised on TV late at night). I am not cured by any means, and it may come back in full force, but as for now, my acne is fading fast, and hopefully will continue to do so with a healthy attitude and good treatment. Good luck to you all! I know it is hard, but get out there and experience--life is not worht throwing down the toilet because of bad skin!!!!!!!!! Pleassse!!

Hi
Coming across this site and realising I am not alone in my struggle against acne has made my day! I am 36 and female and have battled with acne since my teens. The last 3 or 4 years I have enjoyed clear skin and believed I was over the spotty stage but how wrong I was. The last 6 months has seen it return with vengeance. I am 10 weeks in to oxytet course with absolutely no improvement. Spoke to doc this morning who said perservere for another month and if no improvement will change drug. HELP. I hate mirrors. All my family have clear skin and my friends have great complexions - why me? I still have to go in to work every day constantly meeting new people, all I want to do is hide. Do I suggest roaccutane to doc?
Happy new year to you all.

Hey, I just wanted to say that this site makes me feel like I'm not alone in my struggle with acne. I've dealt with it for almost four years. It's so hard when all my friends and family are spot free. They just don't understand why I don't like looking in the mirror or getting my picture taken. It's good to know there are people that go through it just like me.

HEY TO THE PERSON WHO MADE THIS SITE....THIS IS A GOOD AND HELPFUL SITE....BUT WHY DID YOU SPLIT UP YOUR MESSAGE BOARDS....I DONT SEE THE POINT...YOU SHOULD KEEP IT Like THE ORIGINAL BOARD WHERE THERE WAS ONLY ONE MESSAGE BOARD... THAT WAY IT WAS ALOT EASIER....WELL IF ANYONE ELSE AGREEES WITH ME THEN GIVE ME A HELL YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi anon,
I could strike a chord with what u have went through. My acne too have been very serious and 65% of my face was scarred and at times I felt resentful towards God and myself for what is happening to me. But then I would fall into an bottomless pit of anger and self pity which is never ending. I like your comment about the transition of your thoughts from self pity to being happy with who u are.
Beauty are only skin deep and true friends will never tease u because of all these acne problems. They don't even notice them.
I would like to end my message with the perspective that we could not please every single person even we are flawless in our own eyes. So just be happy with yourself and everything just fall in place nicely.
Best Regards

Hi anon,
I could strike a chord with what u have went through. My acne too have been very serious and 65% of my face was scarred and at times I felt resentful towards God and myself for what is helping to me. But then I would fall into an bottomless pit of anger and self pity which is never ending. I like your comment about the transition of your thoughts from self pity to being happy with who u are.
Beauty are only skin deep and true friends will never tease u because of all these acne problems. They don't even notice them.
I would like to end my message with the perspective that even if we could not please every single person even we are flawless in our own eyes. So just be happy with yourself and everything just fall in place nicely.
Best Regards

This goes out to Danny Harris and anyone else interested. Firstly, the scars will probably never physically disappear without intervention. but yes they do heal back to skin colour. I speeded up this process by applying creams containing benzoyl peroxide. The 10% creams are the best and harshest! I can also recommend EVENING PRIMROSE OIL AND VIT C DAILY, these are both very good for the skin. Zinc also helps to heal current spots quicker. Eve prim oil, and vit c can be taken 24/7/365 as it makes your skin healthier. You'll notice that the eve primrose oil might make your skin more oily, but this tends not to create spots, in my case anyway. Hope Ive been of help and if ya dont believe me, ask a pharmacist.

God i can truly say my acne is definitely in the severe end of the spectrum. God why do you mock me? I have lived with acne for quite a few years and my attitude has gradually changed over the years. At around around 13-15 when it first started to become bad people just told me it was a phase and nothing to worry about and I wasn't too worried about. Then it gradually started becoming worse and I knew that something wasn't right. All the other people at my school had oil-free skin while I couldn't get through the morning without producing massive amounts of oil on my face. I was very lucky in the fact that I wasn't bullied about it. So I got good grades and I started college. I was 16 and a half and this is where my depression really started. I got a huge cyst on the right side of my neck which left a pea-sized scar. I had to walk around for over a year with this scar on my neck and I became extremely paranoid. Eventually it became lighter in colour and I could feel a bit more relaxed. Sod's law that I got acne on the other side of my neck which left more scars. I've even got scars on my back and chest as well such was the severity that I had it. I took roaccutane in my first year which helped but it made my skin extremely dry so I stopped taking it a quarter way through my second course but i continued to use less harsh treatments which have been quite effective. I somehow managed to survive college but my grades weren't quite that good so I am doing another year to try and get better grades. I can feel a bit better now that i can almost get through the day without my skin producing excessive amounts of sebum. I think I'm gonna see about laser treatment or something because maybe then I can lead an almost normal life. The way my attitude has changed is that at first I felt why me? what have i done to deserve this? This shouldn't happen, it doesn't happen to other people. Now my attitiude is, if I could just feel comfortable with the way I look I would be the happiest man in the world.

Hi everyone. I'd like to tell you about my experience with acne and what I went through to where I am today. Well, it all started in 7th grade. I happened to be the only one who got acne badly in middle school and actually found out about dermatologists through getting made fun of. I remember this took me aside one day and said I may have cystic acne, (what bussiness what is it of hers, anyway, atleast she helped me). Well I did have cystic acne, huge cysts, mainly on my nose and chin. Well, upon entering 9th grade I started breaking out really bad on my cheeks and my social life went down the drain. Its hard to talk face to face with anyone when 99%v of your face is covered in deep pocketed pimples, ya know? It was hard for me but I went on accutane in ninth grade at age 14 and by the time I was done, it had gotten roughly 85% of my acne off my face and it felt great. Well, after about a year and nearing the end of 10th grade I took another course of Accutane because my doc wanted me 100% clear. Miraculously, (my course ended Dec. 7) it worked. Unfortunatly, I am left with skin that is scarred, mainly on my left cheek. Plz. If you are on accutane, do not pick your skin, it may be so tempting but I am left with huge scars because of it. Literally, my left side of my face is almost a deep pocket of scars, its really painful to look at myself let alone, talk to people. Anyways, now all my acne is gone but I am left with scars. I have a derm appointment on Jan 2. and I will mention about scar cream or any treatemnt I can get. Dont people without acne have such easy lives? I mean, over the years I have lost so many friends because of it, which is all my fault because I just withdraw from them. I mean, recently some of my friends wanted me to come over and spend the night but because I know Id wake up with huge, pussfilled scars I declined. I cant handle it anymore and it just sucks. If you know of any scar fading cream or anything to help the texture of my skin, plz email me or write back on the board. Your help is much appreciated.

Accutane- month four: FANTASTIC

I guess I can relate with all of you. I have acne. I started getting it about two years ago, when I was in 8th grade. Starting with small minor break outs until my face was just full of blackheads, small cyst and pimples. To give you a discrimption of my face, well: Brown skin, 60-65% of my face has acne. Most of it on my cheeks and chin, my forhead is suprising clear so to speak. Acne has truly degrated me of a social life. I cannot bare to get in front of a girl and talk to her. I am currently seeing a dermatologist, have been for the past 3-4 months. I was on differin, countered with erythromycin and Benzoyl Peroxide which made my face worse. I am currently on Retin-A micro and DORXY pills. Hopefully this treatment will work. My skin is still worst. Probably at it's high point of being worst. If this treatment doesn't work, hopefully I will have acne thrown in my path, something I feel will very much help.
Peace.
"THE WAR ON ACNE HAS NEVER BEEN SO TOUGH..."
C.L.B

Hey all. Let me first say...actually I've got a lot of things to say...Acne is hell and I want to know what I did do deserve it and its consequences-being scars covering 65% of my face At least, that was the attitude I had about a year ago. I try not to think about that stuff anymore. Right now Im 2 weeks away from having laser surgery for my scars. £1400 its gonna cost. £1400 useful pounds my family has to shell out for surgery! I think acne should be fully treatable on the NHS, from start to finished product...literally. I used to have suicidal thoughts every night a year ago...I didnt see the point in living. The only thing that stopped me was the fact that my acne was going away and there was still my family and friends. I did think many times if I was being selfish towards them by killing myself or was I being selfish towards myself by staying alive and suffering. Im gonna live I think, particularly because Im keen to see if the laser treatment works...but the suicidal tendencies will come back if the surgery deosnt work, that I KNOW! Later and peace

I've had cystic acne since my late teens & every doctor I went to just prescribed more anitbiotics that didn't work. I was on Diane 35 for a year & it did some good but I still kept getting cysts. Doctors dont seem to care about acne, if you arent dying, they aren't interested. After some research I discovered Androcur, (Cypreterone Acetate - ? I can't rememeber how to spell it) which is the active ingredient in Diane 35, but instead of being prescribed small doses each day you take about 50mg each day for the first 10 days of your cycle. Androcur worked really, really well for me & had no side-effects that I noticed, except my body hair became thinner & less coarse, (Androcur is actually prescribed for Mild Androgeny in women). I had been taking Androcur for a year & it was fantastic but the price has now risen to $92 a month & that's just too expensive. I have also had a course of Micro-dermabrasion (which is basically sandblasting the skin) & acid peels, both for scarring. The Micro-dermabrasion is about $125 each time & you need to have it done approx 15 times. It did smooth out my skin & the pock marks have become less noticeable. The acid peels do the same thing but left my face red & peeling for about 2 weeks & I couldnt leave the house. I have just started Oratane, which is cheaper than Roaccutane & have really dry lips, but if this is the only price to pay to have clear skin for the rest of my life, then I will pay it.

Hi!
Just wanted to say how ignorant some people can be about the whole acne thing ....
Im at uni studying psychology and one of the modules was counselling ... your never gonna believe this but if you've got acne and you feel like you fancy a kick in the teeth (seeing as though alot of people like the idea of this!) head along to one of my lectures office hours!
I had a problem with an assignment, wanted some help but he was too occupied by making fun of my face! Whan an ..... well you know what i mean. Feeling crap so hey this counseller thinks its ok to point out my problem by insulting me ..... hes a bit dodgy anyway but that was it for me! I still have him in the corridors at uni smurking at me everytime we pass, but who am i to say anything? Its disgusting...makes me sick just thinking about it again!

Since the age of 16, I had battled with the occasional spot now and again, which I kept under control with antibiotics prescribed by my GP. Once I had finished university, at the end of last year, I decided that my skin could probably cope without taking any drugs, so I stopped. My skin was absolutely fine until April this year, after a particularly stressful time at work, I broke out into terrible acne. Terribly distressed, as you can imagine, I consulted a dermatologist, who suggested roaccutane.
Three months later, after being on a 40mg a day dose, my skin was perfectly clear, apart from some redness, which reduced rapidly with a dose of oral cortisone. All in all, I was on roaccutane for six months, the only downside being dry lips and the dreaded blood tests! It is also expensive ($150 for 60mg in South Africa)- I had to pay some of the costs myself, even though I am on a good medical aid.

I have been off the drug for over a month now, but am continuing with Diane 35. My derm says that there is a small chance that I may need a second course, but I'm not worried about that as I had so few side effects the first time.
My message to people considering roaccutane is that it is definitely worth a try. As you will see by reading other people's experiences, it does not work for everyone, but it definitely worked wonders for me. My skin looks great and I am lucky enough not to have any scarring - I would strongly recommend roaccutane to people who have tried the less drastic remedies (antiobiotics, Diane 35 etc.) without success.

Okay well god only knows why the link didnt show up... neway it's http://us.geocities.yahoo.com/gb/sign?member=petition_for_dutasteride
just cut and paste it Also I run a acne message board that I'm trying to re vamp as it kinda died and went a bit pear shaped.... for neone intrested it's at www.oocities.org/marcus_stacey

Hi I used to post a lot on this board last year after going on accutane, which only helped, for a short time… I then managed to clear my skin after doing some research on the ROOT cause of acne, which is D.H.T which basically is a more potent form of testosterone.. After learning this I began to take several supplements which block the formation of this and cleared my acne up… However this is quite an expensive approach and have been awaiting the release of a drug called Dutasteride which would basically clear up all our acne problems and could be taken by other people who suffer from D.H.T related conditions such as hair loss and increased body hair… The problem is the manufacturers of this drug “Glaxo Welcome” have been .ummm how can I put this politely... messing about with it for so long now that there’s a chance it may never see the light of day… One of the reasons is they don’t feel there is enough interest in the drug from the public to make it profitable and therefore not worthwhile marketing.. This is REALLY bad news as it could help a hell of a lot of people both acne and hair loss sufferers.. SO I have just created an online petition and will collect as many entries as possible and submit it to Glaxo to show just how much interest their really will be if they market it… the web link is above so please take two minutes out of your life to fill in the “name” and “e-mail” fields and help yourselves and other people in the process… thanks!!

i am totally feed up with the scaring it leaves behind as well. to the 18 male who wrote saying that u were feed up, there is something that may work. it depends on the type pf scarring u r left with. can i have your e-mail ad? i may be able to give u more detail later.
i have recently had 2 glycholic acid peels done. it doesn't completely get rid of anything but it does make your skin feel a lot nicer- smoother and it gets rid of recent scarring. apparantly, about 4 to 6 goes of this does some good to acne scarring. if u have pock makes then laser can get rid of suck scarring

I have suffered with severe acne for years and I must say I'm pretty fed up (thats the most polite way I can put it). The main problem is not the acne itself but the scars it has left behind. You can't just forget about it because its the first thing people see when you you go out in public. I don't think I can ever feel normal (the pyschological scars are too deep), but I would settle for comfortable because I don't want to spend the rest of life being afraid of people!! Why do I have be so punished for something that isn't my fault?

Please note that this is a brand new page.
There are some other peoples experiences posted in the Acne and Roaccutane site archives at
http://www.oocities.org/HotSprings/Spa/2738/archive.html