Comments:
Hi! I have been suffering from acne for about four years but recently
I find my acne severe and I have lots of whiteheads on my face. The number
of whiteheads seems to be growing everyday and they are getting larger
everyday as well. What should I do with the whiteheads??? They look terrible
from the mirror!!! more terrible than the acne. Please e-mail me at supergrass@usa.net
since I don't go to the site often.
Thor - 08/29/98 15:26:48
My Email:ragnthor@islandia.is
Gender: Male
Age: 34
Comments:
A message to Alexa and Lars. I had rosacea on the second stage. No
treatment seemed to work so me and my derm decided to try Roaccutan. My
dose is 3 20 mg capsules a day. The side effects have been mild, dryness
of the skin and lips and sometimes blodshut eyes, nothing that can't be
dealt with. My skin went red as if I had been to long in the sun. But now,
when there is little more than 2 months left of my treatment, I see a dramatic
change. The cystic acne has disappeared almost entirely and it seems like
my skin will recover from the rosacea. (I have read a lot about rosacea
and Bill Clinton is now often taken as an example of such a patient as
well as Fields). - Reg. Thor.
Rebecca Oliver - 08/29/98
15:17:32
My URL:http://www.oocities.org/~sunset-falcons
My Email:duchess@ix.netcom.com
Gender: Female
Age: My 13 yr old Daughter
Comments:
Interesting site. My 13 yr old daughter has been inflicted with a mild
case of Acne. After visiting the doctor, here is his recommendation: Lava
Soap (wash twice a day) Achol or Acatone (Pure Acetone) Black Head/Pimple
Picker (Revelon makes one) Clearasil or equivalent 5 to 10% Tetracyclane
(sp?) (1 500 mg aday) You bet it sounds strange, but it can't hurt if you
don't have a severe case. The best of luck to you all on ridding yourselves
of this devasting problem.
Al - 08/29/98 09:33:11
My Email:aab_2@hotmail.com
Gender: Male
Age: 22
Comments:
I've appealed to this site on a number of occasions now. I'd really
like to hear from anyone who, like me has suffered hairloss as a side effect
of Roaccutane. I'll answer all messages. Cheers, Al.
kal - 08/29/98 08:23:04
My Email:debbyhot@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 15
Comments:
i have sufered acne since the age of 11 it is only now that i can't
stand them any longer they are sending me crazy here i am thinking i was
the only acne sufferer until i read this and yes peoples comments do hurt
especially the one sthat the just starti g puberty guys at my school say
who are very insensitive i have just started roaccutane 2 days ago and
am alredy experiencing dry skin but if it will cure me i can stand it i
moisturise my lips regulary so they are fine at the moment i just read
as much o this page as i possibly could aNd i just need a few questions
answered please reply at my e-mail *would it be ok if i drunk alacohol
once a fortnight? what has happened to people on it that drink? *does the
acne always get worse before better?? *i would really like to get my belly
button pierced but it sAys not to on the pamphlet has anyone got any bodypiercing
done while on it?? *and has anyone used creams (pimple) like clearasil
or anything while on it coz i feel wierd not using cream on my pimples
? i would really apprecate it if someone could reply with one or all of
my questions answered and if not still keep me updated on thier achievments
or dissapointments!! thanx!
kal - 08/29/98 08:23:03
My Email:debbyhot@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 15
Comments:
i have sufered acne since the age of 11 it is only now that i can't
stand them any longer they are sending me crazy here i am thinking i was
the only acne sufferer until i read this and yes peoples comments do hurt
especially the one sthat the just starti g puberty guys at my school say
who are very insensitive i have just started roaccutane 2 days ago and
am alredy experiencing dry skin but if it will cure me i can stand it i
moisturise my lips regulary so they are fine at the moment i just read
as much o this page as i possibly could aNd i just need a few questions
answered please reply at my e-mail *would it be ok if i drunk alacohol
once a fortnight? what has happened to people on it that drink? *does the
acne always get worse before better?? *i would really like to get my belly
button pierced but it sAys not to on the pamphlet has anyone got any bodypiercing
done while on it?? *and has anyone used creams (pimple) like clearasil
or anything while on it coz i feel wierd not using cream on my pimples
? i would really apprecate it if someone could reply with one or all of
my questions answered and if not still keep me updated on thier achievments
or dissapointments!! thanx!
Yota - 08/28/98 18:23:40
My Email:philippe.b@skynet.be
Gender: male
Age: 20
Comments:
Hello everybody ! First and foremost I must say your site is very great
and useful !! Well, ... I've had terrible acne since I was 13. And from
13 till today (I'm 20 now) it has continually got worse ! Unfortunately,
as you expect as much, I never found any efficient treatment till now !
I tried many many treatments but every ones I tried ha some results for
a while, but it wasn't for long ; my skin kept getting used to all those
treatments, and finally the spots came back (at least the one who had left
my face) and the treatment ended by becoming useless ! ... Then, some months
ago, I heard of Roaccutane. My brother (my twin one) who also has got acne
(what a chance !) wanted to use it, but by reading the warnings about the
side effects of this "drug", and by hearing all those bad gossips about
it, he quickly c anged his mind ... and discouraged me from using it. ...
Yet, today I'm so much fed-up with my acne that in spite of all bad rumours
about Roaccutane and all side effects due to this drug, I decided to use
it all the same. ... And bother dry lips ; bother dry s in ; bother every
dry other things and other side effects (as long as they leave once my
treatment over ... and as I'm not disfigured and don't look like a monster
!!) !!! I only (and really) hope that after Roaccutane all will be over
(dryness and acne), a d that my acne will never come back !! I wanna my
skin cleared of all these disgusting spots ... FOREVER !!! I'm tired of
looking like "calculator" or anything else !!! ... Therefore, as I mean
to start using Roaccutane, in some days, would it be possible that anybody
who used SUCCESSFULLY Roaccutane (and who live, in preference, in Europe
!) agree to "correspond" with me during my treatment so as to give me some
pieces of a vice ?! (And please do not write me if it's for discouraging
me from taking Roaccutane !!) I'd be so thankful to anybody who will write
me ... as soon as possible. Thanks in advance !!!
Gary - 08/28/98 14:09:39
My Email:s371150@student.uq.edu.au
Gender: Male
Age: 19
Comments:
I started on my first day of Roaccutane today, I hope everything goes
succesfully( I can`t imagine what it will be like to look in the mirror
and see a pimple free face ). I`ve never really had "full on" severe acne,
but it has been bad enough to leave me feeling ugly and slightly scared.My
younger brother went on Roaccutane and it cleared him up pretty good( so
I can only hope it has the same, or maybe even better effect o me ).I`ve
tried nearly all the "over the counter" creams availble, and I have also
tried antibiotics( such as minomycin ), all with little or no effect, so
I feel as if Roaccutane is my last chance of getting rid of this horrible
stuff. I hope Roaccutane works for me, and I also hope Roaccutane works
for all of you out there, I would also like to compliment Gill on such
a great site as it has provided me with some very valuable infomation about
Acne and Roaccutane, thus allowing me to ma e an informed decision about
how to treat my acne.
Julian - 08/27/98 21:11:29
My Email:hullianx13@hotmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 16
Comments:
Sorry to post again(didn't mean the double post below). What is this
AMBI cream and where can I get it. This guestbook ought to be in mailing
list format.
Julian - 08/27/98 20:00:42
My Email:hullianx13@hotmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 16
Comments:
I am extremelly sick of acne. I think I look like a piece of sh$#.
However, I realize that it is not as bad as it could be, which I am thankful
for. I have non-cystic acne. In my face I have countless dark spots (blemishes
I presume-one has been there for I think a year) (In front of public bathroom
mirror I'm full of dark spots) which seem to NEVER go away. My back is
clearing (?). My chest is full of whiteheads (I have as many whiteheads
it seems as I do open pores). At the beginning of the summer it became
better-I would scrub real hard with that clearasil face wash then with
Dove moisturizing soap then would go swimming in the sun -got darker complexion.
At night I would apply bucketloads of Clearasil cream. I als stopped shaving.
(I drank milk) Later when I got a job it became worse-I couldn't watch
it all day. Now its horrible -I do the same as the beginning of the summer
-but it gets worse and worse. I don't have a job anymore. What should I
do? I don't think I need to go to a doctor (not yet). My mother doesn't
give a fuck (she says its a stage of life-she had perfect skin as a teenager).
(I used to like this girl in school, flawless skin and I think she kinda
liked me. I wanted continue where we left of, but now?? !@#!@). E-mail
me, please. (specially if you can relate with my experience) Notable facts:take
vitamins,drink milk,stay out in the sun (sweating with sunscreen),eat chocolate,stopped
shaving, my skin is very oily,mother's family clear skinned, father's side
-mostly clear a few with cystic acne,both brothers have perfect skin (!#
!) Thanks
Julian - 08/27/98 19:58:46
My Email:hullianx13@hotmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 16
Comments:
I am extremelly sick of acne. I think I look like a piece of sh$#.
However, I realize that it is not as bad as it could be, which I am thankful
for. I have non-cystic acne. In my face I have countless dark spots (blemishes
I presume-one has been there for I think a year) (In front of public bathroom
mirror I'm full of dark spots) which seem to NEVER go away. My back is
clearing (?). My chest is full of whiteheads (I have as many whiteheads
it seems as I do open pores). At the beginning of the summer it became
better-I would scrub real hard with that clearasil face wash then with
Dove moisturizing soap then would go swimming in the sun -got darker complexion.
At night I would apply bucketloads of Clearasil cream. I als stopped shaving.
(I drank milk) Later when I got a job it became worse-I couldn't watch
it all day. Now its horrible -I do the same as the beginning of the summer
-but it gets worse and worse. I don't have a job anymore. What should I
do? I don't think I need to go to a doctor (not yet). My mother doesn't
give a fuck (she says its a stage of life-she had perfect skin as a teenager).
(I used to like this girl in school, flawless skin and I think she kinda
liked me. I wanted continue where we left of, but now?? !@#!@). E-mail
me, please. Notable facts:take vitamins,drink milk,stay out in the sun
(sweating with sunscreen),eat chocolate,stopped shaving,
Julian - 08/27/98 19:26:32
My Email:hullianx13@hotmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 16
Comments:
I read somewhere that it is bad to use to many antibiotics as the bacteria
on your skin become resistant to them. This article said the best way is
to use two drugs at a time-no more. And also, I would like to ask-is ice
good to treat acne? In Men's Health magazine it says to cure zits put some
cream that dries over them and then put ice on it (wrapped in a paper towel).
I would imagine this as being effective as no bacteria can survive this
(neither can your skin cells though)
Alexa - 08/27/98 17:11:21
Gender: Female
Age: 29
Comments:
This message is for Lars. Just wondering if the type of acne you describe
is Acne Rosacea as you mention redness around the nose. I have seen a pamphlet
on this skin condition at my derm's office. Skin starts out as blushing
easily, then the red patche do not go away. Areas typically affected are
cheeks, around the nose, chin, and forehead. Second stage Rosacea involves
red bumps or papules which may be confused with common acne (vulgaris).
Final stage is rhinophyma which involves the nose with may ave excess tissue
growth and red broken blood vessels (think W.C. Fields). This last stage
usually affects men. I understand that fair skinned individuals of European
descent are most prone to Rosacea. They don't seem to know the cause. Metro
Gel and ream are often prescribed. Oral antibiotics often help. They do
prescribe Accutane for serious cases. I am not sure how successful Accutane
is for Rosacea. Does anyone have experience with this? I also heard that
if you have Rosacea, taking Accutane will give you a very red face. I would
be interested in hearing if Accutane is successful with Rosacea. Thanks
for a great site. Congratulations to Gill on obtaining you degree. Thanks!!
sc - 08/27/98 01:05:06
Gender: Female
Age: 34
Comments:
Hello Nat, I have had the same kind of acne you are describing. It
started when I was about 26. It was unbelievably ugly, but even more painful.
It was on my back, chest, face, neck, behind my ears. Oh what pain I was
in. My first dose of Accutane c eared it up completely for about 1 year,
then slowly they started to return, they were not nearly as bad this time,
ugly, depressing, etc. However, I am halfway with my second course at age
34. I have explained in previous messages that I am going to im ediately
take vitamins after finishing my course. I do not remember the details
of my last course. My skin still seems to be peeling and taking a while
to heal even as I am 2.5 months into treatment. My arms look bad also.
I have been staying out of t e sun as much as I can. I don't know if that
is a contributer, however, when I drive, etc. I'm not sure that is causing
a problem. I do not seem to have any new ones to speak of at this point.
My peeling face will bleed easily. I always hate to hear t e gorry details.
But I must say, even though I wonder if the peeling, etc. will stop, I
believe in Accutane, it is a gift that I am so thankful was given to me.
My spirits have lifted.
Nat - 08/26/98 20:14:14
My Email:nataliad@mweb.co.za
Gender: female
Age: 22
Comments:
Hello, Im 22 and sick of acne. My problem is that my acne is "invisible".
What I mean is, I dont get the usual pimple - what I get is large lumps
that sit underneath the skin. Nothing ever comes to a head - so no amount
of topical cream gets rid of them. y skin is amazingly NOT OILY! The amount
of pressure that builds up underneath my skin is incredible and extremely
painful, so sometimes I almost feel like the only way to get rid of these
"boils" is to SQUEEZE. I know, I know....no squeezing allowed - bu eventually
thats the only way I can get to the "PLUGS" underneath my skin - hard,
plugs of sebum. After that, large red scars are left. Thank god I can cover
all that is going on below the surface of my skin with cosmetics. But Im
tired of having lumps nd boils on my face. WHAT ID LIKE TO KNOW IS HAS
ANYONE ELSE EVER EXPERIENCED THIS TYPE OF ACNE? IF SO, HAS ROACCUTANE WORKED
FOR YOU? Please reply - Im desperate!!!
Nat - 08/26/98 20:03:20
My Email:nataliad@mweb.co.za
Gender: female
Age: 22
Comments:
Hello, Im 22 and sick of acne. My problem is that my acne is "invisible".
What I mean is, I dont get the usual pimple - what I get is large lumps
that sit underneth the skin. Nothing ever comes to a head - so no amount
of topical cream gets rid of them. M skin is amazingly NOT OILY! The amount
of pressure that builds up underneath my skin is incredible and extremely
painful, so sometimes I almost fell like the only way to get rid of these
"boils" is to SQUEEZE.
Sia - 08/26/98 15:46:31
Gender: female
Age: 23
Comments:
First of all, I must say that this is a great homepage! I especially
like this guest book. I have only met one person on roaccutane before,
so I did miss people to discuss this experience with. I got mild acne when
I was about 10 -12 years old, and in my arly teens it developed into moderate
to severe. I tried pretty much everything on the market without results,
so when I was 16 I finally went to a dermatologist and then spent a few
years on different treatments, with poor resluts. When I was 19 it seeme
to improve, but then all of a sudden it got worse than ever with lots of
huge painful cysts that kept bursting but not healing. I was prescribed
roaccutane and within a month I noticed an improvement (I was lucky to
never have any breakouts due to the tr atment). After a couple of months
all lumps were gone and the scars had started to fade (although I´ll
always have many small permanent scars like dents). I experienced three
common side effects: dry lips (after one-two weeks, I think) and eventually
dry kin and hair, but it didn´t bother me as chapstick and lotion
helped. Something that bothered me more, was that my eyes got very dry
after one month of treatment and kept getting worse. I know now that I
caught an eye infecion with unusual symtoms (when I finally got the right
diagnosis it was easily cured), but back then I thought it was only because
of the roaccutane so I panicked and stopped the treatment after about 11
weeks. (Roaccutane can cause dry eyes, but if they get very dry and start
smarting o itching, I advise you to check if it´s also an infection
and not just dryness, as dry eyes are more prone to infections than normally.)
I was very worried that my severe acne would return, as I stopped only
halfway into the treatment, but it didn´t. Afte a few months, I did
get some small pimples, but they were quickly cured by 5% bensoylperoxid
cream (before I took roaccutane this didn´t work, so if you get mild
acne after roaccutane treatment, remember that what never worked before
might work now). For a couple of years, my skin was fine with only short
periods of a few pimples that were always cured that way. Now I´m
23 and a couple of months ago I understood that it doesn´t work anymore.
My acne is returning. It´s not severe (at least not yet), but it
s bad enough and getting worse. But after all, roaccutane gave me three
good years, so I still think it was worth taking it and have decided on
going on a second course. I am a little worried by all the stories I read
in this guest book, though. I had tho ght that roaccutane had good results
for most people, but obviously for some people it´s only bad. I just
wanted to tell everyone who is considering roaccutane that there are also
some rather successful roaccutane cases. Unfortunately, you can´t
tell in a vance what it will be like for you, so make sure you know all
the pro´s and con´s and think carefully about this drug before
you decide to use it.
Lars - 08/26/98 15:35:50
My Email:Lars_Lehmann@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 28
Comments:
Excellent Web-Site, plenty of good information. I am 28, and have been
suffering from acne for 12 years. Have tried all the same stuff as you
guys - but none has really worked. Despite the horrible side effects, I
am thinking about going for a Roaccutane reatment, as it seems to be the
only hope. I have had Acne only in my face, particularly around my nose
(Looks like a clowns one...)with lots of blackheads on my nose. I would
say it is modest- sometimes worse, sometimes better. My doctor recommends
on y a very small dosis (20mg a day, reduced later during the treatment
to 10 mg - my bodyweight is 85 kg). Is that enough to have any healing
affects. Has anybody with similiar acne features (I mean particularly around
the nose and the redning of the nose) ever been on a Roaccutane treatment??
Does anybody know about possible long term side effects?? I am not scared
of dry skin and lips, and temporary muscle aches as long as they disappear
after the treatment and don't harm me for the rest of my life. Any ody
having the same symptoms of acne as I do, please reply! May be there is
help out there???
Alun - 08/26/98 10:47:28
My Email:ace_corp_ltd@hotmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 22
Comments:
Upset - it can take a while (sometimes upto 10 weeks) before the drugs
reach a level in your system where they start to *kick-in*, and just as
everybody is different, so is their pattern of treatment and reaction to
Roaccutane. I know the last thing you w nt to hear is someone telling you
to relax, but really I find the more stressed I make myself, the worse
my acne gets, if you can, find something to take your mind off it, do so,
and *DONT* spend hours at the mirror, as someone who still does this, it
doe n't bring any joy. The best way to chart progress, is by keeping a
journal, and reviewing week-by-week, or month-by-month, looking at it on
a day-by-day basis won't work as one bad day (breakout) can seem like the
treatment isn't working (although in the long run it is!!) and you should
be able to chart some progress. Good Luck.. Alun.
Up Set - 08/26/98 08:18:26
Comments:
Someone please help me. I have been on accutane for 2 months now, 40
mg a day, I drink 8 glasses of water a day, I dont touch caffeine or chocolate,
I take vitamin E and Z everynight before I go to sleep, I wash twice a
day with Neutrogena, and im STILL reaking out. This is driving me insane,
im starting to think going and jumping off a bridge would be a lot easier.
Please if anyone could help...I take 20 mg in the morning and 20 at night,
does that affect anything?
Rob T. - 08/26/98 02:50:20
My Email:ad2926@wayne.edu
Gender: male
Age: 26
Comments:
This is in response to sc's message of 8/25. I am a 2nd year medical
student and I have to take exception to a couple of her statements. Firstly,
we had a class called Clinical Nutrition last year in which we learned
all about every vitamin there is out there. Why would physicians not learn
about things as vital to the body as vitamins? Also the comment about how
doctors are only there to treat illness, not to help prevent it, is totally
off base. Any good primary care physician (eg. family doctor, i ternal
medicine, pediatrician) practices preventive medicine. What do you think
all those vaccinations you get as a kid are for? Also, I've been to many
doctors for my bad back and have been told how to prevent it from acting
up. As far as acne goes, y dermatologist hasnt been the greatest help in
solving my acne problem but I feel we all have to take some responsibility
for our health and not just lay it at the feet of the physician. My acne
gets cystic sometimes and my dermo prescribed me dynacin a d clindamycin
back in the summer. They didnt help. So I went back after the six weeks
and he changed my scrip to monodox. But he never talked about vitamins,
what to wash my skin with, shaving, etc. He did want to put me on Accutane.
I'm a little lea y of how quickly he dediced to give up on the antibiotics
and go for the hard stuff. I was scared of accutane so I decided to improve
my overall health to see if it would help with my acne. I started taking
a multivitamin plus another 8000 I.U's of vita in A per day. I continued
with the monodox and clindamycin twice a day. I started to shave everyday
and I washed with an anti-acne neutrogena wash (with salicylic acid) twice
a day. All this has really helped with my acne. I only have one cystic
type hing left, the rest are real small and go away quickly. Another piece
of advice, stay away from the mirror and dont pick at them. Sorry I'm rambling
but my point is that you have to take care of your body in order to fight
the bacteria that cause acne o f.
TMShark - 08/26/98 01:07:47
My Email:TMShark@aol.com
Gender: Male
Age: 31
Comments:
I am about 4 months into my treatment and have had varying success.
My problem is I have a couple of red scabs (about a nickel in diameter)
that will not seem to heal. Its been about three months and no sign of
healing so Ive decided to stop taking Accut ne for about 7-10 days to see
if it helps--has anyone experienced this and/or stopped taking Accutane
for a while and then started again? Any more side affects (more than usual?)
My doctor and I planned on a 6 month dosage--any comments are much apprecia
ed--hang in there everyone--it can only get better.
Kristin - 08/25/98 14:27:03
Gender: female
Age: 29
Comments:
Alun: You might try one of the "artificial tears" products on the market.
These eyedrops aren't meant to "get the red out," but an eye doctor once
told me they are safer to use over an extended time than the drops that
*do* take the red out by shrinking t e blood vessels. And maybe just moistening
the eye would eliminate some of the red. I'm not a contact lens wearer,
so I'm not sure how that figures into the dry eye problem. Good luck to
you.
sn - 08/25/98 13:32:06
My Email:n/a
Age: 17
Comments:
Hey I'm not trying to disprove you or anything, im just curious as
to why the big price difference, and does vitamin A have all those side
affects?
Alun - 08/25/98 11:36:10
My Email:ace_corp_ltd@hotmail.com
Gender: Male
Age: 22 going on 23
Comments:
Chaz, I too have reached that 6 week time (approx) and I too have good
and bad days, I think it can take many weeks before the drugs *really*
kick in, before that they are merely building up inside your system, until
the right accumulative dosage has bee reached. Does anyone have any tips
for the dry-red eyes that seem to come part and parcel with this treatment
? your suggestions greatly appreciated.. :) Alun XXXX
chaz - 08/25/98 11:27:58
My Email:maxwell@ultra.net.au
Gender: male
Age: 16
Comments:
g'day everyone, I would like to know whether you are able to drink
alcohol whilst on roaccutane. If you could e-mail me, I would really appreciate
it. I've been on accutane for 6 weeks, noticed my face looks clear some
days and then breaks out again. Will it ever kick in properly? Has anyone
else been on it this long without much change
Jenny - 08/25/98 04:40:48
My Email:yforever@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 15
Comments:
It's my been nearly a month since i started Roaccutane. Is it normal
acne to dry up and kind of form a scab? Also, I'm really worried about
my acne returning after I finish treatment. I have heard of stories where
it comes back more horrific than ever. I don't want to go through all the
emotional problems again if it is going to return. Is it true that the
less side effects you have when you are on Roaccutane, the more effective
the results will be?
sc - 08/25/98 02:42:35
Gender: Female
Age: 34
Comments:
SN, do you really not understand why a prescription costs so much compared
to vitamins? Prescriptions is where the money is at as you have so kindly
computed out for us. Few if any regular physicians will prescribe vitamins
to you. How would they keep ou as a repeat customer? Mostly doctors are
they to fix us up after we have something wrong, not to prescribe us things
that would PREVENT stuff from happening. I went to have a vision check
up last month and my Opthamologist is selling vitamins. Dr.s robably don't
have time to learn about vitamins, they are probably too busy fixing people
to learn about vitamins, I mean really isn't it seven years or more for
medical school. Long hours, etc. Whatever, I am not trying to sell anything
or convince any ne. I am here to try and solve the problem and help anyone
I can.
S N - 08/24/98 05:31:48
My Email:n/a
Gender: male
Age: 17
Comments:
Well if thats the case about Vitamin A, then how come Accutane is $200
for 60 pills, and Vitamin A is $28 for 1000 pills (on www.hve.com). Theres
something else there, they really need to put more research into Acne solutions.
Its terrible. It strikes t the worst time, and at the worst place, your
head. I mean out of all the places on your body, its gotta go to the one
place that you cant cover up, and in your teenage years, when you most
need to look your best. It's really getting on my nerves. Oh nd Jade, if
you read this, what should I do with that AMBI distribution address? Thanks.
SC - 08/24/98 01:21:18
Gender: Female
Age: 34
Comments:
Hello, Thank you Traci for your comments of 8/22/98. You are the first
person to talk about vitamin A. As I wrote in the past Accutane is a derivative
of Vitamin A. I have been taking Accutane for 2 1/2 months. I am half way.
I have some liquid vita ins that contain 10,000 IU's of vitamin A and A
bottle of liquid minerals that have another 5,000 IU's of vitamin A. I
will begin taking those the day after I finish my course of Accutane. I
believe that a Vitamin A deficiency MAY be a cause of Acne. T ere is also
another vitamin that needs to be taken in conjunction with "A". I will
refer to my Vitamin Bible. I have heard that liquid vitamins are good because
they have the 90% or more absorbability versus a regular vitamin pill of
10 to 12%. If you et chelated vitamins it would be about 45%. I know that
Accutane is not a cure forever. I am taking my second course, however,
I did not have knowledge about vitamin deficienies back then. If our problems
are related to a Vitamin A deficiendy then not oo long after we finish
Accutane our problem will reoccur. I wrote long ago and I see alot of questions
about "What can I do?" I wonder, have people read previous comments? I
weigh about 110 lbs at most. There is no way that I can get the proper
amoun of vitamins and minerals in a day by just eating. Eating is a lifesyle.
I do the best I can with how much I can eat in a day. I know that I will
only be taking 15,000 IU's compared to your 25,000. If I should start to
have a reoccurance with 15,000 I will immediatly see about taking more
Vitamin A. I am aware that you have to be careful with "A". Thanks again
Traci, maybe more people will try to adapt their lifestyle of eating/vitamins/minerals
to see if that may help.
Traci - 08/22/98 05:44:53
Gender: Female
Age: 30
Comments:
I have never been on Accutane but came very close to getting on it
one time but I could not afford it. I have had breakouts off on on for
the past fifteen years and can say that I have tried practically everything
on the market to clear my skin. I don't have terrible cystic acne but my
face breaks out often and I get very painful bumps from time to time deep
in my skin. These can leave spots for a very long time. I would like to
offer some advice and tell you about my own personal regime that I think
wi l offer you very good results without the accutane. As a matter of fact,
you can not use this product while on accutane. The name is Glytone and
it is an unbuffered solution of alpha hydroxy. It comes in several forms
for different skin types as well as facial washes, gels, lotions, and cremes
to use. I use the mild gel wash 9 along with AHA 10% maximum strength gel
that I purchased at the drug store. I also take 25,000 I.U. of vitamin
A daily in it's gel form along with 50 mg. of zinc. This has improv d my
skin greatly. I still break out but my pimples are small and are completely
gone with a few days. If any of you decide to try this, please let me know
how it works for you. Be advised that your face may get worse before it
gets better because the lpha hydroxy will bring any pimples forming under
the skin to the surface faster but in one month of diligent use, you will
see results I promise! You can get Glytone only through your dermatologist.
David - 08/22/98 03:40:34
My Email:faralon@hotmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 18
Comments:
Hi. I finished my 5 and a half month roaccutane treatment 4 months
ago, and my lips are still very dry and peeling if i dont use anything
on them. We tried vaseline and Elocon on them, but that didn't cure it.
Does anyone know of such an experience, an if so do the lips begin to heal?
My face is getting oily as well, and i am getting many small pimples especially
around my nose. Any recommendations for my oily skin/acne? Thanks.
Ben - 08/22/98 03:27:34
Gender: Male
Age: 20
Comments:
Hi I've read your experience in the acne page, it horrifies me. I've
been on Roac for a month now, for the first few weeks it seemed my skin
was improving. but then suddenly all hell broke loose and it stared having
these breakouts all over. and I started getting lumps on my neck and chest
as well. And my eyes are extremely dry and alwas red. my doctor told me
that it's normal and I shall just bear with it. but it struks me that everytime
i try to get a scientific answer from her as how exactly does the drug
work, she avoided it. it's as if she doesn't really know what she's doing.
Because I can't bear with the dry eyes anymore I stopped usuing it. one
day after i've already noticed the results, and my acne actually got BETTER.
now do you think i should go back to roac, or shall it just quit and throw
them away? It seems the medicine DOES have some effect in terms of oil,
but the side effects seems well too unbearable...
fitri - 08/21/98 17:52:15
My Email:fof95@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 24
Comments:
Hai Gill, I'am one of roaccutane big fans. I always drink it and I
almost used it for 2 years, but I did't drink it all the time, when my
acne dissapeared I stop drunk it but when my acne start to come to my face
I started to drink again. I just wanna kno what is the side effect of roacuttane
if I always used it for all this time. Please answer my question. Sorry
if my English bad.Thanks
Joanne - 08/21/98 11:16:33
My Email:tinka@q-net.net.au
Gender: female
Age: 35
Comments:
Today is 21/9/98. This is my first day on roaccutane, I am a diabetic
as well so the doctor has made sure I am all ok to start treatment. I would
love to know if any other diabetics have been on roaccutane and if all
went ok. Also was everyone in there teens when it started as I didn't get
problems until about 25yrs. I hope my results are as good as all yours.
Like so many of you, I have bad scars but also the nasty big lumbs that
can really hurt, it will be so good to say good bye to them.
Kate - 08/21/98 06:00:36
Gender: Female
Age: 20
Comments:
This is such a great site! I've nearly finished my Roaccutane course,
and I just want to ask any previous users if anyone's acne hasn't returned
or only mildly returned after finishing Roaccutane. Just about everyone
who has written in the guestbook has h d there acne return six months to
one year later. One of my sister's friends went on Roaccutane about 4 years
ago and her skin hasn't played up since. Is there anyone else who has had
similar success because I don't think I like the idea of going on a sec
nd course.
Jade - 08/20/98 19:43:19
Gender: Female
Age: 25
Comments:
Dear SN -- You can get AMBI from any local drugstore (like Sav-ON)
or you can go to any hair/beauty supply store -- I'm sure that they also
sell it in most markets. AMBI works by fading existing blemishes and returning
the skin on the face (or body) bac to it's natural color. It is also really
good on blemishes before they start (if you popp a pimple or something).
But I wouldn't rely on AMBI as a cure-all thing. You can't go and pop every
pimple on your face and then put the AMBI on them thinking th t they won't
blemish -- because that may not be the case! Some may blemish. But it does
work really well especially if you use it 2-3 times pr day until the spots
fade. Good luck! Just in case you are unable to find AMBI in your town,
it's distributing address is Douglasville, PA 19518-1239.
SN - 08/20/98 17:41:32
Age: 17
Comments:
Jade - Where do you get AMBI? And does it clear up existing blemishes
or just prevent new ones? Thanks
Kristin - 08/20/98 16:55:43
Gender: female
Age: 29
Comments:
Hello, all. Does anyone else find it strange that there is no package
insert in the Accutane package (U.S.)? I don't mean simply a list of the
potential side effects, which was included, but a clinical description
of how the medicine works in the body. I'm no chemist but usually when
I take a prescription, I like to at least read a little bit about how the
stuff works. All I know about isotretinoin (sp?) is that it has something
to do with Vitamin A. Does it reduce the amount of Vitamin A in the body?
Increase it? W at's going on here? (I'm in my fifth week of treatment,
and the Accutane has cleared up my oily face beautifully, with only mild
side effects.)
glenn - 08/20/98 16:07:56
My Email:command3484@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 14
Comments:
i found your page very helpful.thanks.I had a question? I was wandering
if accutane can cause serious liver damage? if any body could e-mail me
with some information on the topic i would be grateful. cammand3484@yahoo.com
Tina Petch - 08/20/98 13:51:47
My Email:tinap@scope.yorks.com
Gender: female
Age: 32
Comments:
Re: Roaccutane My Husband used this for 6 months with wonderful results
but now 3 months later he keeps flaring back up again.... Is this normal?
What can he do? Any help would be appreciated!!
Darlene - 08/20/98 07:48:49
My Email:leverett@home.com
Gender: female
Age: 42
Comments:
Hi Gillian, You didn't say what degree you just got. Dermatology, I
hope. Then you can find a cure for the acne that I have suffered with for
22 years. I find your website very interesting and a lot of people say
the same thing I've been saying - I've tried everyt ing and nothing has
helped me yet!! I hope you keep this site because it gives us a place to
vent without having to leave home. Besides, unlike alcoholics, I don't
think acne-sufferers would want to get up in front of a room full of people
and talk abou their zits. I know I wouldn't. So thanks again and good luck
in your new adventure. Darlene
Jade - 08/19/98 22:06:04
Gender: Female
Age: 25
Comments:
I am a Black female who went on Roaccutane for the first time about
a year and a half ago. I've never had cystic acne but I had a VERY bad
blemishing problem. In fact, 3 different dermatologists had suggested I
go on Accutane & I kept on saying no becau e of the horrible birth
deffects I continually heard it could do to babies ( I am want to have
kids someday, so naturally I was skeptical). Eventually, I decided to go
on it. The 1rst time I took it I thought it was HEAVEN SENT. Over the 5
month course o treatment my skin cleared up PERFECTLY. My friends &
family were so happy to see the effects (as a matter of fact, I had dimples
& didn't even know it!). But the side effects KILLED ME! I had 11 out
of the 15? reported side effects and I think that may have some medical
problems right now due to the drug. Anyway, I thought it was worth it ....
until about 5 months later when my oily skin came back and I broke out
in this mysterious rash across my forehead that blemished so bad that I
had to go bac on the drug for a 2nd time (and by the way, I was never prone
to rashes until I started taking Accutane). The side effects the second
time around were worse than the 1rst time. For example, my lips broke out
in these HUGE herpe-like lesions on both side of my mouth were the lips
are connected & I couldn't open my mouth wide for about 2 months! If
I opened too wide the lesions would rip open and started bleeding!!! It
was embarressing & VERY painful. Eventually, I had to go to a doctor
about getting th m cleared up. Just like my 1rst teatment, my skin cleared
the 2nd time around after about 3 months an Accutane -- Then I stopped
taking it COLD TURKEY. I was tired of letting this mystery (& dangerous)
drug dictate my life. Besides, I was seriously aggr vated by the side effects.
Sure enough, my skin started breaking out again; but this time I said FUCK
IT & decided to use mind over matter! I decided not to further aggravate
my skin by sqeezing any pimples (and believe me, it's been hard not to
do). I'v been wahing my skin about 3 times a day (because it's oily). I
also use a wonderful skin bleaching cream called AMBI on the blemishes
that I get. It's intended for African American skin but as we all know
there are Black people out there as light as ( f not lighter than ) White
people -- so I am sure than anyone can use it. It has worked BEAUTIFULLY
on my skin & most importantly, it is like a neutralizer of blemishes
before they start, so if I do end up popping a zit I usually put some on
& my skin do n't blemish. Now, my skin is almost flawless & I truly
think that it is because I finally decided to leave my skin alone (it may
also be due to the fact that I am aging & as we age our skin tends
to clear). But for anyone who is thinking about going on t, I'd advise
you DONT DO IT!!! I can almost guarantee you that it will do more harm
than good. The clear skin will only be temporary & the heartache will
come back. Have faith in yourself and try to fight your acne with any other
weapon but Accutane. If your skin is not really bad leave it alone &
let it heal up naturally. If it is bad see a skin specialist about mabey
using a herbal treatment (that may work). My dad always says drink 8 glasses
of H2o a day & he has flawless skin (I hate water but i may seriously
work). Most of all love yourself no matter what. After all, beauty is only
skin deep.
chaza - 08/19/98 10:24:58
My Email:maxwell@ultranet.net.au
Gender: male
Age: 16
Comments:
How are we all fellow acc users. What I would like to know is whether
I'm able to drink alcohol whilst on accutane. I'm not a heavy drinker,
but like to go on a binge most weekends which I'm sure many of you do anyway.
Been on accutane for five weeks and ll I have noticed is my face does not
appear as pimply as before, but they are still all there. I have not experienced
any real bad side affects and don't attend on doing so in months to come.
I suffer from severe crystic acne on my face and back. Its not only the
appearence of pimples that frustrate me, its also the pain that goes with
the assist like pimples. e.g. J ust by sitting back on a chair causing
pressure on the affected areas would cause minutes of extreme pain. Could
someone please back me up o the alcohol thing and try and set things straight
in my mind. thanks buds!
Lindsay - 08/18/98 23:07:30
My Email:lindsay_124@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 13
Comments:
Hi I have a major acne problem. I am the one with the worst acne in
my class and the guys continue to bug me. I really want to go on dates
with my friends but I find it impossible because of my acne. I have meet
this guy and asked him out. He said no beca se he thinks he can catch it.
I have tried all treatments and know the doctor said I might have to go
on accutane, but I am involed in a lot of sports and I am worried about
the side effects that could stop me from playing sports. Can anyone give
me and h lp. Please I am starting highschool this Steptember and I don't
want to be bugged about my acne. Please Help
caraline - 08/18/98 09:04:28
My Email:Raymond
Jensen @ Utas.edu.au
Gender: Female
Age: 14
Comments:
I'm currently on Roaccutane, when I first started it I had to put up
with dryness of skin, dry eyes, dry lips, dry everything, but it was all
worth it. Before I started roaccutane my acne was bad but now that I am
neally off it, my acne has really cleare up. So if you are thinking of
going on roaccutane it is definately worth it.
bretstclair - 08/18/98 06:58:42
My URL:http://www.i-france.com/bretstclair
My Email:sebastien_bret@hotmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 23
Comments:
That's a great site, and especially there are not many site on this
subject. for my personal experience of roaccutane, I had my first treatment
around 18 and I went from a 20mg to a 60mg with some good results after
a couple of month but with some visible results after 3 weeks. I had after
an other treatment with 60mg in septembre 1997 but only for two month,
then the results were quick and good but didn't remain so long. and now
as my acne came back, and I tried again some new results with no big success,
I started again with 60mg and just after one week I can see the results(except
if it is due to something else!). Roaccutane is so far the only one treatment
which allow me some durable results, every other product had some results
after few weeks, but jus after fews weeks even if I continue the treatment,
the acne come back stronger and finally the treatment was useless!
bretstclair - 08/18/98 06:53:56
My URL:http://www.i-france.com/bretstclair
My Email:sebastien_bret@hotmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 23
Comments:
That's a great site, and especially there are not many site on this
subject. for my personal experience of roaccutane, I had my first treatment
around 18 and I went from a 20mg to a 60mg with some good results after
a couple of month but with some visible results after 3 weeks. I had after
an other treatment with 60mg in septembre 1997 but only for two month,
then the results were quick and good but didn't remain so long. and now
as my acne came back, and I tried again some new results with no big success,
I sta
Chris - 08/17/98 23:25:51
My Email:Iceman022@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 16
Comments:
Hi..I have just slightly worse than mild acne...just a couple of questions,
1) Any advice on shaving?, is it a good thing or a bad thing?, if I do
shave I seem to cut off a pimple or two and my face bleeds..which I guess
is bad..but I need to do it before I go back to school...2) I've just started
tetracylcine tablets..I'm also using tea tree oil wash..I've done this
for 3 days or so..I'm a little impatient..has either of these treatments
worked for you guys?, or do they suck? anyone know of any good treat ents
other than roaccutane? Thanks in advance Chris
Alun - 08/17/98 08:22:37
Gender: male
Age: 22
Comments:
Hi, I was just wondering if anyone who takes Roaccutane in the U.K,
can tell me how often blood tests are required ? I have had one at the
beginning, (four/five weeks ago) and my next check-up with the dermatologist
is not for 3 months... and I have no more scheduled blood tests (am I worrying
unnecessarily, or should I be concerned ??) Please advise.. Alun.xx
Walter - 08/15/98 19:24:46
My Email:doc_1976@hotmail.com
Gender: Male
Age: 22
Comments:
Nice page!!!
Walter Claudett - 08/15/98
19:22:20
My Email:doc_1976
Age: 22
Comments:
It´s a really nice page. I know what you had to pass thought,
´cause i did. Three years ago I took roaccutane during 6 months and
it worked excelent, but a year later it appeared again, now i´m older
and i can´t deal with it, and it´s less agresive tha before
roacuttane. i have some spots and scars but my main problem is that i dont
know what to do with my oily face. I don´t know if you´re a
physician, but if if you have any idea for this let me know. I have any
stories to tell mine and from others. Next emails i´ll do it Bye.
Walter
Waiting - 08/15/98 01:20:47
My Email:yforever@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 15
Comments:
When am I going to start noticing any improvement? I know I should
be patient but I can't stand ppl staring at me. New acne is developing,
they're big and swollen, and they kind of don't have an opening. I've been
on Roaccutane for 2 weeks and it's starti g to get worse now. Please help.
Quinn - 08/14/98 20:38:47
Gender: female
Age: 18
Comments:
Hi Bobbi, i know you've probably decided against accutane because of
the side effects, my mom felt the same way for four whole months before
she decided to let me go on accutane. Maybe your daughter's acne will go
away in a few years, because she's still young, and maybe it will prolong.
Maybe you'll even consider roaccutane later on. It's a little over a month
since i've been on accutane, and when people say the side effects vary,
they sure do. I'm on 60mg per day i weigh 150lbs, and all i have is slight
y dry lips, not even chapped, i can go without chapstick, vaseline. whatever...and
i've heard of people who have had lips that crack and bleed, people whose
faces have turned so red they can't even leave their homes, since i've
been on accutane i want to o out and show my great skin...i don't want
to brag, it's just that so many have complained about the bad that accutane
has done to their lives, but i think it's only fair to give it it's praises
where they are due.
Bobbi - 08/14/98 18:48:05
My Email:bobbi35@aol.com
Gender: Female
Age: 43
Comments:
I was considering putting my 15 year old daughter on accutane after
a few years of every antibiotic and over the counter cure. Nothing has
helped and she still breaks out considerably. When I asked the dermatologist
about accutane he told of the drying side effects (face, lips, eyes, nose)
and the birth defects - which would require a monthly blood test even though
she was 15. Also, the cholesterol would have to be followed. When I researched
the drug and found this site I was absolutely horrified with all of these
sad stories. I decided against putting my daughter on the drug because
if anything ever happened to her as a result of it - I don't think I could
live with myself I am hoping that her blemished go away with time and puberty.
I'm just not willing to risk her health for a clear complexion. I am working
with a medical astheician (who is associated with our dermatologist) and
have a "power peel" scheduled for her ( hich is $90 a pop). This seems
to have a good effect, I hear.