August 99 Postings

Comments:
Hello Gil, I amm currently on Accutane have been taking 60 mg P.O. T.I.D. for about 7 months. Before, Accutane I was taking Tetracycline, which didn't help much. I asked my doctor about taking Accutane, because other people I know had sucess with it. I have oily skin, and a family Hx of acne on my mother's side of the family, I have had acne for about 4 1/2 years on and off. My physician Dx me with moderate acne, with some scarring on my face before I started taking Accutane. If I had to desribe my face now it is re for the most part (T-zone) especially cheeks. I have a # of blemishes on both cheeks and comedones, I don't really breakout much anymore, but I thought this Accutane would rid my face of this ACNE. Is their anything on the internet out there as far as cleansers or topical solutions, i.e. from plastic surgery centers that would improve my skin ( blemishes). Appreciate it if you would respond. T Thank you

Ally - 09/26/99 06:36:01
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
Spunky -> I think I would have to advise you to stick to an oil-free soap or cleanser rather than the one based on olive oils etc. If cetaphil irritaes your skin try something else that is oil-free. There is a great cheap soap by Neutrogena. Personally I like face washes and find the Deep Clean range by neutrogena to work wonders. This includes formulations for sensitive skin... these are very mild and don't irritate. Hope that helps :)

spunky - 09/26/99 06:25:11
My Email:spunky695@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
This site was a lot better when people answered question dontcha think?? I've asked the same question at least half a dozen times in the last to months so I'll make it blunt. Does goat milk, tea tree oil, olive oil, coconut oil ar aloe hurt or help the s in?? I am currently using all of them but I'm afraid that accutane is "pushing" them back out. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also.. what about azelex and mederma?? I need to get rid of all these red marks. thanks.. and sorry for sounding rude or mean.. I"m just really confused

kylie - 09/26/99 03:07:09
My Email:crazy@diesel.net.au
Age: 23

Comments:
I have been suffering from acne for about 6 months now and believe that it initiated from stress. It also seemed to start around the same time that I started having Glycolic fruit acid peels purely to stop any oilness on my t-zone, I had never had a pimpl in my life before this. Has anyone else found this? I have been taking Vibra Tabs prescribed by my GP for about 2 months but they haven't helped at all. Last week I decided that maybe a natural tablet may help to boost the antibiotics and discovered Tis ue Salts. I started them last Tuesday and by Thursday nearly all of the acne on my jawline was gone and I haven't had any soreness since. My skin therapist told me that the glycolic peels probably brought out the acne a lot quicker than it would have appe red on it's own, but I stopped having them 2 wks ago but it was just too painful. I'm so worried that my acne is only subsiding b/c I have stopped the facials and could start breaking out again at any time. I am now considering roaccutane but b/c my acne s mild I'm worried it will make it a lot worse, and I couldn't stand that. Can anyone suggest what they think I should do!!

vishala - 09/25/99 21:16:46
My Email:vishala@bu.edu
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
well, i have to say this site has been a great source of information and support, but unfortunately, after 4 months on accutane, i am giving up. my acne was never really THAT bad. i would only break out during my period mostly, but i would get those cysti ones so that's why my dermotologist recommended the accutane. anyways, the reason i'm giving up is that i can't tolerate the side effects anymore. they're doing worse for my self-esteem than the acne ever did. my hair is just falling out like crazy, and t was already thin to begin with. i've been falling into depressive episodes much too frequently, and i know a lot of people say that St. John's Wort helps and all, but still, it's all just too much. i'm thinking that perhaps i may try the treatment again sometime in the future. but i think i'll just go back to my benzamycin or something. my skin was a lot softer before the accutane. i have a question. for those who are off the medication now, how long does it take for the dryness to subside? and if anyone else has experienced hair loss during their treatment, does that subside as well? and if so, how long did it take for things to go somewhat back to normal?

Stuart Walker - 09/25/99 21:11:23
My Email:squiggly@tinyonline.co.uk
Gender: Male
Age: 24

Comments:
Hello. Great website. It was very interesting to read some of the stories of peoples experiences with acne, because communication is the one thing that us guys aren't good at (the face to face bit anyway). My acne started at about 13 and my roaccutane treatment at 21. Between that time it was a long succession of lower grade antibiotics like oxytetracycline minocycline. My GP would always say something like "We'll put you on this treatment for six weeks and see how you go" and you knew that one thing it wouldn't do was GO. I suffered the cystic type - vulagris graduating to a viscious type of rosacea. It didn't come in waves or anything like that - it just progressively worsened. In attempting to spare you the sub story, I will share my memory of pre- roaccutane times. Mainly it's things that a lot of you will be familiar with, like blood soaking through my shirt everytime someone put their hand on my shoulder or on my back, or of the horror in the mirror, or of the reflection caught in a window, or of not moving my mouth too much for fear of one busting......you get the picture. I've done the roaccutane thing, and they're gone. The scars are there of course but those I can handle. I'm hoping that I can get away with the acne-scarred-but-distinguished look of Tommy Lee Jones or something. But I will say this - if you take it stay on top of things. Don't get complacent. I started socialising and going out regularly during my treatment, but became quite ill because of the beating my system was already getting. So PLEASE BE CAREFUL WITH IT. 
Amy - 09/25/99 19:28:49
My Email:aimee_69@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 18

Comments:
I have been taking accutane for about 3 months now... My acne has improved, but I still the odd zit. The thing that is killing me is all the side effects! My lips are like sand paper, and the corners of my mouth are still cracked. Does anyone know if thi lasts the entire time you take accutane? As well, I had a really sore arm and back, and the odd nose bleed! The prices we have to pay for clear skin. Ah well, accutane all the way!

Ryan - 09/25/99 18:19:18
My Email:zoommail@island.net
Age: 17

Comments:
I'd like to share my 3 months into accutane with everybody. well my acne is gone, my face is smooth as a babies butt. unfortunately, my face still has red spots from past break outs which i hope will heal. im happy to say acne isnt a worry for me anymore (at least at the momemnt) so i pray that the acne never returns. Although, now that im through with the spots, i now have tons of little "pit" scars. no big huge ass deep ones, just tiny pinhead holes. Are these scars or are they gonna go away? does anyon know of a treatment for "hole" scars? not red spot kind of scars. just the pit ones. (just to keep it clear) that is really my only concern now. If your still young, and have just gotten acne, GO ON ACCUTANE!!!! DONT WASTE ANOTHER SECOND WITH IT! GO NOW EFORE YOU GET SCARS LIKE ME AND TONS OF OTHER PEOPLE!! I ONLY WISH I WENT ON IT AT 14 INSTEAD OF 3 MONTHS AGO!!! PLEASE! DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR! thanks! -ryan

Rebecca - 09/25/99 17:28:15
My Email:yeuxbleus_ria@yahoo.com
Gender: Female
Age: 24

Comments:
Wow. I had no clue how many (I STILL don't know) other people could possibly be going through the same thing I am. Unbelievable. Well, my story is a long one so I'll shorten it up as much as possible. I began my "acne career" when I was 13 years old. Mi dle school for 'Rice Cakes'! I was the only one I knew how had it as bad as I did. I was teased, taunted and downright ignored. How devastating is that?! I had my first Derm. visit the day after my 14th birthday. That was 10 years ago --it never got bett r. I honestly believe I've been given up on. I've tried EVERYTHING from pills to topical creams to face washes to diet change to massage and pshychological therapy to infomercial "miracles". The ONLY thing I haven't tried is Accutane. My Derm. flat out r fuses to prescribe it to me. There's always some reason. I'm too young, I'm too old, and now I'm in my "child bearing years". HA! I done did that...aint goin' there again (PS: there was NO change when I was pregnant)! Will this EVER end? I have cystic a ne - on my face, neck and chest. I've just about given up hope...any more suggestions? And I just want to thank the webmaster for putting this all out in the open. Thanks!

- 09/25/99 15:48:05

Comments:
I believe the answer to eradicate acne altogether is genetic engineering, the scientific community have almost mapped the entire human genome. Is there an acne gene? It's very possible that there is such a gene. It is feasible that when the gene is identi ied a suitable cure can be found to turn off this gene safely or perhaps another answer for genetically curing acne is in the gene for healthy skin or the gene that regulates the sebaeous glands for particular parts of the body . Mapping the body's genes s one step the other is to use the information to produce treatments or cures, finding the right treatments or cures could take years. Commercially I would say that it is in the best interests of companies to find a totally safe cure for acne the company ould stand to make millions probably billions if they could patent and release a safe cure or successful treatment for acne . I really don't know if anyone is actually looking into a genetic based cure for acne, I hope someone is or will be soon. From rep rts I have seen and read when a particular gene is identified it could take up to ten years to develop a treatment! At the moment Roaccutane seems to be an answer for some of us unfortunate acne sufferers. I don't believe that totally drying out/turning o f the sebaceous glands is the answer for many of us. Sebum is produced for a reason some people with acne produce too much sebum which is a contributory factor for many types of acne. Other factors are the bacteria that feed off the sebum and blocked por s from not being able to shed dead skin cells efficiently. To combat all of these problems safely a genetic cure is the answer. I still read that nobody knows how Roaccutane actually works there is only a rough idea, this is unacceptable for such a potent ally dangerous drug. I have also read that Roaccutane was developed as a cancer drug. Synthetic Vitamin A antioxidant to help neutralise cell damaging free radicals. If Roaccutane has worked for you then great but I think it is a questionable treatment for acne

Daniel - 09/25/99 14:40:12
My Email:l_daniel@hotmail.com
Gender: Male
Age: 19

Comments:
Hi again! Well, I'm down to my last box of Roaccutane now. I had actually wanted to take more since I'm still active but my dermatologist strongly advises against it. Anyway, so what's after Roaccutane? Does anyone know how likely or unlikely it is that I have been "cured"? Also, some advice on fading those red marks would be great. Thanks.

- 09/25/99 11:11:26

Comments:
We're able to send man to the moon, genetically engineer animals, split atoms, and make babies in a test tube - and here is something like acne, a skin condition, that is ruining the lives of sooo many people and the best we can come up with is damn Accut ne. Who cares about space exploration! Is Accutane the best that can be done in this world of scientific miracles? When will we have a cure? I know it can be done- I mean, we can reverse menopause for God's sake! When will we have a cure??

Greg - 09/25/99 03:43:50
My Email:4stinsons@primary.net
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
well..i just started my second week of roacc. and i can chalk another side effect to the list.. my back.. especially the lower part is really sore.. aftre my hockeygame..my whole body ached... but i got a massage from my g/f and boy that helped.. my acne is doing a ton better already, no more big clu ters of nasties and no more deep cystic things have really popped up.. i am getting the stuff to spread itself out..and that looks alot better than a fat puss lump of 30 zits. agree? the lip dryness is kinda cool.. feels like sandpaper for lips.. it kinda cracked at the sides..but thats ok.. its getting cold so everyone at school has chapped lips. Whoever mentioned Elizabeth Arden 8 hour creme was right.. its 12 bux for a little thing..but damn it lasts alot longer than vaseline. well keep your heads up a d think how beautiful we all will be when were done with this medication! cheers

Dave - 09/25/99 01:56:18
My Email:Davesmiggy@aol.co.uk
Gender: male
Age: 36

Comments:
I have suffered from acne of the worst kind for 20 years This is a severe form of cystic acne, which causes huge infected boils on my face, neck, chest and back. I have tried everything, including surgery, to no avail. Roaccutane was my best hope, and app ared to be working but after 3 months of a high dose (150mg) my triglycerides and liver functions went sky high. My dose was reduced to 60mg but I suffered liver damage and a corneal opacity to the left eye which was extremely painfull and has left me wit defective vision. I successfully sued the health authority and was awarded damages. I am currently seeing a professor of dermatology and experimenting with new treatments such as pulse steroids and surgery, but still I suffer. This curse has destroyed my life, I tell myself next year it will have gone, next christmas will be a good one, next holiday I will go swimming and sunbathe on the beach, but next year comes and another year of my life has been lost. Even if some miracle cure is found I am left scar ed and disfiguered and an old man with thoughts of what might have been, if only,,,

G - 09/25/99 01:18:15
Gender: male
Age: 15

Comments:
I never imagined a site like this existed and I was so happy when I found it it is good to know that there are some people that know what I am going through. I first started getting pimples about 2 years ago, they started so small and unnoticable and just gradually crept up on me and before long I was the resident pizza face. After trying every one of those crappy, useless supermarket creams and lotions (utter waste of money)my docter prescribed me Retin-A. It slowed my acne down but was never a real help. Around this time horrible acne started erupting all around my chest and shoulders, and got worse and worse and worse. Since that time the only person that has seen me without my shirt on has been my dermotologist. I was soon prescibed Minomycin (minocycli e) but that had the side effect of giving me terribly intense migranes. My doctor said that that wasn't too uncommon (has anyone else had this side effect?) and he put me onto a different Tetracycline, Doxycycline. In Australia Doxycycline is called Vibra Tabs, I don't know what it's called in other places. The Vibra Tabs (on a very, very, VERY high dose) worked miracles. The acne on my face pretty much cleared up although the acne on my body stayed (although it didn't get worse). My life picked up in a bi way, and I was at last able to function as a normal human. I was glad that I didn't need Roaccutane. I had heard about it being a miracle drug and I had asked my doctor to prescibe it to me but he said that it was something that should ONLY EVER be used s a last resort and then told me a whole lot of horror stories which scared me right off, and after reading some of these posts I can see that they are true. Soon however my face started to get worse again and about 4 months ago my cheeks exploded with massive grotesque and painful cystic acne. I was a complete mess. I avoided everyone that I possible could, because whenever anyone saw me, they couldn't take t eir eyes off my hideous cheeks. I had to take so much crap from all the a'holes at school and I nearly got suspended after smashing one of them in their prettyboy little face after they pushed me over the edge with their remarks. Then I started getting cy ts on my chest and ENORMOUS ones on my back. Leaning my back against any surface hurt a lot. I went back on an ultra-high dose of Doxycycline and it did nothing except give me another 2 months of misery while I hoped it would all end. When I FINALLY managed to get an appointment with one of the best dermatologists in Brisbane I knew that I didn't care about the side-effects, the horror stories and the like, I needed this drug! I had been doing a lot of research and I knew that if this idn't work nothing would. She told me that with cystic acne like mine prescibing Roaccutane strait away would give me the worst initial breakout imaginable and it was her policy to avoid that by putting all her patients that wanted Roaccutane on a 2 month course of the mother of all antibiotics and overlapping that with Roaccutane for the following month (has anyone else avoided the intial outbreak by overlapping treatment with antibiotics?). The antibiotic is called Bactrim in Australia, I doubt it's call d the same thing elsewhere but it is made up of Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim. Anyway I was on that for 2 more months while I eagerly awaited going on Roaccutane. During this time the Bactrim smoothed out the cysts on my face (but my body remained very bad) and my face looked a little less gross. I started Roaccutane 3 days ago after a blood test. I'm staying on Bactrim for another month to avoid this 'horrible outbreak'. I know this is a dangerous drug but I am only using it as a last resort and I don't think you should use it just because one da you wake up with a few blackheads on your face. Having a good dermatologist is very important. I had severe acne and I'm on a dose of 20mg for one week which will be upped to 40mg. I've heard of people with mild acne go on twice this much and these are u ually the horror stories, because Roaccutane will make mild acne worse. Anyway I have a little hope now, I've heard some good things and I hope my life improves and I hope yours does too. That was a long post but I guess sometimes it's good to talk about our problems and I'm so happy that there is this great site to let us all do that. Thanks.

Kathy - 09/25/99 00:21:37
Gender: female
Age: 48

Comments:
Just had to quickly tell all you out there that the low-fat diet does seem to do the trick with the triglycerides...at least with my son. His blood test returned (fasting) with his triglyceride level at 240 as opposed to 670 before the diet. The doctor aid he could have some red meat maybe twice a week but to continue to watch his fat. He has also discovered a soap that he really, really likes called Basis for sensitive skin. Cetaphil broke him out for some reason and the Dove quit doing the trick too but the Basis seems to really help dry the pimples up quickly and helps with the redness a lot!! I really enjoy this site! It really is informative! Everyone hang in there.

german gonzalez - 09/24/99 23:08:15
My Email:alemania_ncc@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 20

Comments:
i would like you to e mail i want to ask you a question about accutena please e mail me sorry that i send this three time please e mail me

german gonzalez - 09/24/99 23:07:20
My Email:alemania_ncc
Gender: male
Age: 20

Comments:
i would like you to e mail i want to ask you a question about accutena please e mail me

german gonzalez - 09/24/99 23:06:08
My Email:alemania_ncc
Gender: male
Age: 20

Comments:

Becky Dielen - 09/24/99 22:05:08
Gender: Female
Age: 20

Comments:
I to have used accutane and it was complete hell the first four months. My acne got worse then it ever was. Then after the sixth month it all went away. It took me two years to find a doctor who would give it to me because it could be a dangerous drug. Know its been two years since I've beenoff it, and I still get some pimples now and then but for anyone who has bad acne, this is your miracle pill.

please help - 09/24/99 19:31:51
My Email:spunky695@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
I really need a point of advice. I have two soaps that I am looking at. One is cetaphil (I'm sure you al know what that is). But the other is this stuff called greenlee's power wash for acne. I used to use it all of my 11th grade year and hardly ever ot 1 pimple. I went to my mom's house in june and I started to get a few so I quit using the stuff. To make a long story short.. I've been on and off it now for almost 2 or 3 months... and now that I'm on accutane I want to use cetaphil since everyon loves it.. but it seems to make me break out. this greenlee soap has goat's milk, olive oilo, coconut oil, tea tree and citrus oils. Does anyone know anything about olive oil.. I heard it helped. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.. I"m confu ed and VERY stressed over which soap to use. email me or my aol SN is pulley831.. my # is (407)696-6512.. I need help.. bad.

Dave - 09/24/99 19:22:56
My Email:the@krackon.freeserve.co.uk
Gender: male
Age: 28

Comments:
Seen my dermo for the second time, my tryglycerides are up, but he says cut out fatty food. I had my bloodtest after the weekend, and I have to confess my weekend diet would make a nutritionist shudder - Mcdonalds Breakfasts, pizzas, party nibbles etc et , I wonder if this is more than coincidence. During working days its salad sarnies and more veg. Anyhow I have a further bloodtest in 4 weeks so I'll let you know. My face is clear today, in the 10-15 day period I had a minor breakout but that has gone and I have some minor raised bumbs under the surface. I am on 75 doseage and weight 82 kilos so it is lower than recommended. To they guys who posted the Roaccutane Action Group information. The guy I work with could die if he ate a peanut. There will always be cases where adverse reactions occur. Many people have an allergy to penicllin. I looked at your site and indeed I t ink research must be made into Roaccutane, I certainly would encourage anyone worried about its effects to talk to someone. I do not think persuing Roche or trying to unlicence the drug is productive. For a lot of people, myseef included (I am on my sec nd course in 5 years), roaccutane provides hope and a future. Depression is part and parcel of an acne sufferers life. Roaccutane does worsen acne to start with - so did Erythromycin for me - my cheeks looked like a pizza until Erythromycin kicked in, but even then I had to go onto Ro-ac to clear the acne, from wh ch I remained free until March 1996, after that I started on Zineryt a topical zinc application. Hang in there everyone. Lets look at the positives, a lot of people are depressed already! :-))

Jake - 09/24/99 18:41:21
My Email:dubldown22@aol.com
Gender: male
Age: 23

Comments:
I just got back from the derm and he prescribed me differin and minocycline. I am trying to get on accutane but this guy just don't know. So for now I am stuck with these 2. Has ne1 used differin or minocycline and what were the results? Thanks for any info and hang in there.

Emily - 09/24/99 16:39:58
My Email:starrbuck@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 16

Comments:
Well I'm on my third month of treatment now. I am getting less pimples now but I have red pucker marks where I had pimples in the last few weeks. But they are only suface marks and come off when the top layer of my skin dries out. I am getting more bla kheads though... ugh. And I'm losing more hair than usual. But I am a natural blond so I do have a lot of it so I'm not too worried. Anyways, I'm going to the doctor today so wish me luck, all! I forgot to get my second blood test... he gave me the she t last month to keep until this month- oops! Oh well, I don't have high triglycerides anyways so it doesn't matter. I am waiting for that 'magic moment' when my skin starts to look good though. It has lots of red marks right now. But I still have hop it will work!

- 09/24/99 10:51:33
Gender: male
Age: 18

Comments:
I have mild acne at the moment.Ive been on minomycin nad differin gel for almost a year and although im not too bad while im on it every time i try to get off it i have a major breakout. I know the side effects off roaccutane but the only one im worried a out is hair loss. has anyone actually experienced any hair loss especially people who have a history of baldness in their family.

Louise - 09/24/99 10:34:00
Gender: Female
Age: 28

Comments:
Thanks Pam and Kelly for your comments on elevated triglycerides. I went for another fasting blood test on Wednesday and await the results. I was also asked to cut out cheese/red meat and milk (I was drinking nearly a pint a day). My dose will have to be reduced if the same or higher which is a shame! Best Wishes Louise

kelly - 09/24/99 06:23:55
Gender: female
Age: 23

Comments:
Hey all. DAN: So, yo've been on Accutane for a week and a half? How are you feeling? I must tell you, my skin hasn't looked this good in over a year. I have a lot of red marks on my face, but I only have one zit! And it's little! All the rest are sc rs. I've been on it for 7 weeks now. I'm at 60mg. I just had a blood test, and my triglycerides were elavated, but my doctor said I shouldn't be concerned. Someone at work today told me my skin looked radiant! Oh my God! Yes, my lips are very dry. y cheeks are still flaking a bit and my back aches. But the improvement was sudden and delightful. I did get worse (slightly) for about five weeks, and then everything cleared up. I'm enjoying my skin right now and I'm very thankful for the change, but I'm also trying to be cautious. I'm not even close to being done with treatment, so I don't know if this "clearing" will stay with me. Also, this is a serious drug, obviously. Another great thing...I used to have visible pores on my nose, like little b ack dots all over the place. Not any more. They're gone. I hope things are going well for everyone. My thoughts are with you all. Take care. let me know how you're doing DAN.

RM - 09/24/99 05:24:57
Gender: male
Age: 23

Comments:
TO "SPUNKY" Take a long hard look at yourself ! I can't say I know what you are going through, but I can tell you I think I know where you're at.Three years ago I had a drug addiction, lost the love of my life and was going now where fast. I was at my low st point. I was Mr. Socialite, Mr. popular and had the best, beautiful girlfriend, good job, but I lost it all. I felt that I was 21 and my life was over, I had my chance and blew it. Then for some reason I decide to help myself, I admitted I was sick an wanted to get better. After stoppoing the drugs things got worse I got depressed and felt useless and ulgy. I was also suffering (and still do) from persistant mild acne. I had thoughts like you do! However I found the strenght not to give up, I wasn't oing to give up, I started to get my body and mind healthy, going to the gym, learning to meditate. Well to cut it short, I am so glad I went on. I have a great girlfriend now, a great job, and although I still have the acne, i am happy. It stills gets me down but I have proved to myself that it is who I am that is attractive and untill you can respect yourself you wont be happy. What I am trying to say is don't give up. Concentrate and working on the way you see yourself, not the way others see you. stick in there, make an effort. It will be the BIGEST and HARDEST challenge of your life. It will take a while, but you have nothing too lose. I could not just read your post and ignore it. If you are serious about this please talk to someone that can help you. You wont reget it. Some people dont get much of a chance at life, you do, don't waste it. I an still working at it but I know I am doing all I can to get what I want. I am happy about my body from goin to the gym, my mind is stable and working overtime on great ideas, and I have started on Roacc. to finish my overhaulgh! I really hope you can get it together, stick in there.

Ron Nicholls - 09/23/99 23:07:18
My Email:nichollsron@yahoo.com
Gender: male

Comments:
I was unable to access the guestbook for the past three weeks. During that time many postings were made to guestbook. Would those who were unable to access 'guestbook,, and those who did gain access to the guestbook ' in past three weeks, please make cont ct with me. Could not understand how more than 25 other people could not access guestbook in past three weeks, while several messages were recorded each day on it. Ron Nicholls

- 09/23/99 22:59:28

Comments:
testing

samantha Murphy - 09/23/99 20:57:19
My Email:Sam,Murphy@bt.com
Gender: femail
Age: 32

Comments:
Hi its a curse !!!!I have had acne in varing degrees since i was 15 (im sure you get less for manslauter !!!). Ive tried evrything,antibiotics (consequence of was less acne but a baby at 19!!!!)..topical applications the lot...I must have spent thousands on very treatment known..and yet here i am misserable as sin and spotty. Every time i get a bad flare up i kid myself that this will be the last one. I recon that i am the vainest person in the world....good job i am clever with makeup..its amazing what you can do. I have quite a high powered and pubilc job...i am very awear that i must "look as good as possible". When my doctor suggested THE DRUG i was filled with hope.... he then went on to describe the "horrific" side effects. Red face dry cracked lips nose bleed score joints hair loss..well i went away with my prescription and never took it. I would have to take it for 3 months he said and even then there was no promices that it would clear up or not come back.....i simply could not stand it...no matter how desp rate.!!!. In despration i tried Chinese medication...oh my god..i came away with 3 carrier bags full of "stuff".... trees ..whole forests...dried things...dead things im sure...then you boil them up in water..the smell..well i cannot describe it but for the 20 mins while it boiled away im sure the neighbours must of thought that something had died and was rotting away..you then drink the liquid....the taste ..well i think something had died and was rotting away and i was drinking it...all of this however cleared my ack completely and its still clear over a year later..did nothing for the face though and it cost me over £25 per week.!!!! One thing that i wonder about ...does acne allways mean greasy skin..i have to say that i do not concider my skin greasy really. Any way keep up the good work..i dont know if anyone out there can offer me any help but its nice and please don,t take this the wrong way its nice to know that i am not alone. Anyway im off to the doctors tommorrow (ive left them alone for over a year now !!) as i have a really bad flare up that will not budge...oh and by the way every flare up i have is different to the last ??? If i win the lottery i am going to give loads of dosh to someone that can help us....we can cure cancer (well nearly) and i am not for one moment saying that his is more important but surely there must be someone out there that can help us without the hor iffic side effects. Take care everybody...as my mom constantly tells me having spots is charecter building..work that one out.

jane - 09/23/99 19:48:29
My Email:hartlebury@hartleburyj.freeserve.co.uk
Gender: female
Age: 35yrs

Comments:
After 20 yrs of suffering from mild/moderate acne I have been placed on 25mg of isotretinonin for 1wk out of three for three months. I 've just finished my first week on and I'm on day 6 of my first week off. The spots on my chest and back have nearly com letely disappeared but I have several very sore 'deep' spots on either side of my chin and round my nose that are more like boils that previously I've rarely suffered from - I'm having to take asprin they are that sore! The rest of my skin is clear and my neck is clearing too. I consume a healthy diet and drink mainly warm water - no pork,chocolate,fizzy drinks,citrus fruits, little red meat lots of pasta. I'm considering going to a nutritionist to see if any of the food I do eat cause me any problem - my ody may not be able to cope with wheat for example. YES! The dry lips - what a mess! I'm going to try some of the suggestions I've read about. The guy with Gilberts syndrome - my bilirubin level is slightly raised and I read an article on Roaccutane & Gil erts from www.healthy.net searching for Gilberts syndrome. I'm going to be positive about this drug and be aware of the life benefits it will bring to me! Is anyone else on my doses (I'm about 49kg). Does anyone have these boil like eruptions and what has happened? Love to share this experience - its a great help reading eveyones messages! Cheers

Pam - 09/23/99 19:13:45
Gender: Female
Age: 32

Comments:
Hi Louise...I have had elevated triglycerides throughout treatment...and have managed this by lowering my dose and taking additional medication...knowing your family history is important when assessing the risks...I have a strong family history of heart d sease...so I needed to take the whole thing seriously...although a diet low in animal fats is an important part of treatment...there is a difference between blood cholesterol and dietary cholesterol...(I won't write an essay here about it!)...unfortunatel some people can't lower their triglycerides with diet alone...and need to take medication...all that said...a certain amount of elevation during treatment with Roaccutane is quite common...and probably isn't too serious if (a)your levels were normal pri r to treatment (b)you don't have a family history of heart disease and (c) your levels spontaneously return to normal when you finish treatment with Roaccutane...if you're really concerned about it...have a chat to your G.P. best of luck...

Sian Cassidy - 09/23/99 18:30:18
My Email:tear100@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 18

Comments:
First I would like to thanX everybody for they great support, although I have never posted anything on this page before I read it often and has help me loads. One thing I never seen posted (or near never) is a problem I'm facing. I'm not sure if the cause is accutane so I would like to hear from anybody who experienced this: I've have the dry skin and lip, haven't we all, but my skin all over my body (esp. my arms) is itching like mad. I use a good moisturing cream (Nivea soft) but has not help it. Also my skin again esp. on my arms if very fragile I only need to scratch or rub it and it starts bleeding really easily. My arms are covered in scabs which are taking ages to heal. Any ideas's anybody? Another question I'm on 50mg a day (& started 3wk's and 1 day ago). Correct me if i'm wrong but I think most take 1mg for each 1kg they weigh. The question is when I was first got accutane from my Dermo I weighed 52.8kg, I've lost a bit of weight and no weigh 49kg (ish). I wonder if this is still a safe amount to take as I don't see me Dermo for another 5 wk's and I'm bound to loss more weight by then? Again any idea's welcome. Oh, last question I promise, can somebody say something which I can use on my dry lips, i've so far found nothing which works for me (note I must be able to buy whatever in the UK)? ThanX. Hope everybody is still fighting on and remember thing can only get better (as said by that very important person, the name has sliped my memory). Love you and leave you, Sian.

Eileen - 09/23/99 18:00:12
My Email:Bufordds@aol.com
Gender: female
Age: 37

Comments:
My twelve year old daughter (5'7" 135lbs) was prescribed accutane in 1997. Within 7 weeks she was in renal failure, suffered multiple strokes (pseudotumor cerebri) required a craniotomy to relieve the pressure off her brainstem, and required one year of hemo therapy to aid in the kidney disease. She displayed minimal normal side effects while taking the accutane such as dry lips and skin. Otherwise all appeared normal. It was in reality, anything but normal. More than two years have passed, lots of research by many including the specialist that treated her and it seems there is an auto immune marker that many people carry (a genetic marker same as freckles are a genetic marker)that can be triggered by systemi drugs such as accutane. I have read many of the letters on this site and am glad for those that have had positive results from accutane. My concern is for those people that have an unknown genetic marker such as lupus and risk their life unknowingly. Accutane is a VERY DANGEROUS DRUG!!! Please e-mail me if you have had any of the "rare" side effects from accutane. Thanks!

Rachel - 09/23/99 14:31:29
Gender: Female
Age: 21

Comments:
Hi everyone, Well i actually posted a few months ago, and have now been on my second round of roaccutane (after a break of about 1&1/2 years) for about 5 weeks. I'm on 40mgs a day. So i'm hoping it will work! Has anybody experienced cracked corners of their mouth? Have people been getting quite dry scalps while on this drug? I have a question for the FEMALES: while you are on roaccutane have you ever skipped one of your periods or two? Because this is what happened to me, so whats going on?? Thanks guys, and all the best to everyone!

Kathy - 09/23/99 13:42:22
Gender: female
Age: 48

Comments:
Louise: My son also had high triglycerides on his second blood test.. In fact, they went from the 200s to 670!!! The doctor told him to only eat fish or chicken...no red meat until we could retest with a fasting specimen. He went yesterday and had his blood test done and will get the results today. Hopefully, they will have lowered. From what I understand, triglycerides usually become affected by the Accutane at around the four weeks after start of treatment and should be retested with a fasting spec men. A fatty meal 24 hours prior to a test can really give inaccurate readings. Of course, we will continue to try to lower all fat intake for the whole family to accommodate my son while he is on the Accutane. Someone else who has written in to this s te many times prior had the same problem. You should compare notes with her and see how she dealt with it. Or better yet, share it with us too. =) Spunky: It makes me sad that you are at such a low point! I haven't had to take Accutane of course sin e I am long since past the acne stage... BUT, I do know from firsthand experience with my nephew that it can affect people that way, particularly it seems with younger people like yourself. Don't let it win! You're only 17 years old with lots and lots o life ahead of you and no doubt, lots and lots of good things in store for you! This is a passing phase and in time, you'll look back and just consider it to be one of those down-times that we all experience in our lives. Don't just share your feelings ith us here at this site. Let someone else know how you feel...your doctor, a good friend, family or whomever you feel very close to. My son who is taking Accutane now had very little trouble with acne in high school until his senior year. He also play d baseball and was a very good pitcher and had a wonderful social life...very well-rounded. Now, he has to deal with acne and hates it! But, he is determined to get through this and get back on track...back to where he was before. Someone mentioned tak ng St. John's wort for the down-moods and apparently it does work for most people. Why not give it a try?! If your depression doesn't improve, then please don't hesitate to let someone know who is close to you. I'm sure your doctor can counsel you abou your depression and come up with a solution. Keep your chin up and remember you're still that homecoming king... that hasn't changed...still the same person there and I doubt very seriously that you were picked for that honor because you didn't have pim les! I don't think that is a pre-requisite... :-) You may have very well gotten the vote just because of who you are... Good luck to all!

Louise - 09/23/99 09:31:50
Gender: Female
Age: 28

Comments:
I have now been on Roaccutane 8 weeks and my skin is really clearing up now. Apparently the red marks left from the spots will gradually fade (alot more when off roaccutane) - but it may take up to 6 months or so! I have not really had alot of side effects but went for blood test recently and my triglycerides are up slightly, so I've had to have another blood test and if they are still up my dosage will have to brought down to 30mg (been on 60mg for 8 weeks). I am worried although my Dermo has said it is nothing to worry about. I have not had any alcohol and have been eating really healthy since I have been on it, which makes it really annoying. Has anyone else had this?

Pam - 09/23/99 08:20:47
Gender: Female
Age: 32

Comments:
Hi Shari...scarring was also a major concern for me...luckily by the time I went and saw a derm. I had already tried all the conventional therapies (with absolutely no improvement whatsoever) so she put me straight on Roaccutane...as far as I know there a e some pretty rigid guidelines around prescribing this drug...you need to have tried everything else first...if your current derm won't prescribe roaccutane then perhaps you might want to find another derm who treats acne a little more aggressively...best of luck...

spunky - 09/23/99 06:43:20
My Email:spunky695@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
I'm moody I'm grumpy I don't know what to do I wanna die I wanna cry I just want things back the way they used to it seems no more and no less there is no 2nd chance accutane is the very final dance for if this does not work my life will be over soon I even though of ending it sunday afternoon i don't know why this happened to me last year I was our homecoming king i'd rather die a hundred times then be plagued with this disease life just seems so worthless so help me if u please i want amber back i want to look her in the eyes and just tell her I'm sorry for all those stupid lies this drug is a killer I don't know what to do 6 weeks on this and I've never felt so sad at this point shouldn't I be glad?? I dropped out of school quit the baseball team and lost the infamous spunky gleam in my eyes what they used to be a beautiful green with a slight hint of brown is now black and sadness and no hope to be found life is slowly ending it feels good I must say I just want this to end I might end it today

Keith - 09/23/99 04:45:41
Gender: male
Age: 33

Comments:
howdy all... just want to touch base for now. After 3 1/2 months on 40mg/day, I am finally in the clear. Face still hasn't really broken out since the second month and the back has been given the thumbs up by my derm (no breakouts in the last month and old remnants ar healing quite well) so I have only 2 or so more weeks left on RoA. The only side effect that still niggles me is the red dry face...the sore joints seemed to have disappeared after the 2nd month. Dry-ness on and off all over but not too bothersome otherw se. I have been tempted to drop my daily dose to 20mg and finish out on that to kind of avoid a big stop at the end. Anyone ever have luck with dropping dose to non-abruptly finish out their treatment?

Matt - 09/23/99 00:29:10
My Email:Wood226@aol.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
I was just wondering if accutane reduces or increases scarring, because my dad told me that the longer the red marks stay on your face the worse they scar. If anyone knows anything about this please E-mail me or post some info. THANKS.

Jamie - 09/23/99 00:19:10
My Email:jelly1408@aol.com
Gender: female
Age: 16

Comments:
I have a question: My dermo told me that I would be off the medicine in 2 months (at least, that's what I think he said). The thing is, he was very vague about it. What happens after you stop talking Accutane? Does the acne just come back like before, or oes some permanent change take place?

Shari' - 09/22/99 20:44:37
My Email:separks@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 26

Comments:
It's great to read through this site. I've had acne since a pre-teen; now on minocycline and topical treatment that aren't doing anything! Discussed Accutane with my Derm but he's very apprehensive about the drug and has insisted to try different antibiot cs first. I'm very aware of all side effects, etc. but would like to hear from other people of color who've tried the treatment of accutane. Before use of antibiotics I had severe cystic acne and terrible scarring. I still have scarring of any pimple that I get. Now I'm dealing with scars from new pimples and previous scarring! I've tried cocoa butter and lemon juice to give my skin a more even tone and fade the darker marks but I'm not consistant with either. By the way, my next derm appointment I will le my doctor know that I want to start Accutane treatment. I think that it would lessen my acne so I can at least let my skin heal from old scars and give me a somewhat of a 'fresh' start. I'd appreciate anyone insight who's been on Accutane that has had si ilar concerns.

Silly Ho - 09/22/99 19:16:31
My Email:sillyho57@hotmail.com
Age: 20

Comments:
I just wanted to know what the little red bumps on my cheek are, they've been there for like a year and even with accutane it hasn't gone away yet, it's very irritating. Any suggestions? Oh and this site is great, lots of support from everyone!

Travis Burke1 - 09/22/99 17:54:15
My URL:http://www.oocities.org/broadway/alley/9487
My Email:travisburke@hotmail.com
Gender: Male
Age: 16

Comments:
I have just started the 50mg treatment on Roche last Monday. I found this page when my doctor told me to look up on the stuff and I tell you it is potent stuff. I have only been on this stuff one week out of my six week treatment and boy my face is cleari g up but my lips are so dry. I have used over 2 containers of chap stick in the first week. Other than that since it is a new drug in Canada it cost a fortune. I still have have five more weeks to go. I do not know what I am going to do. Oh and the depres on thing. It is sort of accurate. I usually am a very assertive person but the past week I have been feeling very low in self confidence. Like as if I am the only one. For anyone else I highly recomend skin mosturiser for your face. But the lips, I still can't find anything that works. So if anyone out there has any suggestion please e-mail me and let me know. Still Hanging in There Travis Burke

Missy - 09/22/99 17:26:45
Gender: Female
Age: 25

Comments:
I am about to finish a 5-and-a-half month treatment of 80 mg (on 140 lb weight). Accutane is the only thing that has provided improvement and relief for my moderate acne with included some cysts. Side effects were typical: dry skin and lips, some rednes , and some sore joints. However, it's also not a miracle drug. Although I've experienced marked improvement and hope to continue improving after I go off the drug, I still feel more comfortable wearing makeup. While on Accutane, I did not change my lif style, and was fine. I was in the sun, I drank alcohol, I exercised, had my hair highlighted, etc. etc. It really isn't the super-scary drug that many make it out to be. One bit of advice: taking the dietary supplement SAM-e (made by NatureMade and ava lable in health-food stores) helps aching joints tremendously. I only recently discovered it, and wish I had earlier. Does anyone know how long after going off Accutane one must wait before undergoing electrolysis hair removal and/or hair waxing? I'm a xious to get back to some of my personal beauty regiments. Also, how long did it take most of you for the redness to subside after going off Accutane? Good luck to all.

Dan - 09/22/99 16:29:18
My Email:d_lahmann@hotmail.com
Gender: Male
Age: 29

Comments:
JAMIE: What is happening to you means that the medicine is working, and fast. So that's a good sign. I believe that the faster it works, the sooner you're through. So hang tight! I'm 29 years old and weigh 185lbs. and I started on 90MG/day, so the dosage epends on your weight, age, and also severity of problem. My acne was mild so I think it's a mild dosage. Make sure you get blood tests for your liver every month and re-check with your doctor about the dosage size. I had a mild brekout on my 6th day and ow seems to be subsiding on my 11th day. Lips, nose and skin are dry but bearable. Take care of yourself and listen to your body!

Jim - 09/22/99 13:48:58
Gender: 18

Comments:
Hey Jill, whats goin on? I'll make this short cuz I gotta go to class. As far as my situation goes, I'm off accutane for 3 and a half weeks now. The oil seemed like it was coming back but now it's actually died down. I had a breakout last week that was really discouraging. But now I only have like two little tiny whiteheads and some red marks left over. I'm pretty confident that it is working cuz it's steadily getting better since I stopped. Hopefully in a week or two I'll be completely clear. But e en if not, hey, you gotta love life. Peace

Victoria - 09/22/99 03:58:11
My Email:Victoriaharpist
Age: 34

Comments:
I have hundreds of blackheads on my face and chest. Please, does anyone know where I can buy a good blackhead remover? Thank

Jamie - 09/22/99 02:16:10
My Email:jelly1408@aol.com
Gender: female
Age: 16

Comments:
I just discovered this website a couple of days ago, and I have to say I'm impressed. It's nice to be able to read about people who have the same problem I do. My dermatologist put me on Accutane a week ago (I'm on 60mg)and so far, the only improvment I'v seen is that the cysts on my cheeks are going down a little. However, I'm suffering from severe dry skin! My lips are literally molting and I've tried everything, including neosporin, vaseline, blistex, etc etc. Also, my muscles are really sore. I was ju t wondering: What is the lowest/highest dosage your doctor can put you on? And how do they know which dosage is the right amount? Can they tell just by looking at your face?

Pam - 09/21/99 21:21:12
Gender: Female
Age: 32

Comments:
(((STACEY))) was very glad to hear that your test results came back O.K. - that's fantastic news!!! Because of raised triglycerides I have been on a relatively low dose...initially 20/mg day...then 20/40mg on alternate days...40/60mg on alternate days (fo four weeks only)then back down to 40...am now in my 8th month and taking 20mg/day...for me the real bonus in taking lower doses over a longer period is that the nasty side-effects are reduced...but my skin looks fantastic (it just took a little longer to get there!)Best of luck with it all...RODRIGO (40) I strongly recommend you seek qualified medical advice about the possible contraindication of Roaccutane with Gilberts disease...

Rodrigo - 09/21/99 20:34:03
My Email:romana@sol.racsa.co.cr
Gender: male
Age: 40

Comments:
I will like to know if there is a contraindication to use accutane in a patient with Gilbert's disease

Dan - 09/21/99 18:20:15
My Email:d_lahmann@hotmail.com
Gender: Male
Age: 29

Comments:
Thanks STACY for the tip. Are you talking about those little antibiotic pads? Look like wet naps? 10th day now and still experiencing mild breakouts and dryness. Hope that is a good thing considering it's working fast and I get the breakout out of the way! I'm looking for sunshine! KELLY: Where are you? Anybody ever take Prednisone in the beginning? If so, how did work out for you?

anna - 09/21/99 15:59:12
Gender: female

Comments:
To Stacey, Am glad to here you are back on Accutane! I was on 20mg a day, too, for seven months. I just finished up a month ago. I had mild acne and it totally cleared up my face. I am thinking now about going back for a second course to clear up my back. I think that taking 20mg for a long period of time can very much do the trick, especially if you stay on it for a long time.

MELINDA - 09/21/99 15:40:28
My URL:http://www.oocities.org/cgi-bin/geoplus_apps/ans_entry
My Email:MELINDACARPENTER@HOTMAIL.COM
Gender: FEMALE
Age: 24

Comments:
HI, I JUST STARTED TAKING ACCUTANE SIX DAYS. I WAS STARTING TO WORRY ABOUT NOT SEEING ANY SIDE EFFECTS YET. HOWEVER, THIS MORNING MY FACE SEEMS TO BE VERY DRY AND MY LIPS ARE STARTING TO CHAP. I'M ACTUALLY PLEASED TO SEE THE SIDE EFFECTS BECAUSE I KNOW THAT T IS MEANS THE MEDICINE IS DOING ITS JOB. I AM WORRY ABOUT THE HAIR LOSS. FROM THE DIFFERENT POSTING THAT I'VE READ, IT SEEMS THAT NOT EVERYONE EXPERIENCES THIS. HOPEFULLY I WILL GET LUCKY. I WISH EVERYONE WELL WITH THEIR TREATMENTS MELINDA

vishala - 09/21/99 15:29:26
My Email:vishala@bu.edu
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
i've been on 20 mg since the beginning of June, and during the last three months i didn't have any major breakouts, maybe like one pimple or something. then in July, I started being a little careless in taking the medication. i'd skip doses and stuff..and that continued on into august. i know it was very stupid of me, i think i just took the drug for granted. well, for a few weeks now, i've been taking the accutane regularly again, and i'm finding that my overall dryness has increased, and i'm definitely l sing some hair. i'm started to get a little depressed at losing hair because my hair was never very thick to begin with. is there anything to do that could lessen the hair loss? it's looking really thin at the moment. and since i just broke out a bit this week (those damned hormones acting up during my period), i talked to my dermotologist about possibly increasing my dose, and he said that i could increase it to 40 mg. my worry is that the hair loss will become even more extreme than it already is..

stacey - 09/21/99 03:57:54
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
back on the roacc!!! all of my tests came out fine! i'm so happy that i can go back on it! there's only one catch, being on 20mg for 8 months compared with 40mg for 4 months. that isn't so great. being off roacc for a week made my skin go mental. really c stic and generally gross.i'm a bit concerned about my dosage, 20mg seems quite small. has anyone been on a small dose over a longer time? i would like to know if the end results are the same/worse/better, than the average course.

- 09/21/99 03:04:47
Gender: female
Age: 23

Comments:
I've been on the following combination of medicine for about 5 or 6 months now, and this is what has seemed to work: 666mg erythromycin daily, retin-a micro (strongest dose), ortho tri-cyclen, benzamycin and cleocin t. I know it seems like way too much, ut it's now starting to work. Hopefully this info will help someone out.

Valerie - 09/21/99 02:36:36
My Email:ValMc7845@aol.com
Gender: female
Age: 19

Comments:
I first started breaking out when I was 9 years old(no lie!).It started out as little black heads and got a worse through the years.The last few years I've been breaking out severely such as cycts,whiteheads, and blackheads.Through the years I have spent( n all honesty) a couple thousand on over the counter and prescription "cures".Now I hear about Accutane and I'm afraid to get my hopes up.But before I persue my doctor, can you tell me the side effects. e-mail me!

Greg - 09/21/99 01:44:52
My Email:4stinsons@primary.net
Gender: male
Age: 18

Comments:
I was wondering.. does anybody know what causes this "big reakout"..i had a couple of friends who took accutane for the 5 month plan.. and had No breakouts (there is some positive hope for you begginners like me .vs. all the negative jumble we get fed) he e is a even wierder friend story..my buddy steve took accutane for his acne for 2 months and he decided he hated the lip thing too much..and when he got off it.. BOOM no more zits.. isnt that wierd shit? but i think he just got lucky.. for all you beginn ers like me.. Just hang in there.. cuz how could it get any worse..** wierd thing to think about... if it starts to make you hallucinate..think of it positivley..like getting a free trip..ya know..? instead of negatively. hehe i think that blood red visio thing would be wild too.. i say.. just have fun with whatever happens..its good to hav friends that support you, like mine.. they wanna know if shit is happening to me constantly. oh well, ill keep posting.. its kinda fun to post

Nick - 09/21/99 00:33:57
Age: 22

Comments:
To Mills...I recommend you to forget about using accutane becouse your acne is not that bad. If you get permanent side-effects you wont know. I have heard that people have had these side-effects permanently:skindisorders (other than acne), red faces, hair oss, jointpains, psychological problems. There might be more?

Mills - 09/21/99 00:04:21
My Email:Ramseur@Alltell.Net
Gender: Male
Age: 27

Comments:
I need to know if I should use Accutane. I have suffered from mild acne for a very long time. I have used Minocin and Retin-A before, but they are only good for temporary improvements and the bumps will come back. I know Accutane will shrink the oil gl nds which will make pimples stop forming? Will I have serious side effects that could be permanent from taking Accutane, or should I continue using Minocin? What do you think?

Tony - 09/20/99 23:51:02
My Email:shadow2154@aol.com
Gender: Male
Age: 24

Comments:
Hey, I just started Accutane about 1 week ago. No noticable difference yet, but I was hoping I could keep in touch with some people who are in the same stage as I am, so we can track progress together. Thanks...and good luck to you all with your treatments...< r> 
Matt - 09/20/99 22:01:16
My Email:matteerogersno1@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 22

Comments:
Hi Gill - I'm just looking on this site for the first time today after a visit to the skin clinic. I think you have done a relly good job as it provides a lot of useful info about the treatment of acne. I am currently considering using accutane for my condition which is pretty bad. I am worried about possible side-effects though, and in the long run I'm wondering whether it is such a good idea. I've tried tetracycline's before but they had no dramatic effect, neither did erythromycin - so the question is should I or shouldn't I? Cheers, Matt (Manchester, UK)

Stacy - 09/20/99 20:23:00
Gender: female
Age: 24

Comments:
To DAN: My derm gave me a topical antibiotic to apply the first couple of months that I had the bad breakouts. It was called T-Stat (erythromicin). Be careful though because it has alcohol in it and can dry your skin out bad. I had oily skin to begin w th and even though my skin dried up during treatment, it wasn't that bad even with the topical antibiotic. If he/she won't give you a topical antibiotic, ask for an oral one. Maybe that would help SOME. It's probably better than nothing. Hope this hel s!

Stacy - 09/20/99 20:08:17
Gender: female
Age: 24

Comments:
I went about 3 almost 4 weeks in between my first months dose and second. I had to start all over again when I finally started up the second month. What I mean by that is that my skin had the breakout stage AGAIN, and the dryness seems worst in the begi ning for some reason. I do think that after you've been on Accutane for a while, your skin develops a tolerance to it or begins to "adjust." But since I had such a long time in between my first and second month doses, my skin not only had to start over, but I had to start over with my 20 week course. It sucked. Hopefully that won't happen to you, but you asked for some opinions. take care!

Rachel - 09/20/99 14:56:00
My Email:leeyuch@pacific.net.sg
Gender: Female
Age: 24

Comments:
Hi again! Have been hooked onto this site ever since I found it 1 1/2 mths ago :) It really is addictive to be "in touch" with ppl going thru the same stuff as u. Well, wanted to share a little of my 6-week-going-on journey w RoA. In the first few weeks, verything turned dry - lips, eyes, face, legs etc. Face also looked pretty good. Thought that I was one of those whose skin improved from day 1. Well, after abt 4 wks cysts started coming up again and till now.... but hey, isn't this like the "Big Breakou " to be expected and which would die down after awhile to be followed by the "Big Clear"? So am keeping my hopes high... Elizabeth Arden 8-hr cream for lips is a life-saver, really! Thanks to those who recommended it! It lasts for abt 4 hrs, compared to 20mins with Vaseline. Top the 8-hr cream with a layer of Vaseline and you're in lip heaven. Try it! I use Nutraderm cream or the legs and arms- and Cetaphil soap for shower. Not bad. For the dry hair, try massaging in olive oil into hair and scalp abt 10-20mins (or if you're desperate, 2 hrs) before shampooing... it really helps a fair bit. Vit E and Evening Primrose taken aily helps a lot with the dryness too. I find that if I go thru a day without it, the factory's especially dry :) Just purchased Neutrogena's Radiance Essence (the multi-vitamin thingy w AHA) and its SPF 15 moisturiser. Wonder if they're good?? Will let ou know more later! Okay guys, let's hang in there together, don't give up, I'm sure the BIG CLEAR WIll come SOOOOOOOOOOOON!!!!

Nic - 09/20/99 10:42:14
My Email:yokono@eudoramail.com
Age: 18

Comments:
Hey, Has anyone stopped taking Roaccutane for a few days? I've lost my prescription and have to get a new one sent out in order to get repeats. I'm worried that I'll have to wait more than a few days and my skin will get worse in the meantime, and that couldn' come at a worse time. Please tell me it won't happen!! :)

alan - 09/20/99 04:10:29
My Email:alan@freeseek.net
Gender: male
Age: 16

Comments:
I have had acne since Freshmen year of HS. I used to get big cyst type acne but other then that my skin was clear. So I went on Retin-A and Minocycline for sophmore year and my face was almost clear but it didnt last. My face and my back started to get ad. I went off it for the summer and now I have lots of small acne, like red bumps, white heads and black heads all over my body from my face, down my back, even down to the middle of my arms. The derm says its mild acne and accutane might not help it t at much. What do you guys who have been on it think? I just started a week ago on two minocycline a day and differn gel for my face. The derm said to wait 2 months and if I dont feel its any better I could see about accutane. Think I should wait? I re lly need some help its messing my life up bad. Thanks

Dan - 09/20/99 02:20:42
My Email:d_lahmann@hotmail.com
Gender: Male
Age: 29

Comments:
Well, I've been on Accutane for 7 days now. I'm having light breakouts, but nothing too bad yet. Dry lips and eye discomfort. Hoping I don't get the bad breakout. Does anyone know how to settle down the breakouts? GILLIAN: I'm NY too! Email me if you'd like to talk about side effects and help support! KELLY: Where are you? How are you doing?

Drema - 09/20/99 02:20:14
My Email:dreampa@yahoo.com
Gender: female
Age: 32

Comments:
What is the price on the acne treatment?????

Dan - 09/20/99 02:20:11
My Email:d_lahmann
Gender: Male
Age: 29

Comments:
Well, I've been on Accutane for 7 days now. I'm having light breakouts, but nothing too bad yet. Dry lips and eye discomfort. Hoping I don't get the bad breakout. Does anyone know how to settle down the breakouts? GILLIAN: I'm NY too! Email me if you'd like to talk about side effects and help support! KELLY: Where are you? How are you doing?

Robert. Aus. - 09/19/99 23:38:38
Gender: Male
Age: 23

Comments:
I am now on my second week of roaccutane and I am very happy with it so far. I already think my skin is clearing up and only have had a couple of new pimples. AM I BEING LURED INTO A FALSE OF SECURITY ?!!! I don't know, but I am happy with it so far. My l ps are a little dry and my skin only feels dry and flakes after I wash it. CAN I EXPECT THIS TO GET WORSE ? Just some tips I believe have helped clear my skin, * Don't use VASALINE on your face, it is not good for it as it cloggs the pores. * Dont use any moisturisers or cleanser that contain Petrolatum (please don't mind the spelling), any OILS esp. mineral oils, and oils such as tea tree etc. I have found the Neutragena products to be good, the deep cleanser and the OIL FREE moisturiser, m ke sure you use the OIL FREE one and not the one for SENSETIVE SKIN as it contains oil. There are also other ingredients to watch out for as they can clogg the pores from the outside, causing blackheads. I will find out what they are and post it. I sould point put I suffer from mild persistant acne, sicne my early teens. I hope someone can find this information usefull.CIAO.

Rachel - 09/19/99 14:29:43
My Email:leeyuch@pacific.net.sg
Gender: female
Age: 24

Comments:
Hi! Have been accessing this site for about 1 1/2 mths now and I think that it truly is a wonderful site - you guys provide so much valuable information which I have gladly heeded. Am currently on 20mg/day for 6 weeks now. Wouldn't say that the acne's gon although the skin HAS improved a little... in fact, am still getting a few cysts per week. Keeping my spirits up, cos I guess the " Big Clear" should (hopefully) be coming soon, according to all here :) Am taking Evening Primrose Oil, Vit E & Vit C which all help with the dryness and healing of the scars somewhat... the St. John's Wort which someone suggested earlier is great too in helping with the depression. Well, let's keep the spirits up - there's so much of life out there to enjoy... cheers!

paul - 09/19/99 14:09:00
My Email:paul@holliday999.freeserve.co.uk
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
hiya. paul here, I haven't written for sometime, but thats beacuse Roaccutane has done its job, and Iam happy to say that it is almost clear, and I get one small one a day, if that, I no longer have to spend any time in the mirror, I don't have to wash my skin all the time, its great ! ! ! , and am happy for the time, till 4 months, when I may have to see the Derm to see how things are going, hopefully, fingers crossed ! it will stay clear for ever and forever, Amen. I have been on 60mg a day, and well I have the spots bad, and now its nice, and I can rest my hand on it, and will hmmmmm, so it does work ! drinking on it is ok, if you don't drink too much all the time, smoking hash on it ok, and well doing exercise I find that my face always goes real red, and the sea is fine, as I go surfing and scuba diving and its all fine, just moistrize after wards, an wear sun cream, and were a hat, and your skin might go red, but mine just went over night, ;)))) anyone have any questions, feel free hang in there paul

stacey - 09/19/99 12:26:18
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
thanks to everyone who responded to my retin a question! thankfully since stopping roacc i can now see properly and the migraines are gone. so i might be able to continue taking it. even though it will be extra hell with the migraines. i won't be able to rive either. since stopping roacc for a week my skin has gone crazy!!! i hope it won't stuff up the treatment if i can continue.i would really urge people to take notice of their side effects, as even minor things can be the start of major problems. (end f lecture) thanks for listening to me waffle!

JOY DEAL - 09/19/99 04:20:29
My Email:JDEAL75277@AOL.COM
Age: 44

Comments:
EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT THE IFS ACNE MASK. I HAVE HAD ACNE SINCE I WAS 13 AND I AM 44 KNOW. I FOUND THIS COMPANY IN OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. THE NAME IS IFS. THEY ARE WITH ST. ANTHONY NORTH MEDICAL CENTER. I HAVE BEEN ON ALL SORTS OF DRUGS FOR YEARS AND FOR THE FIRST TIME THERE IS SOMETHING THAT WORKS. IT CONRTOLS MY ACNE BUT IT ALSO ELIMINATED MY ACNE SCARRING. PLEASE LET ALL THE ACNE PEOPLE KNOW. IT IS TRULY A GOD SEND. IT IS ONLY 450.00 AND IT LAST FOREVER. THEIR NUMBER IS 1-405-943-8661 JOY

JILL - 09/19/99 03:58:37
Age: 20

Comments:
hi JIM, this is for you. thanks for your messages to me. Well, i've been away to college so i haven't had much time to write or check up on this guestbook. Well..let's see...I am about 5 weeks post treatment. I haven't used accutane for the last 5 weeks a d I am getting oily! Well, I don't wake up to any new zits or anything,,..and actually, whenever i do get zits now, they disappear very quickly. But the thing is that i am so paranoid that i wil break out again. My skin doesn't feel as firm and dry as it sed to while on accutane. I'm just really concerned about the increased oiliness. I keep hearing about maintenance doses. jim have you considered that? i'm thinking about it...hopefully my dermi will be nice. My dermi told me that in order to start a seco f course of treatment, you have to wait 8 weeks post treatment. I'm doing okay tho jim, just have annoying scars still there and a few of those nasty and annoying whiteheads that just will not go away! Also, I have these 2 zits that have been on my face f om the time I was on accutane until now! i mean, they just will not go away! And they are a deep red color. It's been over 3 months that they have been on my face. anyone experience the same thing? pls respond. Jim, tell me about your status as well. Jill br> 
Emily - 09/19/99 03:24:59
My Email:starrbuck@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 16

Comments:
To all those who are waiting for their skin to clear, don't give up. I have been on accutane for over 2 months and accutane seems to be starting to work. I don't have any new pimples. I really had big red marks where they were but they are fading and c n be covered up easily with foundation. Hang in there!

- 09/19/99 02:13:48
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
Kevin ... I don't think you should be worried at all. If it's been four months and most of your major breakouts have stopped, I think it's safe to say that this drug is working for you. I was on accutane for eight, almost nine, months, and it wasn't unt l the seventh month that i was completely clear. Even after that, there was one bump under my skin that didn't come to the surface until a month after I had stopped taking accutane. So if it's been four months and your major breakouts have stopped, just have patience. Stay on the drug until you're completely clear for a month ... that's what my dermatologist told me. And you have plenty of time to stay on accutane before you've been on it too long ... so you're all good for now. Just have patience. T ose miracle stories you've been hearing are probably not true. For most of us, it takes a lot longer than a month to clear up the acne.

Jeff - 09/19/99 02:05:55
My Email:jskst31@pitt.edu
Gender: Male
Age: 20

Comments:
Kevin, Wow! I really needed to hear that. I'm also just shy of my forth month of Accutane (80mg). In fact I will be stating my 16th week on Monday. Guess what? I'm still breaking out. My dermo told me my acne would be long gone by now but it isn't. Its no cystic, but little whiteheads. Worse than that though is the fact that my whole shaving area is a nice red color, but the rest of my face is perfect. It's like my acne won't leave. Even if it looks good at night. I always wake up in the morning to fin out all the whiteheads in the world have migrated to my chin. It really drives me nuts, but hasn't stopped me from anything. Unfortunately, I told all of my friends it would be gone by now. I hate seeing them now because they always say "I thought you aid your acne would be gone by now." I am really praying that this drug doesn't make a liar out of me. Did anyone else's acne go away after 4 months or more. How bad was it during the forth month?

Kevin - 09/19/99 01:20:01
My Email:kevcon111@yahoo.com
Gender: Male
Age: 24

Comments:
I've been on accutane (80mg / day) for just under 4 months. Thus far, most of my major breakouts have stopped, but I've found I'm still prone to a mild breakout at least once a week. I was wondering if any of you have heard of accutane waiting 4 months o really work its magic. I'm starting to get frustrated with the results (or lack there of) since everyone else I know has had such overwhelming success in a much shorter time frame. If anyone can relate, please post a response. It's much appreciated.< r> 
kathy - 09/19/99 00:35:40
Gender: female
Age: 48

Comments:
Rianne....yes, I will adopt you. I've always wanted a daughter! :-) I appreciate your kind comments. Sons don't always let we moms know exactly how they feel and if they appreciate us; we just have to put two and two together sometimes. Thanks again By the way, the Blistex that he uses is not Herbal Care....it is actually called Herbal Answer and is very good. Rianne....here in the U.S., Mederma is sold over the counter in any pharmacy. I know it can also be ordered through the internet. Again, ood luck to everyone!

allan - 09/18/99 21:19:30
My Email:planklams@hotmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 34

Comments:
when I was a 20 year old very fit young man, I was prescribed roaccutane for very mild acne. I was weighed and put onto the drug.After several months the headaches got worse, the eyes got worse, my joints were seizing and muscles were killing me.I was a irtual cripple who could'nt walk, hold my daughter, play sport etc.After losing one eye and being disabled for 5 months I gradually got better.Suicidal was a reality and for the cynics out there it was'nt the acne that made me like that !!!!!!!(it really as'nt that bad) I could'nty walk, crawl or stand unaided and lost one eye.............THAT is what made me depressed........Please don't think this is going to happen to you but as my doc. said ''it might have been the drug, but it might not''. If anyone has experienced any such problems it would be appreciated if you would reply... p.s. I still suffer from acne (mildly) but is anything worth it, and i'm not depressed anymore. Thanks in anticipation.Allan.xxxx

Greg - 09/18/99 19:33:36
My Email:4stinsons@primary.net
Gender: male
Age: 17+

Comments:
Well.. when i was 15..i went on tetracyline..and it did really nothing...a little but nothing major.. i tried various anti-biotic creams, and the only one that really helped was the Benzamycin(erythromycin and peroxide mix) and Cleocin antibiotic gel, I a so started takin Minocin and that didnt help too much... my acne isnt extremely bad and i have no scars..if anything.. my chin area and around my mouth lves to form whiteheads..more like white balloons. Ive been on accutane for about a week.. and nothing s really happening yet but my lips and face are starting to dry little.. ( My derm/doc informed me that NEOsporin is a perfect remedy for your lips initially and then switch to a vaseline/carmex treatment..as for the face.. i switch alot and always use a ple amounts..i just bought a snazzy hat so the sun doesnt hit me too harshly. Ive had about 10 friends go on accutane, and there faces are clear as ever could be..like a smooth baby's ass.hehe.my main problem is that i play alot of sports,, hockey,paintba l,soccer, and basketball where i sweat alot..so that kinda contributes to dryness in the end.. its like i sweat away moisture i put on..but oh well.. playing sports and having fun is more important to me than gettin a dry spot or a zit... i take 60mg a d y after a hardy meal.. and im doing good..ill let ya all know how i am as soon as this accutane starts to kick in

Rianne - 09/18/99 18:14:23
Gender: Female
Age: 34

Comments:
I have just been reading Sarah's comments (posted on the 15th) re the Dermalux lamp treatment. I'm really sorry that it hasn't helped your acne. I've had a few spots come up over the last few days so I'm a bit disappointed too! I suppose I'll have to sta t using it twice a day again and see if that helps. I was also hoping to kick the Minocin MR, but it looks like I won't able to for the moment. Very annoying! As people who've read all my previous postings they'll know that I can't take Accutane becaus of a health problem I have (totally unconnected with acne) and the dermatologists I've seen (many over the years!) have all said "Out of the question". So I constantly look for other ways to help my skin. Thank goodness for this site, it helps me so mu h and you're all so great at passing on info. I mean acne is hardly a subject you're going to discuss with other people is it??!!!! The Silicol Skin cream I'm using seems very good so I'll continue with that. I've been a bit neglectful with my skin this last week so I'd better shape up!!! Some of my friends can treat their skin very badly though and yet they have pure porcelain complexions!!! I don't think people realise just how badly acne can affect your life. It's difficult to face the world when you re covered in pus-filled lumps and bumps!!! I know there are worse things (we all know that!!!) but you just can't avoid seeing your acne - it faces you in the mirror every day and also you can actually feel it - some spots are very painful. It's also d sfiguring and has scarred my face and neck. I once asked a beautician for help to cover my scarring and she actually thought I'd been burnt in a fire because my face looked that bad!! Also someone once asked me if I'd been in a car accident because my f ce looks so scarred. The areas where I have the scarring look "white" instead of skin coloured and the pigment has changed - it's awful. I have found the website for Mederma but does anyone know if it is available in Britain and where you can get it from I would be eternally grateful for anyone who can help!!!! These acne scars are driving me nuts!!! Also Kathy (who has just posted re her son's acne) - what a great mother you are! You wouldn't like to adopt me would you?!!! Your posting was full of ood info. Well, I guess I've rattled on enough. As always best wishes to all and good luck with your treatments. Love Rianne.

wallace ng - 09/18/99 16:28:43
Gender: male
Age: 18+

Comments:
Hi! i'm on the 15th day of accutane and lips and mouth are dry. Acne on my forehead had clearup mostly but other parts of my face still the same. I'm waiting for the worse to come but hope it does not happens to me. Accutane made me dry....AND PEOPLE OUT HERE!!! please dun go under the sun!!!!! I mean dun go under hotsun because it is not good for our skin when taking accutane. ACCUTANE WILL MADE THE WHITEHEADS TO BECOME MORE VISIBLE.....but those whiteheads will vanish in just few days.......TRUST ME!!!! accutane is not suitable for everybody....TAKE ACCUTANE AT UR OWN RISK! If it is suitable for u, u are lucky.If not, just cry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- 09/18/99 16:18:20

Comments:

kathy - 09/18/99 15:27:37
Gender: female
Age: 48

Comments:
First off, I want to say to Becky that my son also started dealing with worsening acne about the same age as you. He also took Minocin which helped for a while but then he felt it wasn't working as well after a period of time and stopped taking it. The cne then hit him like a lead weight!!! It was worse than it had ever, ever been and that's when he decided to try Accutane because he became very, very frustrated and of course, guys can't wear makeup to help conceal their breakouts. He has been on Accu ane now since July 28th at 80 mg a day (40 a.m., 40 p.m.) thus, completing his 7th week and now in his 8th week of treatment. He has had the terrible breakouts and in fact, he will think that he has "rounded the corner" so to speak as far as starting to et past the break-out point and then not so.... again he will endure more breakout. One side of his face is not nearly as bad as the other for some reason. He is also in college and has to deal with the self-consciousness about his complexion but he dea s with it since he hopes that it will all be worth it in the long run. He has the reddish color to his face and has been using Dove for sensitive skin to wash his face which seems to help with the "angry" breakouts. He had tried Basis and likes that als and tried Cetaphil Antibacterial bar but felt that it irritated his skin....probably the antibacterial ingredient in it. Cetaphil also has a bar without antibacterial ingredients in it so that might be better. For his lips, he has found that Herbal Car by Blistex works wonders and he really likes it 'cause it doesn't cake on his lips and turn white. It has herbals in it like aloe vera and also has shea-butter in it which is a great moisturizer. He started using moisturizer on his lips before the dryn ss even set in and it really helps to do that. He also had to find a job just recently and did!!! The pimples didn't affect that at all so that's good! His main goal with Accutane is to avoid scarring from the increase in acne that he got once he got o f the Minocin and when it stopped working. I have to say that he has hated the breakouts he has had with the Accutane since they are worse than before treatment and he really doesn't want scarring. A friend of his told him about Mederma (which is an ext act from onion) that apparently works really good on scars. This friend has a friend who used it on a chicken pox scar and he said it helped that scar immensely which was amazing since it had been there since childhood and being a chicken pox scar was mo e like a rounded pit. That's sound promising for the scarring that may occur. My son's doctor said that the red spots are not scars but erythematous macules as a result of the capillary reaction in the skin from the inflammation of the pimple and the he ling process and that they will fade in time. He said also that when they fade it helps lessen what appears to be scars while the spots are there. The red color makes the spot seem to have more depth to it and once it fades, that is not so readily appar nt. Hope so! Since my son doesn't get on the internet and try to find information on Accutane, I become the detective and try to share any information with him that I find. He listens so I guess that's a good sign. :-) Good luck to everyone and may y u all end up with beautiful skin!!!

becky - 09/18/99 14:48:05
My Email:beckstar@breathemail.net
Gender: female
Age: 19

Comments:
please help!!! im really depressed about my skin ( as Im sure everyone else is too ) and its completely destroyed my life. My skin was fine until I was 18. Suddenly I found I had lots of big whiteheaded angry spots and nasty lumps on my face. After num rous visits to a doc, and creams (which only burn my skin and make it look even more unsightly) I was referred to a derm. Initially I tried dianette for 8 months which did nothing. My derm then gave me minocycline ( minocin ) within 2 weeks my skin was l oking better ( no joke ) and I had almost no new spots whatsoever between jan 99 and june99. I was absolutely exstatic, and my skin looked beautifully clear. I thought my spots had gone. However, in july I had a small outbreak. since then, it has escal ted and my face is covered. Im so ashamed. I live for going out clubbing and Ive not been out at all ( except creamfields) for the entire summer.Im still taking minocin but it seems a waste of time. ive been given retin a as well but my face is so dry an flaky and looks terrible with make up. Ive got an appointment with my derm again in a week and a half and Im considering asking for roaccutane. My problem is that i go back to uni the following day, and Im really concerned about the initial outbreaks tha people have suffered in the first few weeks as the last thing I want is to spend most of my term sitting in my room crying and hiding away from everyone. Also, Ive got to apply for a job for next summer - im hoping to get a good internship in the city, b t my confidence is zero with the state of my skin at the moment, I couldnt handle it if it got worse, but competition will be fierce. Is there anyone else out there who experienced similar effects whilst on minocin? I was wondering, since my improvement as so immediate, could roaccutane be the same?? My only alternative is to wait until the christmas break which lasts 6 weeks and so would give me a bit of time away from the constant socialising at uni? Please help! I can be contacted on my email address. Any advice given would be very very gratefully recieved. Thanks for reading my essay! This site is brilliant - I only found it today, when I woke up this morning I dont think Ive ever been so depressed in my life, but after reading peoples comments I do t feel so alone. No matter how much spot free people tell me it doesnt matter, it always does. thanks for listening.

John - 09/18/99 10:02:47
My Email:johnmessen@hotmail.com
Age: 17

Comments:
I've been on roaccutane now for 6 weeks and if anything my acne is worse than when I started. I'm on 60mg/d, how long does it take to see the so called "miracle curing" ? My skin is really dry but it's just not getting rid of my pimples, I'm really starti g to get very frustrated. Somebody tell me how long I'll have to wait. thanks for listening

H.HARO - 09/18/99 05:49:45
My Email:HHARO95836@AOL.COM
Gender: MALE
Age: 46

Comments:
I had my two sons use Accutane, it worked great! With in few weeks their acne went away, BUT so did their behavier. From calm boys to quick tempered,depressedand out of control. I took them off Accutane, it has been several months now, I'm gald to say their behavier is back to normal. But their acne is back , thu not as bad as before. I still have to go and see what other treatment to try.

Jeanster - 09/18/99 05:18:50
My Email:jsj@wsblaw.com
Gender: Female
Age: 30

Comments:
Thank you Stacy re: insomnia. I've been taking over the counter sleeping pills every other night (my MD said they were safe) and that has really helped. As for the joint pain, my mid to low back has been a bit of a pain (no pun intended) and I run so my knees and hips have been achy too. I try to alternate days and give my bones/joints time to rest. It's good for the muscles too anyway. Welp! I started my 7th week today and had a big ol' break out. YUCK. I had one big cyst on my cheek, one on my chi and a whitehead on my chin that popped and then scabbed. The one on my cheek also popped and now has a huge old scab about the size of a nickle. And if the scab comes off after washing my face, that's all she wrote. Some strange, watery stuff comes ou of the sore for about an hour and you can't cover it up until it dries. It's very frustrating. My poor husband was the victim of some displaced anger this afternoon and I had to apologize like 100 times after I calmed down. But, unless you've had this stuff on your face, it's difficult to understand the frustration of it all. It's so great to be able to talk to others who know exactly what I mean. I feel like such a freak sometimes and I know it's just my face and not the end of the world, but someti es logic just isn't comforting enough. I feel ashamed at times because I know there are others in the world with real problems..like, what they're gonna eat that day. I guess when it's on your face it just seems like the biggest problem in the world. S rry for going on like that. Thanks for listening.

Lori - 09/17/99 22:04:50
My Email:lbhod@flash.net
Gender: Female
Age: 35

Comments:
Hi I am about to go on Accutane and will be getting a blood test for liver enzymes. Does anyone know if you are supposed to abstain from alcohol 24 hours or longer before. Also can you use self tanning cream while on Accutane?

Claudia Castiglia - 09/17/99 20:31:24
My Email:clabrasil@aol.com
Gender: female
Age: 18

Comments:
Im experiencing acne on my face and back...I would like to know if ACCUTANE is recommended for moderate acne...but for quick results as well...would that work for the acne that i have in my back...or any part of my body? waiting for an answer Sincerely Claudia Castiglia

Claudia Castiglia - 09/17/99 20:28:04
My Email:Clabrasil@aol.com
Gender: female
Age: 18

Comments:

TJ - 09/17/99 20:07:18
My Email:FII@CATORONTO.COM
Gender: Female
Age: 14

Comments:
QUESTION ABOUT ACNE SCARS IS THERE A CURE? In May 1999 my case of pimples suddenly turned into acne. I got to the dermatologist as soon as I could get an appointment in June . By that time my acne was already serious. He got me onto Accutane as soon as possible. The Accutane after 6 weeks got rid f 99% of the acne without any side-effects worth mentioning and I am still using it on my treatment plan. BUT!! My cheeks have lot's of light scars and blemishes. My Dr. won't really say if they will go away. I cant believe that the scarring can occur so uickly. I wish I had taken the Accutane at the very first sign of Acne, but I had never even heard of it. Can anyone tell me what the chances are of these scars and blemishes fading? If not is there any treatment that really works to get rid of them? I know I should not try anything until my doctor says it's OK. I see adverts for treatments including testimonials but I don't really trust them. TJ

?? - 09/17/99 19:46:38

Comments:
Okay Spunky - I'll answer your question, but "take a crap" isn't exactly the most polite way to put it. No, you aren't wasting your dose of Accutane. The pill hasn't even dissolved within 5 minutes, and once it does dissolve, it travels into your blood tream, not directly out of your body.

spunky - 09/17/99 18:12:08
My Email:spunky695@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
hi! It's me agin with a couple more comments and questions. First of all.. I'd like my previous question answered if anyone knows. Also, how long and what kind of pimple does it take to make a scar with a pit. does it have to be cystic?? how long does it have to stay?? basically.. does a whitehead ( kinda big one) that stays on my cheek for four or 5 days and then crusts over and becomes kinda scabby and stays there for 5 or so more days.. will that scar?? ( a pit scar). by the way.. greenlee's soa works AWESOME!!! I love that stuff to death. It is almost a cure by itself.. go to www.acne-power-wash.com.. comes in a white and blue bottle. any advise.. questions.. emails.. ect... would be welcomed and appreciated, thanks

vishala - 09/17/99 16:32:05
My Email:vishala@bu.edu
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
i've been on accutane since May, and up until this week, i didn't have any new breakouts for the longest time. it was great! i've been on 20mg since i've started, and i'm hoping that i won't have to be put on anything higher because i'm afraid of the side effects becoming more extreme. my lips have been dry since the start of the treatment and i've been trying to control it with vaseline, but it's getting harder to fight the dryness. one of the most annoying things is not being able to wear lipstick when i go out, and i also become embarrassed when i want to kiss my boyfriend. but thankfully, he's very supportive. only recently, my skin has started to get really dry especially around my mouth and chin, and it's hard not to feel somewhat ugly because of it. i'd love it if someone could recommend some good moisturizers i could use. i was using one from Neutrogena, and now i'm borrowing my roommate's Clinique moisturizer, but it's not really taking care of the problem that well. i have to heap on so much of it i've been beginning to wonder if drinking lots of water might help the situation a little. has anyone noticed that an increase in water intake alleviates the dryness problem at all?

sarah - 09/17/99 14:23:17
Gender: 22

Comments:
ive been on minocycline for two months and its kind of helping but not really. im going to see a derm soon instead of my gp and ive found this site really helpful but i have a question, without seeming rude or anything, i really want to know. how bad is everyones acne? i mean before the accutane, because i dont know how bad mine is to warrant a last resort drug. if i had to classify it, id call it mild to possibly moderate but not really. its just rather persistant, even though not too noticeable. an help would greatly assist me, i dont want to go on more drugs unnecessarily.

- 09/17/99 14:07:50
Gender: female

Comments:
I have several suggestions for different problems I've read about in this forum which is very interesting and nice to check out when I have my own questions regarding the treatment of acne and the use of Accutane. To Tammy: I've heard that keratosis pil ris can be due to a vitamin-A deficiency and also usually subsides by the age of 30. As someone else also mentioned prior, alpha hydroxy acids help greatly in relieving the plugging of the hair follicles that goes along with this condition. Regarding re spots left from the aftermath of a break-out, I read somewhere that rose-hips oil is great for scarring. In fact, the medical community has used it on burn victims to reduce scarring. From what I understand, just rubbing some of the oil into the red sp ts at least once a day helps and doesn't take long at all to start showing improvement. Also, some of you have mentioned about your hair drying out big time with the Accutane....have you ever tried mayonnaise treatments? Sounds nasty I'm sure and you do smell like a salad, but it makes your hair feel wonderful and puts the shine back in it. Just rub in a good bit and soak every strand with the mayonnaise, leave it on for however long you want and then wash as usual. The results are excellent! Good luc to everyone. Hope we all have good results from our trials and tribulations with Accutane!

spunky - 09/17/99 13:22:47
My Email:spunky695@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
this is not a joke question.... I really need an answer ok?? here goes. everytime I take my morning dose of accutane I have to take a crap like 5 min later. Is it just going out of my system?? I"m not joking. I'm actually kinda worried. it's not is it ? I just want to know.. thanks. I just want to make sure that I'm not "wasting a dose" and should retake it. spunky

Robert. Aus. - 09/17/99 07:16:25

Comments:
Gillian, thanks for the advice on the aching joints. I am about to start swiming again as it is comming into summer here. However I am concerned about the affect of the chlorine on my skin. I know after swiming my skin used to feel tight and dry. I am won ering if the affects would be worse while on roaccutane. To the person that asked about Retin-A. I was using it for about 5 months. My acne has never been really bad but I found that the Retin -A stop me breaking out badley, by that I mean it stoped the big cist like pimples. Aslo other little acne did not sta around as long. However I found it only worked to an extent and after about 3 months I saw no more improvement, thats why I thought I'll try Roaccutane. The retin-A made my face very sensitive especially to the sun, but I found if I used a very little bi it still worked without to much redness or irratation.

Gillian-NY,USA - 09/17/99 06:45:31
Gender: female
Age: 26

Comments:
I have been reading this site for some time, and find it so helpful to hear about how everyone is doing. I am on my 5th week, still on 20mg a day. My derm said I am on a rather low dose. My acne is on my chin and around my nose. MY skin isn't that bad Infact after 5weeks my skin is looking great. However when I do break out it is with terrible cyst's that throb and ache. I am an actress and am on stage every night so the makeup really affects my skin. i use oil free everything but my skin is rather dry and terribly itchy!!!!! especially my scalp!! I have been foiling my hair for 2 years, I haven't had a touch up since I have been on the accutane and am a little worried since my scalp is so itchy. Can anyone recommend a shampoo or conditioner that c n help? I am petrified about my hair thinning. I have thick hair, so I can't tell if it is thinning or I am just paranoid. Is the thinning hair thing really commom???? Also, The person who wrote about joint ache. I have that also and I dance and work ut as well. My derm said that exercise will cause the joints to hurt. I know how you feel for my joints at times are painful. I dance on stage everynight and since that is my livelyhood there is nothing I can do about that, so I have stopped working ou and have noticed a significant improvement in how much better my joints feel. Maybe if you shorten your workouts you will feel better? Or a friend of mine suggested swimming. That worked for her when she was on the drug. good luck to all!!

pam - 09/17/99 05:35:27
Gender: female
Age: 32

Comments:
hi stacey...I tried Retin-A for quite a while...and although it didn't do much for the inflamed cystic acne...I think it does have a place in acne treatment in terms of exfoliating and preventing cellular build-up...I'm going straight back on it when I fi ish Roaccutane...I prefer the gel form...the cream tended to make my zits 'soggy'...whereas the gel dried them out...it does tend to make your face peel...I used to apply it at night (30 mins after washing)and then in the morning use an (ultra-gentle!) fa ial scrub to remove the flakes...then an oil-free moisturiser (preferably SPF 15+)...you may get a 'stinging'sensation when you first use it...if this happens...back off and apply it every second or third night...until your skin gets used to it...best of uck...

Jeannie - 09/16/99 22:57:26
Gender: Female
Age: 35

Comments:
I used Retin-A for a long time and it did not prevent me from getting cystic acne on my chin and jawline. However, other people may have different results. I definitely agree with the statement that acne treatment is "trial and error." I am also highlight ng my hair while on Accutane. My hair is a lot dryer than before so I don't blow dry it that often. I've also been putting oil (like VO5 and another one that I can't remember the name of) on my hair once or twice a week. I put it on at night or during the day when I don't mind the "wet" look, and then I shampoo it out later. It's really making my hair look good. Until I started doing this, my hair looked dry and frizzy. All the best.

stacey - 09/16/99 22:33:01
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
has anyone used retin a cream? does it help with the cysts? since i had to stop roacc they have come up everywhere. iv'e had the antibiotics which stop working after a while,and the pill. this stuff will be my last hope if i can't continue taking roacc. ny info greatly appreciated!!!

Stacy - 09/16/99 22:32:56
Gender: female
Age: 24

Comments:
TAMMY: Please don't think I was singling you out when I wrote the message about suicide. I wasn't thinking about your post(s) AT ALL! I have been a "faithful" reader to this forum for a few months now and I've just seen too many postings about suicide an I thought I should put in my 2 cents. I've tried to commit suicide before (not over acne) and I really take it personal when I see someone who mentions the word. I am soooooo sorry that you are having such an tough time with the dry skin thing. Did yo have very oily skin before treatment? If what some people are posting about the hereditary factor and so forth, try to keep that in mind and do a search engine on the web and look it up. It's better than "second hand" info anyway. I know it sucks havin to go to all differnt dermatologists because nothing works, but try to go to one you trust and tell them it isn't working and keep going back when it doesn't work and hopefully they'll be able to find something that helps. You just have to use the old " rial and error" method sometimes. But I do know how you are feeling....more than you realize.... As for the hair bleaching thing. I've had blond hightlights in my hair for a few years and kept them up while on Accutane. I've had no problems. I think the main concern is that in general, your skin is more sensitive to everything and you could have reaction from the chemicals on your scalp. Just do a self test on your arm hair or something like it says on the hair coloring box before you bleach it. I even have had surgery (REAL surgery...under general anesthesia) while I've been on Accutane and I ad no problems with my skin. I think it does, however take a little longer for the skin to heal. I take 1000 i.u. Vit E a day, as per my doctor, and it seems to help the red spots fade quicker. And for the post about sleeping problems: I've been having insomnia since I've been on Accutane. I'm not sure if that is one of the side effects. I've never had that before. Oh, by the way, thank you to everyone for all your help and good luck in deali g with this shitty (couldn't think of a better word) disease. Take care.

Marie - 09/16/99 22:16:51
My Email:Marie_16_99@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 17

Comments:
I never had a bad case of acne, but lately Ive been starting to get mild acne. I was wondering if it is due to either;stage makeup (since its so thick), albolone cream, or vitamin e. THose are the only things I can come up with. Also I wanted to know if t eres anthing you can do for spots?THis is a great page for tips and support, best of luck to everyone!!

Robert - 09/16/99 22:11:00
My Email:Aus
Gender: Male
Age: 23

Comments:
Can any tell me of experiences with taking Roaccuatane and going to the gym ? I have been told it can make your ligaments and tendeon fragile for a while and therefor making you more prone to injury. I have lowered the intensity dramaticaly but want to know if any has experience or advice please. To dan: I am also o my fith day of treatment and did not have any affecdts until last night, I felt like crap. All my joints were aching and my face was like a beetroot! I also had a headache. Hope this does not last long as I get depressed if I can't exe cise and last night I was aching too much. Good luck. ROB.

Christer - 09/16/99 22:09:01
My Email:skicka64@hotmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 24

Comments:
It was a long time since I wrote on this board. I have used Roaccutan twice. I am without acne today and would be a happy user if I not got the TREMENDOUS depression from the medicine. I dont directly blame the medicine but do STRONGLY suspect it for my d pression becouse I am not the only one having this problem while on this medicine. Nothing was wrong with my life! I did not have any acne and dont still. I was just to start medicalschool which I had longed for very long time. I always said it would be m happiest day when I get approved there and I did but something was wrong. First I started to have daily severe headaches, dizziness and tiredness. I started to sleep more and more. Finally I slept 18-24 (!!!) hours per day. I screamed and cried from the ain when I was awake. My brain reacted EXTREMLY strong to things I normally did not even care about. I could not see any blood. I got enourmous feelings trough my body if I did. I lost almost all my hair, because of the pain doctors said (it is back today . I just wanted to die, but got help in last second. Im better today but not 100% recovered yet though. I dont want to scare anybody from taking Roaccutan. It did work good to me without severe side-effects the first course. The second my depression start d. If it is Roaccutan nobody knows yet... I just want you to be aware if you start to feel severe headache, dizziness, nervousness, depressive feelings, then your nervoussystem is being "poisoned". I would STRONGLY recommend you to stop treatment and see f symptoms gets better. You can start treatment later again and see if symptoms reoccur. Even if my depression has destroyd the most of my life the past 1 year I am NOT against the drug. I do understand that it helps lots of people with acne.

Robert - 09/16/99 22:05:20
My Email:aus
Gender: Male
Age: 23

Comments:

Dan - 09/16/99 21:35:53
My Email:deemann@earthlink.net
Gender: Male
Age: 29

Comments:
Well, today is my 5th day on Accutane. To be honest, I haven't had one new zit since I started, and feel pretty good about the future. I know I should be prepared for the "BIG" breakout, but I'm also optimistic because I know it doesn't happen to everyone Right? I wish everyone luck who is starting. I know how scary it can be, but we all know the chance we take! Anyone who would like to talk and follow through with their treatments, please email me. It is extremely comforting knowing your all here!

Dre - 09/16/99 20:13:45
Gender: female
Age: 21

Comments:
To Lisa and Jeannie, Thank you soooo much for your info. regarding the cortisone injections. I was really scared that I would be stuck with a dime-sized dent in my face forever. What a relief. As far as my accutane treatment goes, I saw my derm yesterday and he wants to continue for three weeks ( I have been on 40mg then 60 mg then 80 mg for almost six months)and my skin has never dried out. That made me think that my dose was not high enough. ut finally my skin has started to show signs of improving. In the past week it has gotten really dry and I only have a couple pimples!! I don't want to be too optimistic though. Isn't six months kinda late for me to be cured? My derm said that some peopl just take awhile for the medicine to begin working and that I am one of them. I hope he is right. I guess the best thing for me to do is just hang in there and try to stay optimistic. Good luck to everyone and thank you for the support.

- 09/16/99 18:30:07

Comments:

Jeanster - 09/16/99 17:34:29
My Email:jsj@wsblaw.com
Gender: female
Age: 30

Comments:
Hey you guys. That post below is accurate. Neosporin DOES help to heal the sore/bumps faster and helps prevent scarring. I've been using it for years. Pretty cool. Also re: hair and coloring...I'm naturally dark brown and recently had heavy blonde hi hlights put in and it did pretty well. It is dry though. I've found that after I wash my hair, I comb the conditioner though to the ends and leave it in for 3 minutes or so and then rinse (I don't rinse it completely) and THEN I put a leave in condition r in on top of that. It's really helped me. Has anyone had any trouble sleeping????

Christine - 09/16/99 16:22:33
Gender: Female
Age: 24

Comments:
To Tammy, I feel really bad for you having to go thru all of this terrible side effects. I would be willing to help you and give info because I have keratosis pilaris on the back of my arms. I have had this all my life (it's genetic for me)not caused by a cutane. However, it does not seem to bother me to much, it is mild and I find it helps to put cream and to wash this area with a good soap (eg. lever 2000 antibacterial) and a rough face cloth. This condition is caused by your skin not shedding properly s try to use alpha hydroxy cream and it might help. Now for your legs, I do not have this problem, but my best friend has extremely dry skin (thus a flawless completion, lucky her...) but her legs get dry and itchy and sometimes even bleed. She has a presc iption from a derm for dry skin and this helps a lot but you have to use it every time you get out of the shower. Now, for your hair loss, have you stopped oral contraceptives recently? I ask because one year ago I had stopped taking the pill in an attemp (once again) to see if it would help my acne (it did not) but anyway 3 months after stopping my hair was shedding. The derm said this was absolutly normal, happens ofter (funny they never tell you!!!!) and is similar to what happens to women who have bab 's and loss hair after delivery. The same thing can probably happen after accutane treatment. Anyway, this lasted close to 2 months and gradually slowed down. We are supposed to loss hair... so it never completely stops, its impossible. I hope this helps ou and I really hope you will not do anything drastic, please go talk to a psychologist or someone if you feel suicidal. Take care of yourself Tammy and remember you are much more than what people see on the outside :) Christine

Lisa - 09/16/99 15:59:34
My Email:llbrown@omm.com
Gender: female
Age: 30

Comments:
TO DRE: I read your post about the cortizone injection. My derm warned me before giving me the injection. He said it would possibly leave an indention in the skin, but that it WAS NOT permanent. Like the person who posted below, it can take up to 6 mo ths to return to normal. It is NOT a scar. So, don't worry too much, just try and be patient. Best of luck to you.

- 09/16/99 15:35:33
My URL:http://TVKemper@aol.com
Gender: Female

Comments:
Re:dryness of the eyes and contact lens use-- Were you able to resume wearing of your contacts, i.e. did the dryness of the eyes go away at conclusion of treatment? Thanks!

anna - 09/16/99 14:31:18
Gender: female

Comments:
To JILL, and to JIM: about 4 weeks ago I finished a 7 mo. course of Accutane. Like you, my face has started to get oily again. For me, its oily all over, though. The good thing is that my face is not breaking out. Only my back is. What do you think about maintenence dose- like 20mg every other day or something like that. That may take the oiliness away. Actually though, if you are still breaking out, I think you should go on another course of Accutane! That is what I am planning to do. To JEFF: hey, t anks for the referral! I actually have 3 different derms I lined up appts. with for this coming month. If one says -no, I'll move on to the next. I will definitely keep the Pittsburg derm in mind.

anna - 09/16/99 14:31:10
Gender: female

Comments:
To JILL, and to JIM: about 4 weeks ago I finished a 7 mo. course of Accutane. Like you, my face has started to get oily again. For me, its oily all over, though. The good thing is that my face is not breaking out. Only my back is. What do you think about maintenence dose- like 20mg every other day or something like that. That may take the oiliness away. Actually though, if you are still breaking out, I think you should go on another course of Accutane! That is what I am planning to do. To JEFF: hey, t anks for the referral! I actually have 3 different derms I lined up appts. with for this coming month. If one says -no, I'll move on to the next. I will definitely keep the Pittsburg derm in mind.

Rob - 09/16/99 14:11:50
My Email:f.o@virgin.net
Gender: Male
Age: 19

Comments:
I would like to know what regime would be most appropriate for those people who have finished their treatment on accutane. For example, my treatment lasted ~4 months oct '98 - feb '98, and for a period after that my skin was OK, however, it progressively ot worse and now i am not sure what to do. Can someone shed some light on this please. Also any specific info. on acne scars, blemishes, uneven skin tones and how to treat them would be much appreciated. THANKS

Tim Mann - 09/16/99 13:08:20
My URL:http://www.hothouse.org
My Email:TimMann@hothouse.org
Gender: Male
Age: 27

Comments:
Hello again. I've noticed my hair thinning a little bit and I'm shedding a little bit more than usual. But I do have a lot of it! It's very long all the way down to my butt, but I've noticed the colour at the roots starting to lighten and it's beginning t look a little strange, I wanted to get it bleeched blond (Blonds have more fun?) but I've read that this may not be a good move, does anyone have any more info? My hair is very dry now and no longer needs washing every day. I've changed my shampoo from g easy to dry. I haven't had hair like this since I was about 10. Tim.

Rob. - 09/16/99 06:42:20
Gender: Male
Age: 23

Comments:
Hi, Iam glad that I found this site. I think that real experiences are more informative and to the point then any prof info you'll find around. I have just started a course of roaccutane, 2 tabs a day for 2 weeks then 2 one day 3 the next from then on. I have acne on my face only and am starting to think that roaccutane might be too strong, I am not sure. I have been on it for a week and so far h ve only got redness of the face. How long can I expect this to hang around. Also, my face started to look good befor I started the course, I was taking Ibelex (?) for two weeks befor the accutane course, as directed by my derm. However it seems to be worse now after I started the roaccutane. Does this normally happen? I have also found that an oil and petrolatum free moisture and cleanser has helped reduce breakouts by not clogging the pores from the outside. Although everyone tells my my face isn't that bad it still really depressed me and all I can say to those who are finding i tough is to look into yourself and find all the good qualities you have. I have also found that being healthy and going to the gym has helped me alot and I have found my mental state getting more & more positive. I just hope the roaccutane works. I have et goals to acheive while I am taking R like gym, work, & study. This will keep my mind active and at the end of my course, 6 months, I hope to be a lot hapier and content. You only reap what you sow !

- 09/16/99 04:01:11
Gender: Female
Age: 35

Comments:
Hello all, I keep up on the postings. This is a very interesting site. A couple of responses. Re: hearing that bleaching your hair while on Accutane may not be a good idea. I think that Accutane caused enough grief for me just with the bloody noses, ry lips, breaking out, etc. that I would definitely not try anything that was not recommended as Accutane is very drying and so forth. Although I do not bleach my hair I just wanted to say that I would not do anything that might make things worse for me uring an already trying time. Another response is that I have used neosporin on spots that are healing. I used it at least twice a day. I would have used it more if I could. It seemed to help things heal faster/better. I must say that I used it very paringly in the morning on the spots only under my foundation because if I didn't then my face seemed oiler. I am the person who posted on 11/21/- 12/24,25,31/1998- 1/28- 2/20- 3/4,27- and 7/18/1999. I have been taking Chinese Herbs for a tad over 10 mo ths. I am very pleased so far. My spots are becoming fewer and the regular type of acne instead of cystic. Well, best wishes to all and one of the postings below that relates to a percentage of people who Accutane is not successful for states that fema es that start getting acne in 20's to 30's would apply to me. I had two courses of Accutane. The first one worked temporarily and the 2nd course did not work. Peace

- 09/16/99 03:01:52

Comments:

Jeannie - 09/16/99 02:10:24
Gender: Female
Age: 35

Comments:
I'm in my 7th week. I take 40mg/day first thing in the morning. I do not smoke and I am a vegetarian. I have had very minimal side effects. My eyes and lips were a little bit dry at first but now they're close to normal - that's it. So far, I've had fewer zits than before I started taking Accutane. My face is a little bit red but it's been that way for awhile since I used to use Retin-A. I had oily hair before which meant that I had to wash it everyday. Now I just wash it every other day. Regarding problems with injecting your cystic acne with cortisone - two different doctors (one a dermatologist and the other a plastic surgeon) told me that it can sometimes cause skin indentations. I've experienced this myself, prior to Accutane. It took about 6 months for the areas to return to normal. Best of luck to everyone and thanks for the great information! :)

- 09/16/99 02:08:22
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
To Tammy, I've read that keratosis pilaris was a genetic disease. Check out The Journal of Dermatology, it has a lot of stuff on rare skin conditions.

Dave - 09/15/99 22:06:27
My Email:the@krackon. freeserve.co.uk
Gender: male
Age: 28

Comments:
A few more points I would like to make about my earlier course of Roaccutane, I only ever wash my face using a skin cleansing lotion called Clearasil, as blokes will know, your skin takes time to adjust to a new shaver (I use an electric), in the same way changing face washing patterns could upset your skin oil balance. I apply Clearasil twice a day ONLY, and have done now since 1994. I believe my acne deteriorated initially following bad advice on the use of antibiotics. I stopped before the course was completed, the acne returned with vengeance, after an agonising period waiting for referral to a dermatoligist on the NHS, I was put n another antibiotic - Erymax. For two months my acne worsened, I would wake in the morning and my face would be stuck to the pillow from dried blood from the spots. Around mid-December the antibiotic seemed to start winning. Within two weeks the Acne w s visibly going. My dermo still felt that Roaccutane would clear it for some time to come so I eventually had a course courtesy of the taxpayer! Some scars took 5 months to fade(which were from spots I developed during my Antibiotic course, NOT Roaccuta e), and were still visible on very close inspection long after my course of Roaccutane had finished in July 1995. When you get the right treatment it seems gets worse before it get better. With regards to dry skin, one advantage of being back on Roaccutane is that I no longer need to wash my hair every day. Skip a full shower every other day to help your body retain its natural oils if your back/chest are getting too dry. I am a bit of a sun worshipper, and on my first course of Roaccutane in '95, I was fine sitting in the sun without anything on (sunsceeen that is!). As I'm in sunny (!) England we have to make the most of it. Not much hope of sun here now til next year! When I was in Austalia last year, the sun in small doses did wonders for my complexion. No spots for several months. If any one wants to ask me questions I'll be happy to try and help - please be patient though as I'm a busy guy and only go online once or twice a week. Cheers! Dave

Tammy - 09/15/99 21:40:15

Comments:
Stacy- I am assuming your post about using the word suicide was for my benefit. Well you have no idea what i have been going through the past few months and things are only getting worse!!! Your right acne is not worth dying for, however what I am expperi ncing is NOT acne I wish it was!!! I would love to have my old oily, acne prone skin back-I would feel and look 100% better. With acne you know there are always treatments and things you can do to improve it you know there is always hope that it will get better, with this I feel I have no hope- things are only getting worse ACCUTANE HAS RUINED MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't shave due to dry skin on my legs , I am now getting HUGE cysts on my cheeks(not acne but cysts) rashes on my arms , really dry kin on my face(nose is always peeling) , chapped lips and the texture of my skin is all bumpy. Basically I look like shit!!!!!!!!!And what hope do I have???? I have been to 4 dermatologists who can't do anything but give me moisturizere and say wait and s e. I have no control at all over improving my skin because the damage has allready been done due to accutane. Not to mention I still have dry eyes, nose , and hair thinning. I no longer feel like myself. I used to be what people would consider attractive ow I feel completeeely UGLY and there is nothing I can do about it. Thaat was my reason for writing here in the hopes of finding a past accutane user and if they had any similar problems. I NEED HOPE!!!!!!!! I don't use the word suicide lightly, it is for real I have already quit school cuz I can't face anyone and I have been on antidepressant for 2 months(which are doing no good) I have hit rock bottom and have come to the point where I am planning out how to kill myself because I can't deal with all this it's TOO MUCH!!!! If it was acne at least I'd have hope, but I feel like this drug has poisoned me and I will never be the way I used to be!!!! IF ANYONE HAS HAD ANY OF THE SAME SIDE EFFECTS PLEASE RESPOND, I NEED HOPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!

- 09/15/99 21:24:38
Gender: male
Age: 16

Comments:
Someone wanted to know about me using mederma and how its been. Well, to be honest, u need to use it 3-4 times a day, and in my daily schedule, i can only use it like 1 if that. So i couldn't really tell you if it's helping, but i'll keep you updating a i gradually start using it more. It is highly recommended, and severe burn patients use it, so i would recommend it also.....

Pam - 09/15/99 21:01:50
Gender: female
Age: 32

Comments:
Hi Bob...I have also had elevated triglycerides throughout treatment in Roaccutane...which was potentially quite serious as I have a strong family history of heart disease...my derm. and I managed it with additional medication and by playing around with m dosage on Roaccutane...I am now in my 8th month on Roaccutane...and my dosage has been dropped back down to 20mg/day (originally I started on 20mg/day...then 40mg/day...then 40/60mg on alternate days...then back down to 40 etc...etc...)at five months my kin was still breaking out...it was only really in my 7th month that 'the magic' happened...for me...lower doses over an extended period effectively treated BOTH my acne AND the tryglyceride problem...if you haven't got the results you were hoping for I w uld certainly recommend seeking another opinion...

Stacy - 09/15/99 20:49:26
Gender: female
Age: 24

Comments:
I just want to add my 2 cents...I think that some people on this forum use the word "suicide" too much. It is not something to play around with and if you are one of those people who is actually contemplating suicide, then I apologize if I offended you. I know from first hand experience how depressing acne is and how emotionally frustrated it can make us. Just please, let's all try not to use that word so much unless we REALLY mean it. Then IF you are one of those people, please, please, PLEASE go see doctor or someone you trust to help you get through this time. Acne is NOT worth dying over.

Dave - 09/15/99 20:43:48
My Email:the@krackon.freeserve.co.uk
Gender: male
Age: 28

Comments:
I initially used Roaccutane in 1995 after Erymax failed to deliver 100% satisfaction. After finishing the course I remained free from acne for many months. After 12 months I was back on Zineryt lotion only. Since then my acne has slowly returned. In 199 , disillusioned at NHS delays, I went private, I was immediately offered Roaccutane. The cost for a course would be £1000. Instead, my dermatologist suggested that Tetracycline in a high dose may work, and indeed it has worked well until this year when y continued to reoccur. My GP referred me back to the NHS, but with a wait until November on the cards, I opted to fund my own treatment. I am now 12 days into the course. Surprisingly any spot I get disappears quite quickly as my skin is drying nicely. I recommend E45 moisturising cream BUT ONLY for visibly dry areas, I find my nose doesnt need it. I smear a light layer of Vaseline insi e my nose to prevent nosebleeds. On my previous course of Roacutane I only had two nosebleeds, one because I was 'itching' my nose (as you do!), the other was at work and was quite humourous even at the time, I was cashiering and it suddenly started drip ing blood. I shouted to my colleague to mind the till as dashed round the back away from the customers! At the end of the day if you want to be rid of your Acne you can only try Roaccutane, if it doesnt work, then at least you tried! Good Luck! Dave

Sarah - 09/15/99 19:23:27
Gender: female
Age: 29

Comments:
After 7 weeks of using the Dermalux lamp night and day, I unfortunately have to say that it has made no difference to my skin. I'd hoped for some improvement by now but the new spots just keep coming: temples, cheeks, jawline and neck. I'm a teacher and I started using the lamp at the start of the summer holiday. I imagined I'd start the new term with a clearer complexion. No such luck. I still have to face teenage students with skin that is worse than theirs. Another £200 down the drain it seems too.

Bob - 09/15/99 18:53:31
My Email:Bob_Basi@bc.sympatico.ca
Gender: Male
Age: 25

Comments:
I have been dealing with severe cystic acne for about 7 years. I went through the antibiotics and retin-a therapies, none of them worked. I then went to a derm and he put me on a low dose of accutane (20mg for about 3 1/2 months), he took me off because o high tryglyceride levels. I have just completed a 5 month course of accutane at 40 mg a day for 3 months and 60 mg a day for 2 months. I still have not totally cleared up. Should I go see the derm and ask for another course of accutane or should I wait a month or so to see if it clears up? Does the accutane continue to clear up the skin after treatment is completed, and if so for how long?

geldwolf - 09/15/99 17:43:46
My Email:geldwolf@homemail.com

Comments:
I few weeks ago a guy said he was using a scar creme called mederma. I'm really interested how this is working out. I have visited the mederma website and the stuff sounds very prommising (allthough the company is hardly impartial!!). Does the mederma cream also have any effect on the redness and dryness of the skin? . I am very interested in your experiences with mederma.

tammy - 09/15/99 17:06:25
Age: 26

Comments:
Anyone out there who has been off accutane for awhile like 6 months or more???? I NEED HELP!!!!! I completed a 5 month course of Accutane about 11 months ago. No problems during treatment however now am experiencing VERY DRY SKIN (nose is peeling, and ca 't shave) Also have developed cyst like bumps on cheeks which derm says is Keratosis pilaris(due to dry skin) these look much worse than any acne I ever had. Anyone out there experience this?????? And did it get better??? PLEASE rrespond!!! I am VERY DEP ESSED over this and even considering suicide if this doesn't get better!!!!!!!PLEASE HELP SOMEBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Emily - 09/15/99 16:57:58
My Email:starrbuck@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 16

Comments:
Ok. I am at the end of my second month of Accutane, and jeez does my face look horrible! It looks like I slept with my face in an ant-hill because it's so red, bumpy and blotchy. This sucks. My doctor upped my dose from 40 to 60mg(I weigh about 150). Well, I hope this gets better soon. As I will say again, this sucks. I'll just stay here in my house until I look better(I'm home from school anyways because I have the flu or symptoms like it, though it could be my body getting used to the higher dose, ut anyway). And to top it all off, I use my foundation as concealer cause it's so good and I left it at my friend's boyfriend's house(I take it with me all the time). This sucks. Anyways I think that I'm getting carried away with () so I will go now. Thanks for being here for me. By the way, my foundation is Elizabeth Arden's Smart Wear. My makeup lady is really nice, she helped me find what colour I am under my blochy self.

Dan - 09/15/99 16:03:53
My Email:l_daniel@hotmail.com
Gender: Male
Age: 19

Comments:
Hi, I just wanted to ask Roaccutane users: I'm told that a normal course of Roaccutane is 120mg for every kilogram of body weight so if I'm 60kg then I'll be taking 60*120=7200mg of Roaccutane altogether, which works out to be 360 20mg pills or six boxes f Roaccutane. I'm just wondering if this is the dose everyone else it taking? Is anyone taking more or less? Well, after suffering through 15 weeks of breakouts, I'm FINALLY starting to see some improvement, although the scars are quite terrible. I think may just be paranoid but I've noticed that I tend to scar much easier while on Roaccutane. Has anyone else noticed this? Small pimples which ordinarily would disappear without a trace, now leave behind tiny pits. Not to mention the larger ones! Well, goo luck to all.

Dre - 09/15/99 15:52:38
Gender: female
Age: 21

Comments:
I posted earlier about accutane not working for me (a sixth month course). I am pretty sad about it. Unfortunately for me I was one of the ones who got a real bad breakout on accutane that never got better. I broke out with the largest cysts I have ever ad. My doctor injected them with cortisone. They went away immediately (within a day or so)without scabbing or anything. They just disappeared. But now, a couple of months later, my skin has a weird indentation, like a DEEP crevice wherever I got the inje tions.Does anyone know if this is permanent or if it will go away?Is it a scar? I think I remember someone writing about cortisone injections a while ago but I can't remember the response. Please answer if you have any experience with this. Good luck to a l of you with your treatments. Thank you.

Jeanster - 09/15/99 15:28:41
My Email:jsj@wsblaw.com
Gender: female
Age: 30

Comments:
Hey you guys. I'm in my 5th week. My skin looks great. I did have one cyst on my left cheek this morning but they go away so fast. I've had a bit of dizziness the past week...pretty bad. Has anyone else had this?? Also it is difficult to sleep too. 
jim - 09/15/99 13:54:54
Age: 18

Comments:
Jill, if you're still reading this board, I would like to know how you're doing three weeks off acc.

sne hines - 09/15/99 13:47:49
My Email:hiness@tncc.cc.va.us
Gender: female
Age: 30

Comments:
You say you were unable to wear your contacts? Were you unable to wear your contacts anymore or just during the last part of the treatment?

Lenny - 09/15/99 10:42:16
Gender: female
Age: 27

Comments:
I've got Black skin and have suffered with nodulocystic acne since my teens. I've tried just about everthing, including roaccutane which at the end of a 7 month course produced a moderate effect but not dramatic enough to cure the problem. My dermatologis says that there is nothing left for me to try not even surgery because my skin would scar even more. I feel that there must be a dermatologist that specialises in Black skin problems or someone who knows of a cure - any suggestions?

Tim Mann - 09/15/99 10:36:35
My URL:http://hothouse.org
My Email:TimMann@hothouse.org
Gender: Male
Age: 27

Comments:
Hi, Been on roaccutane now for just over two weeks. Initial results are good. My back which had deep cysts has now cleared completely. My face now just contains about three spots which i'm really pleased about. I do have some redness and light scaring which I hope will dissapear over time. My chest still has a lot of spots, but they do seem to be comming lighter and not as deep. I'm on 60mg for four months. Because of my age and the fact that my facial acne was only considered 'mild', eventhough my back used t bleed constantly I was unable to get on ROA under the NHS (I'm in the UK). I had been on about twenty different treatments over the past six years (including: oxytet, doxycycline, minocin) all had very little effect. To even see a derm on the NHS would h ve taken 12-18 months. I eventually got a referal to a private derm from my GP. I saw the derm the following week and had the blood tests the next day. It really is a two class system here. For the person who asked about the costs. The friendly derm cost 80 a session which I will require two of. Blood tests £26 a leeching including lab reports, again two of. Roacutane, definatly not a cheepie. Two months supply at 60mg a day (Three boxes) £197.17. So basically £25 a week which isn't so bad when you don't ave to wait.

Andrew - 09/15/99 09:56:23
My Email:s353047@student.uq.edu.au
Gender: Male
Age: 18

Comments:
To the person who said that roaccutane in Australia only costs $20 a script. Yes this is true BUT only if you are an Australian citizen with medicare and your roaccutane has been prescribed by an Australian dermatologist. I know because I had to visit fiv dermatologists before I found one who would prescribe me roaccutane, that was subsidised by the government, insurance won't help you, at least not very much. The others all said I wasn't severe enough. Without it being prescribed and subsidised by the go ernment I was told a three month course costs nearly $2000. So to the person who wants to know about how much it will cost, I don't think you will be able to get a subsidy, unless you are an Australian citizen. So you will have to pay full price most prob bly.

nic - 09/15/99 08:35:35
My Email:yokono@eudoramail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 18

Comments:
Hi! Does anyone know why they say that you shouldn't put bleach in your hair whilst on Roaccutane? Will it dry it out too much? I get my hair streaked every so often and was wondering why I shouldn't do it. Also, I'm finding on Roaccutane that my face gets red and flushed quite easily, even if I'm not hot, and when I blush it's really noticeable, which is quite embarrassing! Has anyone else noticed this? At the moment, I'm in my 5th week of treatment, the fi st couple of weeks my skin improved dramatically, and now it's quite bad. Anyone know how long it takes before I should expect to see some improvement? I've been told about a month and a half but I guess it varies. Thanks!

stacey - 09/15/99 07:20:55
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
hi pam! whoops i didn't see your last post. things are still a bit scary with the vision and all,but it's getting heaps better. thanks for the virtual hugs, i really needed them :)

stacey - 09/15/99 07:09:55
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
greetings from down under! i'm now off roaccutane, due to this vision blurriness thing. iv'e had some sort of brain swelling, i think that's what the docs are saying? i might be able to continue if the side effects go after discontinuing the stuff. i thin somebody asked about the price of roacc in australia? ALL prescriptions here cost $20 or under! if you are a senior citizen or unemployed they cost only $2.40 regardless of health insurance.(thanks to some of the highest taxes in the world) it's not hard to get a prescription here either. they practically throw it at you!

none - 09/15/99 05:32:35
My Email:none
Gender: 20
Age: male

Comments:
I've been on accutane for about 3 months now and the only side effects I've had are dry skin/lips, nose bleeds, and occasional fatigue in the morning. Other than that, my face is miraculously clearing up and smoothing out.

jane - 09/15/99 05:29:47
Gender: famale
Age: 21

Comments:
Good day can anyone please tell me if Accutane causes cancer! Do anybody get nosebleeds, occasionly etc.

kelly - 09/15/99 04:23:20
Gender: female
Age: 23

Comments:
Hello to all. I'm now on my sixth week of Accutane. I can say that my skin hasn't really improved much, and has probably gotten a little worse. The only positive thing is that my skin isn't nearly as oily. For a while there, it seemed like my skin was 't producing any oil. My skin get really dry anbd bumpy around my t-zone, but the dryness has gone away thanks to moisturizer and alpha-hydroxys. So, now I get a little oily around the sides of my nose, but that's it! I used to be a greaseball. My ski looks fairly decent with makeup on. I use a concealer by dermablend, which is really good. But, I'm still breaking out and it's frustrating. My derm upped my dose to 60mg and I hope that I don't flare up a lot because of it. Every night after I wash y face I examine it under a lamp, and I just sit there looking for new bumps. It's very sad. The strange thing is, even though I get down and feel ugly a lot, I'm really hopeful about it. I hope it works for me. So far, I think it is. To DAN: Have yo started treatment yet? Let me know what's up. Keep the faith everyone. Kelly.

Missy - 09/15/99 03:44:55
Gender: female
Age: 25

Comments:
I am interested in finding out about the costs of Accutane around the world. I am finishing a 5-and-a-half month treatment of 80 mg on 140 lbs. Results have been very good, side effects minimal, and I would highly recommend it to anyone. Anyhow, I am p anning to travel around the world for a year or so, beginning next year. My dermatologist has recommended I go on a maintenance dose of 20 mg or so every other day for a couple of years after finishing treatment. Currently, my health insurance through m employer has covered virtually all of the cost of Accutane. Unfortunately, when I travel, I'll be off that insurance and will have to depend on some traveller's insurance, which probably won't cover Accutane. What are the prices for a monthly supply of 20 mg per day around the world? Australia, New Zealand, or Singapore, in particular? I am starting my travel in those places so if it is inexpensive I can "stock up" then. Thanks!

Pam - 09/15/99 03:29:34
Gender: female
Age: 32

Comments:
STACEY...I tried to post earlier...but the guestbook link wouldn't let me...seems O.K now though...how did your appointment with the eye specialist go? (((hugs)))if you need them...

Shelley - 09/15/99 01:08:11
Gender: female
Age: 26

Comments:
In my 3rd month of treatment...I started on 40 mg, then my derm upped me to 60 for the second month because he thought it might make things even better... and I broke out badly, which did not happen on the 40 mg. So he gave me a short course of prednison , which calmed the bad breakout. And then swtiched me back to 40 mg for this month. I am still pretty broke out, which sucks. My face looks just like it did before I started Accutane. I am also noticing a funny texture to the skin along my jawline (bum y and rough). I am not oily and have no blackheads on my nose, but my chin and cheeks look like crap. I am feeling pretty frustrated! Any input from those of you who went through something similar would be appreciated. It's awful to be on this med tha the derm tells you will pretty much take care of things permanently... and then look just like you did before you started taking it.

Christine - 09/15/99 00:38:26
Gender: female
Age: 24

Comments:
Hi it's me again, I totally agree that tanning is bad when you take accutane and even when you don't so nobody follow my example. I am just desperate at the moment and I don't want to go on accutane before my wedding. I guess I am one of the lucky ones th t don't have alot of scarring even if I do have mild to moderate acne. My derm was amazed that my skin does not scar easy. I drink tones of water and exercise so maybe that helps...who knows.. I will definetly not continu with the tanning bed after I star accutane. Thank everyone for imput and for listening. Christine

Louise - 09/14/99 14:19:08
Age: 25

Comments:
Christine, I can understand why you want to use the sunbeds. I used them alot before starting Roac, and then was put off by all the warnings. I've been on a few times and I think it does make the red marks you do have a bit worse. What i've started doing s going on for a much shorter period of time than I did pre roac and much less often, but I cover up any red marks while I'm on the sun bed. Not my whole face just the small areas where I have red marks. This way you get the best of both worlds. Getting a tan, but not agravating any existing red marks!! Every other message on this site asks if anyone can tell them how to make the red marks go away quicker, by the lack of response I gather no one has any suggestions other than taking a higher than normal dosage of Vit E & Zinc and staying out of the sun! ny other suggestions???

- 09/14/99 13:53:41

Comments:

- 09/14/99 13:53:16

Comments:

- 09/14/99 12:56:07

Comments:
Christine: No lecture- I know tanning makes your skin look good. I really urge you to stop doing this. Tanning while on accutane is a really really bad idea. Think of accutane as shedding your old skin and growing new skin. You get a fresh start with accutane. Ultraviolet rays can make sensitive accutane skin scar and stay reddder longer. Sorry- I know that you did not want to hear that but I simply had to comment.

VGK - 09/14/99 12:43:19
My Email:kaufmanv@gunet.georgetown.edu
Age: 25

Comments:
4MONTHS POST-TREATMENT: Hi everyone! When I finished my 5 month course in May my skin was totally clear. It has remained clear since then. I was somewhat red and blotchy for a few months after my treatment. It was not a constant redness but if I was ot or in the sun it got much worse. I apply sunscreen every single day whether it is cloudy or not. Origins Silent Treatment is the sunscreen I use and I really like it. I am not nearly as red as I was 4 months ago. I have read elsewhere and was told b my dermatologist that the redness goes away gradually so I guess I am right on track. I would be happy to answer any of your accutane-related questions. I had a great experience with it even though I had side effects. I know how horrible it is to thin about the condition of your face every single minute. It is hard for me to believe that I do not have to obsess about it anymore. Good luck to everyone...

Louise - 09/14/99 09:53:52
Gender: Female
Age: 28

Comments:
I have now been on roaccutane for just over 7 weeks and am really beginning to see results without really any side effects (on 60mg daily at moment). Does anyone know how to get rid of the dreaded red marks left by spots? Also, I read somewhere that using Retin-A after a course of Roaccutane is good maintenance treatment?? Best Wishes Louise

Christine - 09/14/99 09:51:03
Gender: female
Age: 24

Comments:
Hi everybody, I'm starting accutane in less than one month and I'm finding this site very helpful. It's nice to know that some people are going thru the same agony as I am relating to acne. For Sarah, your question is very good but unfortunatly nobody knows for sure ho accutane really works. I asked my doc that question and he told me that 85% of people (and for his practice it was more like 90%) the accutane shrinks the sebeacous glands to the point were no hormones or anything else can create a pimple. This supposed to be related to dose and time of therapy (docs make this little calculation, anyway). He also told me that the people that he has seen accutane not work are mostly very young teen who then might have to take another cours when they reach their 20's or f males who have BEGUN acne in their late 20's or 30's. Please note that this info is not scientific and purely based on what my derm said from his personal experience of prescribing accutane for over 10 years. Also he said that he has very rarely seen peop e who go on a second course and were not cured, however I does happen to some but according to him he has seen very few in 10 years of practice. I'm happy to report that my face look a little better, I hope this will last until my wedding. I'm still on an ibiotics and the pill, I've been off the topical stuff for over a month and my face has gotten better even since...make you wonder... anyway, I was desperate to clear my skin or at least make it look better before the wedding so I am going to a tanning be . Do not lecture me on how bad it is please.. It is helping my skin a lot, I'm actually almost clear some days (wich is a rare event for me). Anyway, I'll keep you posted. Take care Christine

Rianne - 09/14/99 09:12:14
Gender: Female
Age: 34

Comments:
Hi, just another call from here and as promised an update on my treatment. The Dermalux lamp seems to be working well, I've had the odd bad spell where I thought it wasn't working but at the moment I'm spot-free and keeping my fingers crossed!!! (For th se who haven't read any of my previous postings the Dermalux treatment has a web site if you need any info). I'm also now just using the lamp once instead of twice daily. I recently (approximately 2 weeks ago) began using something called Silicol Skin ( ade by a company called Saguna). You only apply this gel for 10 minutes and then rinse it off. You can use it several times per day and I find that it really "wipes away" any small spots and blocked pores. Also with only using it for short periods it d esn't aggrevate or make your skin burn. I'm relying on the Dermalux lamp to treat any "bumps and lumps" coming from under the surface of my skin. I'm still on a low dose of Minocin MR antibiotic but hopefully will be able to stop those soon. The worst th ng now is the acne scars - having had acne for so long my skin is very bad with scarring. Ah well, one thing at a time! Best wishes to all. Love Rianne.

Louise - 09/14/99 08:32:56
Gender: Female
Age: 25

Comments:
Hi, I've been checking out this goat's milk power wash on their site and was wondering if there was anyone else who has tried it and has an opinion on its results. I'm in the UK so to order it and have it posted makes it exspensive .... paying £180 a mont for roac is enough!! So before I ordered some I'd like to hear if anyone else has tried it. (spunky, already gathered your sold on the stuff!) So please if anyone else has tried it let me know. Thanks

Nancy - 09/14/99 07:11:37
My Email:Mewee@winshop.com.au
Gender: Female
Age: 35

Comments:
I started roaccutane treatment for my cystic acne when I was 31. I finally had enough and was willing to try anything. I was on it for 6 months and my skin was looking great but unfortunately,18 months later, it came back so I went on another course. Thi time for 3 months and I chose to stop the treatment as my face was clear but my chest wasn't. But I thought it wasn't so important. It's now 4 years since I 1st went on the treatment, I still have acne on my chest but am not going back on roaccutane as w are hoping to start a family. By the way, I have hyperprolactinaemia and apparently that has something to do with it! Anyway, I'm happy because my face is clear.

Nancy - 09/14/99 07:10:03
My Email:Mewee@winshop.com.au
Gender: Female
Age: 35

Comments:
I started roaccutane treatment for my cystic acne when I was 31. I finally had enough and was willing to try anything. I was on it for 6 months and my skin was looking great but unfortunately,18 months later, it came back so I went on another course. Thi time for 3 months and I chose to stop the treatment as my face was clear but my chest wasn't. But I thought it wasn't so important. It's now 4 years since I 1st went on the treatment, I still have acne on my chest but am not going back on roaccutane as w are hoping to start a family. By the way, I have hyperprolactinaemia and apparently that has something to do with it! Anyway, I'm happy because my face is clear.

sarah - 09/14/99 06:55:12
Gender: female
Age: 33

Comments:
I am taking Roaccutane, but I have a query which has long plagued me -- I don't understand how Roaccutane can be a permanent cure. Once you stop taking it, allowing a period of readjustment, how come the sebaceous glands don't just start churning out sebu again? So far the treatment is going well, but if the side effects (chapped lips, sore joints etc) are supposed to wear off when treatment has stopped, why is the effect on oily skin supposed to be permanent? I understand that for 60 to 70 per cent of ca es it does turn out to be permanent, but could anyone explain why? Could it be that it is permanent for those who might have grown out of it anyway (not me, in this case) IE the drying effect of the Roaccutane tides them over a critical period? All advice gratefully received. Having had moderate acne for near 20 years I find it hard to hope in a permanent cure. Good luck everyone - I have a great respect for you all!

Nola - 09/14/99 03:17:04
Gender: female
Age: 18

Comments:
MY EMAIL IS: MYDESIRE_N@HOTMAIL.COM

Nola - 09/14/99 03:14:21
My Email:mydesire_n@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 18

Comments:
Hi everyone!! I can't get over what a great site this is because I've been suffering for acne for about 5 years and now I've found somewhere that I can talk about it. I wrote here about 2 months ago and about a month ago I began my accutane treatment. Sin e then I've gotten serious EYE IRRITATIONS. My eyes often stay red for days at a time. My eyesight gets blurry and I literally can't do anything for about an hour, until the "eye attacks" loosens up. If anyone is going through this please contact me becau e I'm afraid that my eyesight will be totally ruined from this. As a matter of fact, the first message that I read today on the guest book by Stacey (female 20) had something about blurred vision, if she could contact me that would be great because I need to know something before I go blind. Thanks for your help in advance and Good Luck to everyone.

stacey - 09/14/99 01:09:22
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!! if you get blurred vision and headaches that are realy bad in the morning and get better during the day. STOP TAKING ROACCUTANE! i went to the derm today, after 2 days of this. apparrently this is a symptom of PSEUDOTUMOR CEREBRI (benign intercranial hypertension). i have an appointment with an eye specialist this afternoon, who will be able to tell me what is going on. needless to say i'm shitting myself!!! (pardon the french).

Nicole - 09/14/99 00:33:01
My Email:angel6253@aol.com
Gender: Female
Age: 15

Comments:
Hey everyone... I am fifteen years old and a sophmore in high school. I have had acne (a mild case) for at least 5 years. My doctor just asked me to think about taking accutane, but after the side effects that I have been hearing I'm a little nervous, so lease tell me what you think I should do.

Jeff - 09/13/99 21:09:29
My Email:jskst31@pitt.edu
Gender: Male 20
Age: (80mg day) 185lbs

Comments:
Hello everyone, long time no post. Anyway, this is my last essay on Vitamin E. In regards to taking higher doses, I have checked with several pharmacists (all my professors) and a few doctors. The woman who posted from Atlanta was right. Vitamin E can e taken in larger doses only while on Accutane, because it does conteract some of the side effects of Vitamin A (i.e Accutane). However, I still wouldn't take more than 800IU. Vitamin E resides in the your cell membranes and will absorb free radical mol cules that pose potential damage to other cells. That's a good thing. I personally have never taken Vitamin E orally and I am in my 14th week of Accutane. My skin is still a nice red color along my shaving line but everywhere else seems A okay. I have been applying Vitamin E 400 topically for the last three days, and have noticed considerable improvement. I apply it before bed, and wash the greasy stuff off in the morning. I only do this because it doesn't seem like my skin is still active, just reall red and dry. I don't know if I reccommend trying Vitamin E topically on active acne because of the grease (oil). I usually just bust capsules open and slather it on my face, but I have seen Vitamin E sold as a liquid if you'd rather not pop open the ca sules. If anyone trys it let me know the results. And to Anna I switched dermos four times, and finally found a wonderful dermo thru the college I go to. I go to the University of Pittsburgh, and he is affiliated with our world renowned medical center. He has an office here in Pittsburgh if that's not too far. His name is Dr. Alexander Silverman UPMC Shadyside

halle - 09/13/99 21:07:57
Gender: female

Comments:
Pam,that is fine dear everyone is entitled to her own perpective. I would like to say that we are a very shallow race. We jugde others by their looks and possession, not so much achievements unless in is well-known. We all do it, each year we spend billio s of dollars on cosmetics, surgery, accesories etc. Even I am shallow to an extent. Acne has certainly mature my why of thinking; I had this TERRIBLE disease since 12. My entire teenage years went down the drain. NO self esteem nothing, I went to univers ty with this burden. My mother said give it time it will clear it never did. I had persistant moderate/mild acne I insisted to the doctor that I want to be place on a high dosage, I wanted to avoid a relapse at all course. My family tells me I look like alle Berry that is why I put halle for my name. See what i mean when I say we are shallow, men have start comming up to me I am very flatter at the same time angry. If I look like an alien from pimple planet this was not going to happen. I said it before nd I will say it again thank GOD for ACCUTANE my skin is clear, my pores are closing, my confidence is soaring. lol, before one couldhave seen my open pores a mile away it was horrendous! Everyone on this list seems to have a negative result with accutan I am truly sorry cause I know that your face is your pride and joy. To those reading I just want to say do be openly judgemental towards people it kills them inside. I am taking 3mg/kg a higher dosage may do it for some of you I donot know. Have a goodda everyone

Dre - 09/13/99 19:00:54
Gender: female
Age: 21

Comments:
I began accutane because I had occasional cysts (1-2 a month). My skin did not respond well to other treatments and my doctor was worried about scarring so he put me on 40 mg daily.I weigh 130lbs. Then he upped the dose because he said I was not respondin ...to 40 mg one day 80mg the next. I began breaking out pretty badly and finally at six weeks on accutane he put me on 80 mg daily, which I have been taking ever since. I am now in week 24 and my skin has never really gotten dry. In fact sometimes I do no even wear chapstick. Unfortunately, the breakouts have never ceased. In fact my skin is still worse now than before I started treatment. It looks to me like accutane did not work for me. I am wondering if my skin will return to its pre-accutane state (w ich was better than this) when I quit or if it will stay horrible? Is it possible that it could get better if I continue for three more weeks?Has anyone broken out until the end and then cleared up after treatment ended? Thank you.

anna - 09/13/99 17:42:03
Gender: female

Comments:
Just finished a 7 month course of Accutane, 20mg/day. Dose way too low for me, am still breaking out on my back but my derm thinks I'm ok face wise, and my back must not matter (he thinks). Me thinks opposite. Has anyone in PA gone to a derm (York, Lanca ter, Harrisburg) who is not a quack and who knows how to prescribe Accutane, preferably in at least moderate or higher doses??? Am searching for a 2nd derm. Much thanks!

Hannah - 09/13/99 17:34:29
Age: 28

Comments:
This is regarding the question on scarring. I finished Accutane over a year ago. It worked incredibly well on my acne. I have been pretty much clear since I finished treatment thankfully. My understanding re scarring is that Accutane does help a little. All that peeling of the skin helps to ameliorate the scars. I believe if your scars are fairly deep though there may be some residual indentations/marks. After one year of completion of ccutane one could then consider peels or laser treatment/dermabrasion (go to a dermatologist with a lot of experience). I do have some residual marks but they are fading. I am very pleased and feel fortunate that Accutane worked for me. (I would go on t again if I had to). One other point is to avoid sun if you have red spots from acne. The sun can make them brown (hyperpigmentation) and it becomes difficult to get rid of them. Good luck to all!!!

Roxy - 09/13/99 17:05:47
My Email:roxyroo@prodigy.net
Gender: Female
Age: 21

Comments:
Hi, I just started Accutane on 9/11 and I was wondering if anyone got a rash similar to tiny blisters on their back, or anywhere else. I do not have acne on my back and I hope this does not mean I am going to breakout in this area. Email me anytime thank ...by the way anyone else just starting? Maybe we could correspond...bye.

Roxy - 09/13/99 17:02:14
My Email:roxyroo@prodigy.net
Gender: Female
Age: 21

Comments:
Hi, I just started Accutane on 9/11 and I was wondering if anyone got a rash similar to tiny blisters on their back, or anywhere else. I do not have acne on my back and I hope this does not mean I am going to breakout in this area. Email me anytime thank ...by the way anyone else just starting? Maybe we could correspond...bye.

spunky - 09/13/99 16:20:32
My Email:spunky695@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
to male, 20 below. I absolutely agree.. it takes FOREVER.. just take 400IU of vitamin E a day and it should help the heeling :)

- 09/13/99 15:35:50
My Email:aaronb@mailcity.com
Gender: male
Age: 20

Comments:
I have moderate acne..have been on Accutane (40) for little over a month and am noticing that the acne I do get takes FOREVER to go away compared to any time previously. Anyone else experience this?

spunky - 09/13/99 15:31:41
My Email:spunky695@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
I'm at my low point with all thw people in this world. I just wish that someone would listen to me ok?? I have been on accutane for a month now and my face is almost clear. The accutane is finally kicking in but what helped me a lot is this stuff calle greenlee's powerwash. You can find it at www.acne-power-wash.com. It only has olive oil, coconut oil, aloe vera, tea tree oil, citrus oil and pasturized goat milk. I really, really wish you would check it out. I only use it on my face and it is clear owever my chest broke out bad. coincidence??? I don't think so. I just want everyone to be free of this terrible disease. I don't have cystic acne so i don't know how it affects cystic acne but it helps my face SO much and feels SO good. I even wash y hair with it. They send you this very informative packet and show where there have been medical documents and newspaper arcticles that say that this stuff works and it does. It is used all over conneticut and sold EVERYWHERE in the northeast. You can order it online.. I do not work for these people.. I'm in florida, I'm only 17, I just know that thiss stuff works. I'm not talkin like 6-8 weeks either.. 3 weeks MAX. YOu should see good results within a week or two. Please give it a chance... it elped me. Feel free to email me on results or comments about this wonderful soap. Accutane is OBVIOUSLY stronger and better.. but this help get rid of the outbreaks. thank you for listining.

John - 09/13/99 14:13:50
My Email:johnmessen@hotmail.com
Age: 17

Comments:
I asked this before but Somebody please tell me the effect of accutane on scaring. feel free to email me.

Jim - 09/13/99 12:51:29
Age: 18

Comments:
Hey everyone, this posting is for Jill who was kind of in the same boat as me. I was wondering how you were doing three weeks after treatment. As far as I go, I have some oil coming back around the edges of my nose. Also I had a breakout this weekend w ich literally depressed me but it's subsiding and I'm very hopeful that in another week or two I will be clear. Please respond. (By the way I finished a 6 month treatment 2 weeks ago)

Pam - 09/12/99 23:46:42
Gender: Female
Age: 32

Comments:
Hi Halle...just wanted to say I'm really sorry if my question about your dosage sounded insensitive...

halle - 09/12/99 23:08:36
Gender: female

Comments:
i am aware that i am on a high dosage. my skin has never gotten dry during these past months, only my lips. my doctor is monitoring me. anything is better than what i went through. everyone made fun of me including my parents, no one knows. i had no frie ds for a period of 6yrs, everyone would ask me stupid questions like 'why donot you do something about your face, you are such a pretty girl.....?' i cry all the time my self esteem was ZERO. retin a was a major mishap my face peel and flake, it was red a d new pimples kept poping up all the time. boy was i a sight. i have began to be assertive with people since my new face. before i was really NICE to everyone, just to fit in even if i didnot want to. i rather be on a high dosage 3mg/kg to prevent a relap e. it is truly sad that people jugde you base on your looks.

Mgogo - 09/12/99 20:46:31
Age: 18

Comments:
Hey everybody, I just want to say one thing. Accutane saved my life. That's all.

Pam - 09/12/99 19:57:18
Gender: Female
Age: 32

Comments:
STACEY...if your local chemist doesn't stock Nutraplus (Galderma)...you can ask them to order it in for you...(takes 24-48 hrs)...hope you are feeling better...SPUNKY...I don't think missing two doses is really going to affect your treatment ...because th drug slowly accumulates in the fatty tissues over a period of months...how long does it take to work...it's different for everybody...my skin immediately improved at the beginning of treatment...then I experienced a series of breakouts over the following months...now in month 8...on a maintenance dose of 20mg/day...my skin looks STUNNING (except for the scars)...for me it was really worth persevering with the drug...because in the long-run it achieved the results I was looking for...HALLE...like John...th highest dose I've heard of is 80mg/day...did you build up to 160mg slowly...it seems like a huge dose...ECLIPSE...don't know about the combined effects of the drugs you mentioned and Roaccutane...if they are processed through the liver (as Roaccutane is) I imagine it would place an additional burden on the liver...THC is stored in the fatty tissues of the body and so is Roaccutane...so there might be a problem there... although I really don't know...probably also depends how much you are using...'occasion l use' vs. 'heavy use'...ELLIE...as far as I know you can't have dermabrasion or laser surgery while your skin is still 'active' (that's how my derm. explained it to me)...did Roaccutane work for you the first time you took it in '96?...it was a bit unrea istic for your derm. to say you 'would never have anymore problems'...have you considered a second course of the drug?

Ellie Jones - 09/12/99 17:30:48
My Email:jeelkaam@bellsouth.net
Gender: female
Age: 28

Comments:
I started accutane in March 0f 1996 and took it until July of that same year. The last 2 months of treatment, I took the maximum doseage because the doctor felt that it was needed since I wasn,t having the drying effect that you are supposed to experience while on this medication. Now 3 years later, I seem to have more of a problem than when I went in to start the accutane. My breakouts come more frequently and seem to worsen each time. My doctor feels that they are caused by stress but I feel that is a bu ch of bull. She told me from the beginning that after treatment with accutane, I would never have any more problems. She told the receptionist at her office the same thing and she is still having problems too. What else can I do? I have lived with acne si ce I was a teenager and would like to have a solution to this problem. Will dermabrasion or laser resurfacing help to rid me of this awful plaque??? PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!

stacey - 09/12/99 17:23:46
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
PAM! thank you for your encouragement! it makes me feel not quite as alone to know that others are going through this as well. when i started on roacc everything was going to plan and i didn't think that taking it was a big deal, now things have started t kick in and i don't feel so good anymore.( ok enough of the sob story!) iv'e looked around for the moisturiser you reccommended but i can't find it anywhere!!! cetaphil is available in australia so i guess i'll find it somewhere!!!

spunky - 09/12/99 16:34:31
My Email:spunky695@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
ATTN!!!! there is a 5 buck reward for any good info on any questions down there. please!!

spunky - 09/12/99 14:22:40
My Email:spunky695@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
ATTENTION POST ACCUTANE USERS: I need to know amy information I can if anyone has used greenlee's powerwash??? also, does missing two doses in a row really affect you??? how long should this take to work??? I'm 5'9, 160 pounds, 80 mg, I play baseball a d race mountain bikes, I go out a lot, I am very active. I have moderate non-cystic, non-scarring( I hope) acne and although my face *might* be getting a little better.. my neck (which I have NEVER had a spot.. has like 7) I've been on it for 4 weeks a d about 5 days ( I think) I've missed two doses in the past week cuz I crashed somewhere else. any help on anything would be great. I'm going through a lot of BS. thanks again

John - 09/12/99 13:18:58
My Email:johnmessen@hotmail.com
Age: 17

Comments:
Halle: 160mg that is an incredibly high dosage I weigh 170 pounds and I was only perscribed 80mg/d and that was even considered a high dosage.

halle - 09/12/99 13:03:04
Gender: female
Age: 23

Comments:
HI AGAIN, WOW MY PORES ARE CLOSING ON MY FACE! FOR DRY LIPS ONE CAN USE VITAMIN E OINTMENT IT COTAINS 1400IU OF VIT E AMD PETROLATUM. ONE SHOULD PUT IT ON AT NIGHT REALLY WELL AND LIGHTLY DURING THE DAY. I AM 122LBS 5-4'I AM TAKING 160MG I HAVE NOT GOTTEN ANY OUTBREAKS JUST GRADUALLY IMPROVEMENT MY COMPLEXION IS BECOMING ONE TONE COMPARED TO THE 6 TONE IT USED TO HAVE. ACCUTANE IS TRULY A WONDER I PRAY IT DOESNOT COME BACK. I HAVE HAD NO SIDE EFFECT EXCEPT FOR DRY LIPS. THANK GOD FOR INSU ANCE SO FARAS HAVE USED OVER 4000 US OF THIS DRUG. GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!

Tony - 09/12/99 12:06:12
Gender: Male
Age: 18

Comments:
i have been on Roaccutane for 6 weeks, everything is going well, no more big pimples,only some very small whitehead and the scar and redness on my face. Could anyone tell me when will the redness and the scare disappear (i never have sunbath). During the ost serious period, i would hate to face in front of the mirror, and don't want anyone to look at my face. Also i hate people who tease about my face and say some bad thing to me because of what i am looking. and they don't understand people who have arne are very poor. I would hope that my skin would better than theirs in the future, and i hope that they would get pimples on their faces, a lot serious than mine.

- 09/12/99 11:00:00
My Email:Johnmessen@hotmail.com
Age: 17

Comments:
I've got on accutane mainly for the scaring, I scare very easily and quite badly. I've been on accutane for about five weeks and I'm pretty much clear except for scares. Can somebody tell me if accutane helps the healing process of scares at all ?? It wou d be most apreciated, thank you

Eclipse - 09/12/99 03:38:21
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
Everyone has been talking about taking alcohol during an accutane treament but I think nobody mentionned other drugs... Does anyones knows what are the effects of taking drugs like marijuana, LSD or psilocybin (mush) while on a accutane medication ? Thank you in advance... =)

halle - 09/11/99 22:51:46
Gender: female
Age: 23

Comments:
for years i suffered with acne. I first got it at 12. My entire life changed people made fun of my face. I never had a real relationship with a guy.Thisis my 5th month on accutane i have one more month too go. I am taking 3mg per kg. i have no side effect except dry lips. by the 1st month my acne was smaller the third month they were gone. everyone says it is amazing. my acne was moderate. if i didnot have gotten this drug i was going to ...... my self esteem has soared i hope this doesnot come back i am on a pretty high dosage. before i never look in the mirror for to long. my face is now flawless i pray it doesnot come back.

Pam - 09/11/99 19:45:20
Gender: Female
Age: 32

Comments:
Hi Stacy...I got really cracked hands that bleed early in treatment...also some funny rashes on my arms...what cleared it up for me was to minimise contact with harsh cleaning agents (dishwashing liquid,bleach etc.) and slather on Nutraplus Cream a couple of times a day (it's made by Galderma...same bunch that make Cetaphil) At night...I used to slather it on REALLY thickly...and then slip a pair of cotton gloves over the top...it worked wonders...after a few months on Roaccutane...all these side-effects k nd of levelled out for me...except the perennial dry lips of course!!! Don't get too discouraged that you're breaking out 7 weeks into treatment...it's really early days yet...

stacey - 09/11/99 16:24:52
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
i am now in the 7th week. i am looking and feeling pretty awful to say the least!!! i have got 2 new cysts which are quite painful and my back (which never was a problem) has now completely broken out and is really flakey. my hands have cracked and today hey started to bleed. iv'e also started to feel depressed which is worrying because iv'e had problems before with bipolar affective disorder (manic depression)in the past (1year ago). i'm so afraid that i'll get sick again, but i don't want to stop the ro cc. ON THE VIT E THING:there are different types of vit e. dl-Alpha-Tocopheral-acetate is the natural form. in this form iu & mg equate to the same thing (dosage) ie 500iu=500mg. but vit e in other forms the units iu & mg are not equivalent.iu refers to p tency not amount. i hope this is right!!! i asked my step father who is a pharmacist so if he's wrong a lot of people are in trouble!!! gooodluck to all, especially spunky,i hope it starts to work for you soon.

spunky - 09/11/99 14:00:50
My Email:spunky695@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
I agree with the girl below. That was a very shallow thing to say and I'm sorry but I was really outraged. I also want to apologize because my acne isn't that bad. I have a little redness on my right cheek and 2 pipmles on my left one. I shouldn't be s mad as I am. accutane is starting to work I think... but ironically my face has gotten better the last two days than any other days and I've been using goat soap. I really would read up on it.. it's acne-power-wash.com and try it. also, is it a big deal if u miss a dose and are on two capsuls a day?? or if u take it like 6 hours late?? and does extreme heat affect them if it's only like 5 hours of heat?? thanks.

Sonia - 09/11/99 13:38:49
Gender: Female
Age: 29

Comments:
Hi everyone!!!! Well, just wanted to give you all an update. It has been 6-7 weeks since I took my very last dose of Accutane!!! And MY SKIN IS FANTASTIC!!!! Almost all the side effects have disappeared. My skin was always on the dry side so I still mostu ize but at least I don't have to grease myself up every night. No more chap stick other than when I want the glossy look for a night out! I started a kickboxing class and other than I am badly out of shape (couldn't walk up and down stairs the first coupl of days HE HE HE) NO more joint pain!!! No more tiredness!! and the best thing of all.......I had started losing hair the last month of treatment.....it got really bad about 3-4 weeks ago....I was losing chunks of hair!!! I was told and heard here a coup e of times that it may take 6 months to 1 year for that to correct itself, well, it has already started getting better. I'm not shedding nearly as much as two weeks ago and it's getter better by the day!!! Now for the absolute best news.....I just went th ough 10 days of the worst PMS I have ever had and guess what??? NOT ONE LITTLE BLEMISH ANYWHERE!!!!!!!! IT WAS GREAT.......THAT WAS THE TIME I WAS DREADING BUT NOT ONE PIMPLE, CYST OR OTHERWISE!!! As my cysts were primarily hormonal, I was worried about m first bout of PMS once off accutane but it was great!!! I am keeping my fingers crossed that this lasts but just wanted to let you all know that it was soooooooo worth all the aggrevation. Last night I was watching my boyfriends band at this club and thi girl leaned over and said I had the most beautiful skin she had ever seen. She actually said I look like one of those Porcelain dolls!!!!!!! If that isn't worth the 5 months of suffering I don't know what is.......I love the way my boyfriend will caress y face and tell me how beautiful I am. But Just for Spunky.......he was absolutely wonderful even when I was hold bags of ice on my chin to take down swelling from a big huge cyst......he was very supportive and loving and told me daily that cysts didn't atter.....he still thought I was beautiful and made me feel wonderful. If your girlfriend can't get past your skin.....you should consider wether or not someone that shallow is worth being with........find someone who loves you for you and not for what yo r face looks like. By the way, regardless of how bad your skin may get, Spunky, I don't think being crippled is a better option. To be quite honest, that was the most shallow, cruel thing I've ever read. Ask someone who is in a wheel chair or unable to wa k, or drive a car, or swim if they would trade use of their limbs for bad skin and you can probably already guess what the response would be......there is no question......take a look at Christopher Reeves.......would you trade you skin for that????? I th nk you would get stared at more for that then your skin. We all know how hard it is. But you will get through it. My skin got really bad at first and didn't get better until 10-12 weeks into the treatment. Just stick with it and be patient......Good luck! !!

Pam - 09/11/99 01:19:14
Gender: female
Age: 32

Comments:
Missy...I am still on Roaccutane...in my 7th/8th month...down to a maintenance dose of 20 mg/day...and I don't have the redness at all anymore...I attribute this to staying out of the sun...and scrupulously applying SPF 15+ every morning (even when it's r ining!)...on a more general note...my skin just keeps improving on a daily basis...it feels stronger and healthier than it has in well over a decade...my skin-tone has improved considerably...my scars are less red and 'angry'...and finally...the really de p cysts are starting to shrink...it has taken a long time on the drug to achieve these results...but I can definitely say now that it was worth the wait!!!

Missy - 09/10/99 19:05:15

Comments:
Anyone know how long after finishing Accutane it takes for the redness to go away? Also, does anyone know how long after finishing it takes before one can begin electrolysis hair removal? Incidentally, I am about to finish a 5 month treatment of 80 mg on 140 lbs. Side effects have been minimal, I have broken all the rules (i.e. alcohol, sun), and results have been good. I would recommend it to anyone.

Emily - 09/10/99 16:51:18
My Email:starrbuck@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 16

Comments:
Hey Spunky? I know how you feel. I was diagnosed with depression a year before I started taking accutane. If you are in school, I found it helps to talk to your teachers if they are the listening types. I used to miss school every second day because o my depression and my teachers thought I was a real slacker but they actually understood when I told them why I missed so many days and they helped me. And remember, even though we've never met you, we care. And now for somethig completely different: I know this sounds stupid but when I am depressed I listen to ABBA. I went out and bought ABBA Gold and I know it sounds really silly but it really helps me when I am crying. Luv ya, Starrbuck.

tony - 09/10/99 16:36:53
Gender: male
Age: 19

Comments:
SPUNKY, i can understand where you are coming from. how are you ever going to get back to how things were if you die? MY STORY, i had chicks hanging off of me untill 3 years ago. i had the car the looks the money, everything every guy thinks will make him happy. then i got diagnosed with manic depression and cystic acne, suffered a dog attack which has left the right sid of my face such a mess that i can't even bear to face myself in the mirror, and i have spent 3 years in & out of psych hospitals.in a few horrible months you will look better than ever. at least you will be able to leave your house without the stares,lau hs. i heard a little kid say to her mother once,"mommy is he a monster". so think of how bad things REALLY could be.

Marijke - 09/10/99 13:50:22
My Email:marijke34@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 19

Comments:
HI guys, I am starting my fourth month of accutane, 40 mg/day and my skin is looking great! Side effects have never been that awfull to me. At the moment my face looks awfull though cause I have this infection to my mouth, my whole upper lip is swollen up I can hardly talk/eat/laugh and I look like a retard. Last month I had an infection to my nose, it was all red and big, and hurt like hell... OH well, it's probably not due to roaccutane but every little thing you get these days you blame roaccutane. I p obably just have a bad health and a lousy immune system, but I'd still like to hear if someone else has had infections. Then I have something totally different to ask.. HAS ANYONE HEARD OF MARLINEX EUCALYPTUS? I just read an article about that in a Dutch magazine. It's soap or oil made of AUSTRALIAN eucalyptus and it's supposed to get rid of all sorts of things, from getti g a stain out of silk to clearing acne!!! SO i'D like to ask if anyone, especially the AUZZIE'S have heard of this stuff.. let me know! love, Marijke from The Netherlands

Star Donovan - 09/10/99 03:02:23
My Email:starstruck@prodigy.net
Gender: Female
Age: 38

Comments:
Interested to find this web site. I've had acne for as long as I can remember and it makes me VERY DEPRESSED. Minocin cleared it up totally, so much so that I actually did some fashion modeling!! However, it lowered my white blood count drastically so I was always getting sick and I had to stop taking it. My acne came back with a vengeance. I'm too scared to try Accutane. I have found that eating a yoghurt a day helps A LOT. I discovered this by accident. Also I just heard that in England, a light t eatment called Dermalux is making great improvements to people's skin after about 3 months of treatment. I am trying to find out more and if I can buy one over here.

paul - 09/09/99 21:53:46
My Email:paul@holliday999.freeserve.co.uk
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
hey, this stuff works, I have been on it for about 13wks, and well I can say that my skin is 90% clearier than it was, and well on holiday with some mates it didn't break out, after drinking, late nights, clubs, the sea, surfing, girls, I even pulled so i must be good, and I feel good for the time :) so it does work. I have had the suide thoughts, thought where is the end, cried my self to sleep many a night, spent hours in the mirror, not wanted to go out, hated everything, school work became less important, and I became depressed for about a year, but hid it, the wo st thing to do, no one knows of my problems, none of my firends. going away from the point but does anyone here know who to get rid of the red marks, or to make you skin heal quicker???? anything wouild be a real help, thanks, if anyone has any problems, I have some time left to my summer holiday, so feel free to write to me ! , am also putting a web page togther of people on Roccautane or with acne, no names or anything would be a great help, thanks.

spunky - 09/09/99 20:16:07
My Email:spunky695@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
I've done nothing but cry these last couple of days. why doesn't it ever stop?? I just want to be able to look amber in the eyes for once and not be embarassed. I'm so confused.. is taking in all that oil just gonna be pushed out?? I just want clear d m* skin. please!! I"ll pay $1,000 dollars. I'd be crippled.. I DON"T CARE! I just want my old self back. I'm sorry but I have to get in my past now. ok, I played baseball all my life and I quit about a year and a half ago (not due to acne). last year was awesome though u guys. I was the junior homecoming king I(out of 660 in my class) was a #2 in the state for junior mt. bike racing (could never beat eric keim.. uughhh) I had amber, I had every girl always looking and smiling at me wherever I went ( h yea.. yesterday at the dermatologist some hot blond who was there with her sister started talking to me and kept smiling :)) But now it's different. I quit racing b/c I thought sweat=pimples.. I don't go out anymore.. I don't want anyone to see me lik this. I just want it back.. I've thought about suicide.. may think again.. If I do try suicide.. I"m gonna do it a different way... I"m gonna take 2 grams of accutane. clear skin, just my old clear skin, I want it back lord. for anything. please. s mebody help me.. it just doesn't get much worse.

Christine D. - 09/09/99 18:19:56
Gender: Female
Age: 34

Comments:
Hi spunky..just read your cry for help...I feel for you i too got severly depressed when i lost those babies they put my on prozac...i stopped it after two months (this was years 5 ago) it didn't do a thingfor me...what helped? my inner thoughts. love yourself. take a walk in the woods. find a good book on what you really love..look towards the future...focus on your heart, mind and your soul...i know it sounds corny, but it has helped me...try yoga or some really cool sport you never dared to do before! there is a future and i, like you worried my husband would hate my acne...he still cares, and even helps me find solutions...if your girlfriend is insensitive, let her go.... enjoy yourself and find the new you emerging when you discover there is so much out there...you matter...you count...you are special and you are beautiful...remember you have yourself. be strong and have a good cry...get a punching bag it helps with anger management...take a anger management coarse...contact your local community service they might help you there... try a new healthy diet take care

spunky - 09/09/99 18:16:46
My Email:spunky695@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
somebody help me!!!!! something is wrong!! I have no idea who to believe.. what to do... none of this makes sense!!! accutane makes my pimples stay FOREVER!!! I hope they don't scar!! this sucks so bad.. until I went to the bathroom. has anyone ev r heard of greenlee's goat soap?? I swear to god this stuff works... I'm in tears here ya'll. I just washed my face with it and 30 min later I saw DRAMATIC results. I used to use this everyday and get NO pimples. I got a couple and went to my gp. he have me erythromycin and it made it worse. then minocycline made it worse. accutane is kinda doing better. GOAT SOAP WORKS. On my toyota celica and mf girlfriend.. I SWAER. within putting it on for 30 sec.. it was all absorbed. please try this.. t eir addy is acne-power-wash.com. it contains olive oil, citrus oil, coconut oil, aloe, tea tree oil and pasturized goat milk. who would have known????? just wanted to say that u BETTER try it. u can kill me if I'm wrong.. why I went off it I may regr t if I have scars. please listen.. it's a keeper.

Christine D. - 09/09/99 18:02:23
Gender: Female
Age: 34

Comments:
Hi everyone, When I discovered this site, I was so grateful. I would like to share my story and what i have reasearched for skin products/vitamins and diet. I decided to post since i saw so many were lost in the world of acne like i was. i was tired of hiding and staying home so i wouldn't see anyone i knew! work was the worst! it can be very hard on our self esteem when a person stares right at your worst zit, and doesn't even listen to what you are saying HOW RUDE AND INSENSITIVE!! ok my story: i had small pimples most of my life which were not that bad-thank god for makeup! about three times from my teens to 22, i had a large cyst that would come with major stress i was going through. nothing worked but hot compresses and time. then I had two miscarriages in my late 20's. After that, i was breaking out more (hormones have a great affect on acne) I was having difficulty getting pregnant, so this January past, i decided to go on fertility pills! ..... If i can tell you women who have acne to stay away form those pills...DO stay away! they say that it causes break outs...but not what i got! My face was incredible! i cannot describe the pain! my chin/both sides of the face swelled with many cystes the size of nickle coins! i don't think i ever felt so ugly..i looked back on older pictures and wondered why i even worried about the small pimples...they didn't really show! we see them more than everyone else does...we can focus on these zits too much....I researched alot, because DR.'s only wanted to put me on antibiotics...which kill all the good bacteria in your gut, and i didn't have a virus so i was not comfortable taking them....so i did the complete diet change and vitamin regime it helped with the regular small zits, but the areas of the cysts, they decided to hang around forever.So i caved in and went to the Derm. He put me on 80mg a day of accutane for 4 months. i am into my second week and i am freaking out how fast the cysts have gone away. i was petrified the first 48 hours i imagined dying of all kinds of shit from this drug...as you can see i am alive and doing well. The cysts are flat but red areas are calming down and just a few small pimples! Thank you God! I only have dry lips/nose/skin/eyes--for lips: vaseline for the lips three times a day or more/and a moisturizing gel for the inside of the nose(really soothing)/I am taking 400mg of vit E and 200mg of selinium together at lunch, which helps the skin, and toxic side effect to the body/plus a natural body moisturizer for the skin for the eyes i use 3 times a day visene eye drop moisturizer for the eyes...as for the nausia and occasional stomach ache and mild headaches...I take it... here's some other ideas I am doing: FIRST: read food labels STAY AWAY from food that has artificial colour/artificial flavors...it takes a few groceries orders to get to know the brands, but then it is easy!-eat whole foods(alot of fresh veggies,tofu,grains,seeds(like pumpkin & sunflower),fish,poultry,fresh fruit(esspecially kiwi) & stay away from red meat)-no more junk food,(food with the bad fats) low fat popcorn has helped me with cravings -no alchhol(very limited!)-cut down on white sugar use honey when you can-cut down on milk cheeze and butter. i use natural butter, and occasionally natural cheeze (low fat) but have bought soy beverage vanilla flavour and i have grown to like it...it is actually healthier than milk! SECOND-vitamins that was suggested by Denise Mortimore in the book called "Nutritional Healing" ISBN 1-86204-176-8 (excellent book it helped me feel better!and shows you how to take vitamins safely) ~a high potency multivitamin containing good levels of vit A,B6,C and E, selenium, zinc,chromium(BE CAREFUL with vit A..only beta carotene if you are on accutaine!ask your Dr.) ....also the Echinacea herb,lactobacillus acidophilus pills(the good bacteria to replace what all the antibiotics have killed) and primrose oil capsules. this can be found in health food stores i have found that swiss is a good product..it is up to you...read a lot and pick up this book, or something you relate to. THIRDLY: topical stuff. pure tea tree oil feels nice if your skin can handle it... i found it burned my skin and made it really red! the body shop tea tree oil mask (oily skin only) and tea tree oil scrub helps remove accutanes flakey dry skin; also they have a tea tree oil moisturizer gel i have tried it, and find it soothes the itchy feeling on your face..not bad...I have yet to find a non oily SPF to block out the sun from my face. I read way down at the bottom of this page that Johnson and johnson SPF works...i will give it a try....Plus my scalp is so itchy i think someone will think i have fleas! so i am buying a dandruff shampoo tonight...all my cleansing products are changeing...from not to get oilly to now trying to moisturize..it is a weird feeling. FOURTH:exercise make it fun like biking or walking or a favorite sport/meditate or do relaxing exercises that relieve the stress you are feeling/ pamper yourself -you deserve it... Hope i helped all of you...best wishes i

Jeanster - 09/09/99 17:54:14
My Email:jsj@wsblaw.com
Gender: Female
Age: 30

Comments:
I just emailed Spunky and shared this and it reminded me that whenever I'm feeling really bad about my acne or my appearance, I remember this verse and I felt led to share it. I hope I don't offend anyone by doing so. "The Lord does not look at things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance but, the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

spunky - 09/09/99 17:37:22
My Email:spunky695@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
I need help. I have been diagnosed with clinical depression ( the non-chemical kind). yesterday my girlfriend wrote me an email that she is tired of waiting, tired of hoping.. just tired of me not being myself. I got so outraged and tore the house up. I broke phones, bar stools, doors, chairs and parts of the wall. It's all because of acne.... not accutane. When does this stuff work/? it's been 4 weeks and I'm so scared.. of everything. To see my friends, to go out in public, I just wanna break own and crumble. I'm gonna lose my girlfriend.. I've already lost my family, my varsity piching rotation, my happy smile, my whole life.. it's just slowly fading to nil. there is really no hope.. I'm on 80 mg and I weigh 160 pounds. I can't take it nymore.. I"m going crazy. I don't see the light at the end of the tunnel anymore.. just a black bowl of death. spunky, out

- 09/09/99 15:13:14
Gender: Female
Age: 26

Comments:
I keep reading on so many messages that keeping out of the sun helps reduce the red marks. I know we're all more sensitive to the sun now while taking roac but what I don't understand is why the sun makes it worse, as long as we're not being stupid and le ting ourselves burn? The UV often helps acne and encourages the skin to renew, so why does it make red marks worse?

Jeanster - 09/09/99 13:50:28
My Email:jsj@wsblaw.com
Gender: Female
Age: 30

Comments:
Hey you guys! I went to my M.D. yesterday and he said I was responding very well on 40mg per day (I weigh 113) and said some folks don't respond this well on 80mg! He said I could go to every other day until Sept. 20 and 21 (I sing and we're recording t ose days...the Accutane dries my throat out). He also asked me if I was taking any Vitamin E...I told him I was taking 800iu's per day and he said I could DOUBLE that. I was surprised because of all I had read here about the vitamin (and I told him that too). He said the Vitamin E actually counters the nasty affects of the Vitamin A (in the Accutane) basically reversing the toxitity. Which is cool. So I can take up to 1600iu's a day. I've done great with 800 and it really does help hair, skin, etc... But always check with your doctor first. Don't read something here and go do it. I do trust my doctor he's one of the best in Atlanta. Sweet fella too. I'm on week 4 and doing well. I had a minor break out this week. Has anyone had trouble sleeping? Later, taters.

Pikachu - 09/09/99 13:00:19
Gender: Female
Age: 22

Comments:
Hi guys!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm done with Roche.I was on it for 6months and 10 days.It 's been a treat. Yes Yes, i had major breakouts in the begining.But at the 4th month, i started to have no zits.Maybe once in a while. I went to see my derm for the last time today.She put me on topical Roche for mainteance, to be started early Oct where the effect of RO he might be gone then.Im so relieve.I'm able to face people again.Although i still have some red marks left from the old zits but they are getting quite light.My advice for red marks is STAY OUT OF THE SUN!!! It really kills.I have been hiding from the su like crazy.Going to work early in the day and staying in the office for lunch and leaving later in the evening.I pray hard that ance will never come back to me ever again.I've spent half of this year battling with it and spent some much money on Roche.My card bills are killing me, but i say it's all worth it.So to those of you who are taking Roche now.Please be patient. It works! and i pray that acne will never get to anyone of us ever again.CHEERS!

Anne - 09/09/99 06:41:04
My Email:goodies6@bigpond.com
Gender: female
Age: 43

Comments:
I have been prescribed roaccutane for persistent rosacea (and I also have psoriasis). There doesn't seem to be anything much published about using roaccutane for rosacea. Has anyone any info? Given the side effects I am hesitant, but all the usual treatme ts have not helped, so my dermatologist thinks this will work. He swears that he has many success stories. I'm hesitant, so any info would be appreciated.

Hello - 09/09/99 04:54:13
Age: 35

Comments:
Hi all, a couple of things. I wonder how accutane works? I was on it twice at 5 months a piece. If someone stops after 3 months or somewhere before the end of the program I wonder if they will continue to have problems, maybe problems beyond what we ad before we started with accutane. I know I would not be one who would want to hear this but I do wonder about it. I know that my condition worsened and actually the second time it did not even work for me. What I am questioning is about how accutane w rks and what might happen with our condition if we stop the course when it is at the point of the treatment that we begin to break out the most. I will not take accutane again but I am continually checking this web site for ideas on cleaning, foundations etc. Also I am experimenting with Chinese Herbs. I logged on several times before. I have been taking them for 10 months now and my herbalist said probably have to take them for 1 year. I still am expecting miracles in two months. I have improved in a sense but I still do have acne just better type than it was. I have not given up hope yet. I have spent $405.72 for herbs and 35.00 for two consultations in the beginning. So that is $475.72 for 10 months. 47.57 a month. Not too bad for a possible ure for me. And I definitely see the type of acne I had has changed. It seems like it is reversing the process, going from cystic acne to mild acne and then HOPEFULLY disappear. And best of all the oilyness has been gone for ten months. Also I noticed omething about cleansing the other day. I use a tar soap and gently move my hands ove my face to cleanse and then rinse well. This does not seem to take care of all of my foundation residue. So I take a circular cotton pad and put a little of The Body hops tea tree oil facial wash and very gently cleanse my face with it. I do this once or twice until the residue no longer shows on the cotton pad. I'm not sure of the importance of the extra cleanliness but I though I would share in case anyone could be efit.

Dan - 09/09/99 04:30:37
My Email:deemann@earthlink.net
Gender: Male
Age: 29

Comments:
I'm glad to see this page is still going. Well, I'm starting Accutane this weekend. I've read all the stories and I know I'm taking a chance. But I feel as though acne has taken control of most of my life, even losing a woman I deeply loved, so now it's t me for me to take control. To KELLY - 23: I'm sure things will take a turn for the better. You seem very positive and I firmly believe that that is half the battle! On a final note, I weigh 185lbs. and my Derm wants me to start on 90MG/day. I have mild but persistant cystic acne. D es that sound right? Keep the faith people!

Emily - 09/09/99 03:39:50
My Email:starrbuck@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 16

Comments:
I have been on accutane for about 7 weeks now and so far I have had no improvement. In fact my acne is getting worse. It seems that I am on a high enough dosage(40 mg at 150lbs) just to make my lips and skin dry enough that I have to put on moisturizer( etaphil), which probably is making me break out, though its supposedly really good(my aunt who is a doctor recommended it when I was talking to her on the phone.) I am going to the doctor tomorrow and will see if he will bump me up to 60 or 80. I have p etty bad scarring acne(the pimples make my skin scab on top because they are deep.) Oh well, at least it's not getting worse! -knock on wood- I'm sure my doctor will agree with me, my aunt does! I still have faith that this will work!

shelley - 09/09/99 01:02:09
Age: 26

Comments:
To anyone thinking of going on Accutane for mild/moderate acne it is not worth it. I was on it a year and a half ago and have been suffering ever since. During treatment I had no problems only the dry lips and achy joints, however once I completed the cou se (about 3 months after stopping) I began having problems. Now a year and a half later I still get constant, really bad chapped lips, dry, flaky skin, bumps and cyst like bumps (which I never had before) on my face which look worse than any acne I ever h d not to mention my hair is still shedding and my legs are still dry and peeling (very hard to shave I know what you mean Bobbi) If anyone else has experienced anything like this after being on Accutane please respond. Did things eventually improve for y u. I am praying that things will improve.

Luferus - 09/08/99 19:19:21
My Email:Luferus@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 15

Comments:
Hi! Thank you to everyone who writes in this guestbook - it helped me decide to go on roaccutane, which I started 11 days ago. Nothing much appears to be happening visually - my skin hasn't even started to dry out yet, although it does seem to be less r ised than usual (which is brilliant!). However, I have had some side effects so far - joint and muscle pain, and some increased hairfall, although not noticeable! On the whole, everything seems to be going ok! Good luck to everyone, and keep the faith. br> 
stacey - 09/08/99 16:24:27
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
how often are we supposed to have blood tests??? i had the one you have before you start, but i'll be in week 8 before i go back to the derm. everyone seems to have them each month!

Keith - 09/08/99 12:15:40
Gender: Male
Age: 33

Comments:
Bobbi: The ones that show up on the neck are bothersome that is for sure esp when you have to wear a collar and tie everyday. Mine were cystic and therefore wouldn't heal very quickly and hurt like the dickens sometimes. However, I found after the fact th t skin on the neck is the easiest to scar esp if you pick at them so definitely leave them alone. I rarely get them anymore (TG!). I found that using a mild buff pad and soap kept them at bay and I now use an electric razor too so it seems to help.

Shirley - 09/08/99 09:42:22
My Email:Shirleyd@egon.gyaloglo.hu
Gender: Female
Age: 30

Comments:
I'm very thankful about the information from this site. I've just delivered a healthy daughter about 6 weeks ago. I started to suffer from serious acne problems when I was 7 months pregnant but could'nt take any oral medications. After the delivery, I was hoping that my hormones would go back to normal but it became worse. I have serious acne on my back, ches, face and neck. The problem is that I am breasfeeding my child. As my dermatologist prescribed me antibiotics,I should have to stop breastfeeding. In two weeks, she will prescribe me roaccutan. I have always suffered from hormonal imbalance from the age of 14. I had irregular mentrual period. I've always had acne although not as serious as it is now. I am confident enough that it will be treated but I'm afraid the scars will remain. Could you gi e some more information about acne scars and how to get rid of them. Thank you very much. Shirley

WALLACE NG - 09/08/99 08:02:12
Gender: MALE
Age: 18+

Comments:
Hi! today is my 5th day on accutane and i had already experience dry lips and the skin of my nose starts to peel. Is that true that acne will worsens during the first few weeks during the intake of accutane? I just hope that this does not happens to me... CAN ANYONE HELP ME??? thanks bye!!!!! good luck to all

Matt - 09/08/99 02:44:41
My Email:Wood226@aol.com
Gender: Male
Age: 17

Comments:
Sorry about the previos post I didn't know that was how I posted on this site. I am 150Pds and have been switching from 80mg to 40mg every other day for the past 2 and one half months and my acne has not improved the least bit as a matter of fact it has g tten a lot worse. After my first two months my apointments got screwwed up with my doctor and I was off accutane for a week during that week my acne improved a little bit and my lips were'nt dry then I went back on it and my face broke out again and my l ps dried out again. I was just wondering if anyony has any idea how long the red marks on my skin are going to last they have been on my face for at least the last month and haven't improved. If anyone can answer my questions please e-mail me.

Matt - 09/08/99 02:36:32
My Email:Wood226@aol.com
Gender: Male
Age: 17

Comments:
I just wanted to tell you that I really appreciate your site. The only problem I have is that it wont allow me to post in the guestbook

Ryan - 09/08/99 02:34:18
My Email:zoommail@island.net
Age: 17

Comments:
I've been on accutane since the very end of june. Im on a 60mg dose. It got really dry and really really bad at first. it eventually started to fade, but now that my face is clear of new breakouts, but im seeing the scars of years and years of this diesea e. Its terrible. if all the scars were gone, i'd be as clear as anyone. Unfortunately, the scars are not exactly fading away like i'd hoped. PLEASE! does anyone know of anything i can use whilest im on accutane to kind of heal them up or fade them?? I rea about the mederma afew days ago here, but i'd have to wait until im off the drug, and i dont want to wait. So if any of you have used something that WORKS, then PLEASE post it here or email me please!! i'd appreciate it so much, otherwise i guess im goin to have to get used to looking at nice scars in the mirror. Thank you so much if anyone has any info.

brian - 09/08/99 00:34:08
My Email:brio13@hotmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
I've been on this for 4 weeks. This stuff sucks so bad.. I keep breaking out and I had VERY mild acne.. I look worse and worse and I'm gonna lose my girlfriend... no wonder people kill themselves on this drug... it's crazy. best of luck.. I would refr in from this unless u are sure. later buddah_K

Jeff - 09/07/99 23:43:49
My Email:jskst31@pitt.edu
Gender: Male
Age: 20 (80mg day 14th wk)

Comments:
Wow! Thanks for all the emails and comments regarding Vitamin E. I was really surprised to see how many people were unaware of the potential hazards due to overdosage of Vitamins A,D, and E. The fact that these vitamins are fat soluable is the main rea on we all have to get those dreadful blood tests each month. As most of you already know, Accutane is a Vitamin A derivitive. These blood tests test for the toxicities I mentioned earlier. Triglycerides and Colesteral test blood fats, and blood fats ca be raised when these fat soluable vitamins (like Accutane) stockpile in the blood system. If our blood wasn't monitored then the dermotologist would never have the capability to prevent potential toxicities. Over 25% of us will experience a rise in blo d fats due to Accutane, but most aren't significant enough that the dosage would have to be adjusted. As with me, my triglycerides only raised from 45 to 57 which is insignificant. (My dermo says my blood work is "phenomenal"). So again too much vitami E can lead to the some of the same side effects Accutane causes. (We all know we don't want any more of those side effects). Be careful and good luck! Jeff

stacey - 09/07/99 22:52:55
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
HEY! before everyone starts jumping into the vitamin E thing, i've been informed that max dosage is 400iu per day. so, before you take it (or anything else)ask your derm .(as if we needed to hear that again!!!) thank you to the pharmacist dude for the pos as he may have stopped my internal organs from exploding or something!

Lisa - 09/07/99 21:35:14
My Email:llbrown@omm.com
Gender: female
Age: 30

Comments:
Well, I'm on week 22 (two more weeks to go). I was on 50 mg/day to start, then went up to 60 mg, and now for the last month I've been on 80 mg. I weigh 110 pounds, so this is a pretty high dose. I had mild to moderate acne when I started. My face has een clear since about week 4, with the occasional pimples here and there. Except about 3 weeks ago I got this really huge cyst right on my cheek-bone (right below the eye). It swelled up really bad and I looked like I had been punched in the face. I ru hed to the dermatologist and he injected it with cortizone. He said it was an epidermal cyst (whatever that is). Anyway, it still isn't completely gone and I think I'll go back for a second shot. Has anyone had this happen to them? NOT GOOD! Otherwis , my skin looks awesome. I'm a little nervous to be off accutane. I'm scared my acne and oil will return. I think one of the best things about being on accutane is not having a shiny face 24/7. It has been wonderful! Well, good luck to everyone out t ere. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions about your treatment. Lisa Brown

jo - 09/07/99 21:30:50
My Email:jojo908@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 24

Comments:
I have had acne for ten years. (wrote about a month ago). I went today to see a Doctor- the 120th I've seen!- he diagnosed that I have Candida and the spots are merely a result of a huge yeast infection in my body. Through a diet avoiding all sugar, an taking natural pills to kill off the yeasts, and drinking at least 3 litres of water per day I will be able to get rid of the acne. I have also been given Bach Flower Remedies to deal with the way I think about my life etc. Has any one else been down the route of candida being a causative factor of acne, therefore a problem due to antibiotic abuse?

Jeanster - 09/07/99 21:08:29
My Email:jsj@wsblaw.com
Gender: Female
Age: 30

Comments:
This is an awesome site!!! I've felt so alone with acne for so long and it's great to know others are going through it too (not great that they have it but, well...you know what I mean!) I'm on 40mg a day and I had moderate persistent acne (cysts and al ...my back was the worst). I've had a moderate break out in my third week. I'm now on my 4th week and am so happy with the results so far. I've even received compliments on my skin!! That's NEVER happened. Side effects include: Back aches, stiff neck! (does anyone else have this???) trouble sleeping, dry lips, throat and skin, knee ache on the L, dehydration big time...I run and have to drink tons of water. I have lost some hair but, I noticed that my hair was very dry and the hair coming out was breaking off. It wasn't coming from the root. So I bought some hair thickening shampoo and conditioner and after I shampoo I leave the conditioner in my hair while I bathe. I don't rinse the conditioner complete y out either. It really has helped! Also, Linda Sy' acne cover lotion works great for coverage (I used it prior to Accutane for years and NO I don't work for them LOL). It's $6.00 a bottle and lasts forever. They have a web site if you're interested...www.lindasy.com I think. I also take 800i.u.'s of Vitamin E a day and zinc. I hope this helps. What are some other symptoms you guys are having. Oh yeah!!! To the nice girl who posted below...I'm having the yeast infection thing too! Bummer when you're married!!! I'll ask my .D. about it tomorrow when I go for my lab work. Hang in there you guys! Thank you for being so open about everything. It's great to have others to discuss this with. :)

kelly - 09/07/99 20:14:56
Gender: female
Age: 23

Comments:
Hello again. I've now been on accutane for a month. My skin has been acting up in waves - relatively clear for a few days, and then a quick outbreak of four or five big ones. My skin has never been horrendous, except for a few stressful times. I guess I have "mild to moderate" acne with extrememly oily skin. Since taking the accutane, my skin isn't greasy at all. It's so refreshing to look in the mirror and not see any of that annoying shine. Also, my makeup stays on a lot better now that the grease isn't melting it off. But, my skin is still breaking out, as I expected it to be. I get them mostly on my cheeks and chin. My boyfriend has been really great. He knows that accutane takes time to work and has really been trying to keep my confidence u . Well, I still feel a little homely right now, but I'm hoping things will get better soon. Best wishes to all.

spunky - 09/07/99 19:44:45
My Email:spunky695@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
to male 17 below.. all I have to say is "bingo".. that was perfect. I hate this crap but I'm onlt 3 weeks and 5 days into it.. when is it really gonna start getting better. I am seeing some improvement. thanks to all

- 09/07/99 19:34:00
Gender: male
Age: 16

Comments:
My theory on accutane/depression. I agree with many where as if you already have bad acne, your depressed, and if your going on accutane, or are on it, you are probably depressed with some pretty bad acne. People always need something to blame depressio on, and sometimes "acne" isn't a comfortable thing to blame it on, so people blame it on "accutane" instead. Also, i think that if there was a survey, the amount of people that accutane causes depression for is probably around the same amount as people hat accutane doesn't work for. I know that if accutane didn't work for me...i would be depressed beyond depression. Also, the suicides are tied with acne, because accutane users know that accutane is the strongest acne drug invented, and that it's the l st hope. I am so curious as to how many of the people that committed suicide while on accutane had their skin CLEAR UP.....i bet accutane wasn't working for them, and there face was just unbearable. Acne is a skin disease in my mind, and will just tear ou down, no matter who u are. It tears down your self confidence, motivation, and everything else about you. It simply deteriates your life right infront of yours eyes. I just wish nobody has to suffer with such a disease....i know that i've been bless d that accutane has worked for me, and i try to help others. I'm in high school, and every time i see someone with acne, i feel so bad for them, and i can just see right through them, and how bad they feel etc....i know that there is going to be alot of eople on this site who are using accutane, and won't be back once there acne clears up.....but i just want to ask one thing of you, even if u dont come back. Help people with their acne, recommend accutane, or just talk to them.....cause it really sux

Jeff Kotwica - 09/07/99 17:20:41
My Email:jskst31@pitt.edu
Gender: Male
Age: 20 (80mg day) 14th wk

Comments:
First of all, Melissa I thought your post was very intelligently put for such a young Accutane user. I'm glad to see that most of the people here agree with me on the "Depression debate", and that no one else actually read that crock from that annoying ac ion group. Anyway, to female 20 who just posted before me. She was right. Don't quote her on that last comment about Vitamin E. She mentioned how taking large dosages of Vitamin E helped heal her skin. It has most definitely been proven that Vitamin E plays a major role in your body's healing process and can significantally strengthen the immune system. Unfortunately, too much of a good thing can often be bad, which is the case with Vitamin E. With Vitamins A,D,and E DO NOT TAKE MORE THAN 400IU A DA !!!! This is the daily reccomended allowance. These three vitamins differ from most others in the fact that they are fat soluable. This means that they are stored in your bodies fat cells until they can be used or burned up. Unlike water soluable vitam ns (like C) that can be excreted as waste products if they aren't needed. Therefore, as these vitamins stockpile in the fat cells due to overdosage then can cause what is called toxicity. When this occurs, the negative effects of the supplement overide t e postive effects. Overdosing on these vitamins can cause damage to organs such as your thyroid (try losing weight with a underactive thyroid ladies and tell me how it works....it won't). That's why we aren't supposed to take any vitamin A supplements hile on Accutane. Vitamin A is also fat soluable which is one of the primary causes of side effects. Jeff (Pharmacy Intern Pharmor,Kmart; Universtiy of Pittsburgh Doctor of Pharmacy student)

stacey - 09/07/99 14:22:00
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
i've been on roaccutane for 6 weeks now.(it already feels like an eternity!)i was just wanted to ask any of the girls out there if they have experienced the dreaded feminine iching thing? i've tried prescription stuff, but just nothing will shift it. it's very embarrassing and exceptionally uncomfortable. icky question out of the way! i would also like to know about oil free sunscreens that actually stay on under light make up. every time i put on make up it just sort of rolls of (sort of like my skin too) 'm in australia so if i want to leave the house i have to use it. are there any aussies out there who know if this mederma stuff is available in oz? as i have heaps of those annoying red marks where zits used to be. all in all, the side effects (for me) h ven't been really bad,and i am really glad that i have chosen to take roaccutane. i never had really bad acne (just zits) up untill 18 months ago, then i started to get the cysts (ouch)i went to so many gp's who gave me antibiotics, diane 35ed, and told m to use benzoyl peroxide, none of which worked. then i went to this guy who had obviously had really severe acne earlier in his life as he had some pretty bad scars, and he referred me to a derm who said "sign this form,the roaccutane script will be poste in 10 days,and you will be required to pay in full at the door" no joke. luckily i've had you guys and my friendly local pharmacist to inform me of the side effects of the do's and don'ts of roaccutane therapy. thanks to whoever recommended Elizabeth Ard n 8 hour cream, it works a treat! i have also found that taking big doses of vitamin E helps the skin to heal very quickly. my zits heal 10 times faster than when i was not on roaccutane, and roaccutane is supposed to slow healing, so i think it must help (especially if you are prone to picking!)I don't think taking large doses of vit E has side effects, but i wouldn't take my word for it. goodluck to all, and remember, "VIVA LA LIP BALM!

spunky - 09/07/99 09:56:13
My Email:spunky695@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
OK!!! I have the finally analysis on this wonder drug! I'm 17 and my girlfriend loves me. I've been on it for almost 4 weeks and my acne is fading very, very quickly. T am very depressed though... never really suicidal.. but always pondering the meani g of life.. my personal direction... I have so many choices that it makes me crazy!! I'm scared of that keratosis thing that I've heard a lot about. I'm scared that I'm getting too dry. I don't know if I can still race mountain bikes... baseball sea on is coming up. I hope I don't dry out too much. IO dunno.. I guess everything is ok. I'm just weird. good luck and good morning!

Stacy - 09/07/99 08:00:06
Gender: female
Age: 24

Comments:
I thought I was the only one who was puzzeled after reading that LONG and BORING and B.S. story from the Roaccutane Support Group. What was all that garbage about anyway???? I'm sure that the people that are part of that "support group" have never even aken Roaccutane themselves. They need to get a life, to put it mildly.

Andrew - 09/07/99 06:22:00
Gender: Male
Age: 18

Comments:
To the roaccutane action group. We are not interested in tonnes of useless facts about Roche and don't post such long and annoying entries that no one is going to read fully. Have you ever considered the possibility that people who have acne may already b depressed. Then because they have acne they go on roaccutance and their depression is blamed on roaccutane. You people seem to like doing studies and gathering facts. Why don't you do a study on the comparison between people who have acne, are are not on roaccutane and commit suicide and those who are on roaccutance and commit suicide. If you get a statistically significant result then there may be some evidence. But to date I haven't heard anything but a few vague cases and scare stories about someone be ng on roaccutance and comitting suicide. That proves NOTHING! Is there any solid evidence???? I don't think so. I take roaccutance and I live in Australia and the first I have heard of roaccutane causing depression is on this website. No one here seems to think it cause depression and leads to suicide and Australia has the highest youth suicide rate in the world!!

Me - 09/07/99 05:44:36

Comments:
Roaccutane Action Group, I really am not interested in your very long postings. I would not mind too much if you just posted a one or two liner with a web page that someone who may be interested in reading your information could go to if they choose to. I have taken accutane twice and the second time did not work. I am not a front for anyone. I think that a one or two liner giving people who want your information a chance to go to a web page address given by you is sufficient. Thank you.

Melissa Mifsud - 09/07/99 04:57:31
My Email:melissie_m@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 14

Comments:
HI THIS IS MY FIRST TIME AT THIS SITE, THERE A WERE ABOUT A MILLION PEOPLE WITH STORIES ON THIS PAGE, IT TOOK ALMOST 10 MIN FOR MY PUTER TO LOAD THEM ALL. I HAVE BEEN TAKING ACCUTANE FOR 5 WEEKS ON 2 PILLS A DAY AT 10 MG. I HAVE NOTICED A LITTLE DIFFERE CE, BUT NOTHING TO SAY THAT THIS IA A MIRACLE PILL. I AM KINDA FRUSTRATED THAT ALL THE SIDE EFFECTS ARENT WORTH IT IF THERE ARENT ANY RESULTS. PLEASE E-MAIL ME AND TELL ME HOW LONG IT TOOK FOR IT TO START WORKING OFR YOU. I ALSO THINK THAT THIS WHOLE A CUTANE DEPRESSION SUICIDE THING IS WAY OUT OF CONTROL. I THINK THAT WE ALL WENT ON THE DRUG BECAUSE WE HAD REALLY BAD ACNE, AND THATS DEPRESSING ENOUGH, BUT HAVING A PILL GIVE YOU SUICIDAL THOUGHTS......THAT SEEMS A LITTLE FAR FETCHED. I'M IN CONTROL OG MY THOUGHTS NOT A PILL. I HOPE THIS WORKS AND I'VE BEEN USING THESE SITES AS A SUPPOURT GROUP THROUGH THIS, I REALLY WANT TO GET BETTER. ACNE IS SUCH A DIBILITATING THING. I HATE IT. I WILL KEEP YOU POSTED ON THINGS. AGAIN I REALLY NEED SUPPOURT, SO LEASE E-MAIL ME WITH ANYTHING YOU HAVE TO SAY. LOVE ALWAYS, MELISSA

Jeff - 09/07/99 02:47:03
Age: 20

Comments:
Hey there Roaccutane Action Group, in the future I think we would all appreciate it if you didn't post such long garbile with useless facts and figures that nobody is going to read or care about. Maybe the reason Roaccutane isn't reporting all of these s icides is because ACCUTANE DOES NOT CAUSE DEPRESSION. Get over it!

Pam - 09/07/99 02:13:43
Gender: Female
Age: 32

Comments:
To Roaccutane Action Group...first of all let me make it clear that I absolutely support further research regarding Roaccutane and Depression...however even if a definite link was scientifically proven...this would STILL be mediated by the biopsychosocial factors discussed earlier...secondly...I absolutely support increased warnings and patient/G.P./dermatologist education and awareness on this matter...thirdly...I would not be at all surprised if a multinational pharmaceutical company such as Roche misrep esented information in the interests of increased profits...what I really hate in all of this is comments like 'back to school Stacey and Phil'...perhaps it was not a member of your organisation who made that comment...whoever it was...maybe next time the could contribute something positive...instead of disparaging individuals...in the past I have also got heated about this topic...and for that I sincerely apologise...I would really like to approach this whole issue in a more constructive way...

bobbi - 09/06/99 21:23:58
Gender: female
Age: 28

Comments:
I have been off Accutane for about one year(took 60mg/5month) and would like to know if any other females out there have had problems shaving their legs or with overly dry skin since treatment with accutane. I didn't have any problems until about 4 months after stopping treatment. since then skin is dryer (peeling) and I can't shave. Also has anyone else experienced lots of little bumps on face, chest, back of arms , and butt. They are like little . tiny pimples. Texture of skin also is different, it is ve y coarse and bumpy. FOR KEITH- you mentioned a few months back that you began having pimples on your neck while oil production was returning. How long did this last? I have been getting red bumps on my neck(and bunch of little bumps too). I am kind of loo ing at this as positive as this is a sign oil production is coming back. It is weird though because I never had acne on my kneck. Any insight is appreciated.

- 09/06/99 21:22:44

Comments:

bobbi - 09/06/99 21:21:58
Gender: female
Age: 28

Comments:
I have been off Accutane for about one year(took 60mg/5month) and would like to know if any other females out there have had problems shaving their legs or with overly dry skin since treatment with accutane. I didn't have any problems until about 4 months after stopping treatment. since then skin is dryer (peeling) and I can't shave. Also has anyone else experienced lots of little bumps on face, chest, back of arms , and butt. They are like little . tiny pimples. Texture of skin also is different, it is ve y coarse and bumpy. FOR KEITH- you mentioned a few months back that you began having pimples on your neck while oil production was returning. How long did this last? I have been getting red bumps on my neck(and bunch of little bumps too). I am kind of loo ing at this as positive as this is a sign oil production is coming back. It is weird though because I never had acne on my kneck. Any insight is appreciated.

Roaccutane Action Group - 09/06/99 21:13:17
My URL:http://homepages.iol.ie/~grantsu/
My Email:roacc@hotmail.com

Comments:
The following are some examples of questions raised by members of the Roaccutane Action Group directly with Roche Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturers and distributors of Roaccutane/Accutane. Do the contributors to this site have a view on whether Roche sho ld be forced to provide a response to each of the following items raised with Roche? In 1997, Roche understated, by 80%, the number of cases of suicide recorded on it's data base, in respect of Roaccutane, to the family of an Irish patient and persisted w th that understatement for several months until such time as their deception was unc vered by the family. In July 1997, Roche issued report to an Irish based dermatologist which understated by 80% the number of cases of suicide recorded on it's data base, in respect of Roaccutane. The dermatologist refused to investigate the understatement by Roche on basis t at such matters should be investigated by the IMB and not the prescribing doctor to whom the understatement was made. In June 1997, Roche issued lett r addressed to a doctor which understated by 60% the number of cases of 'depression' recorded on it's data base, in respect of Roaccutane. In January 1998, a leading U.K. based Professor of Dermatology, with a long standing professional relationship with oche in the promotion of increased use of Roaccutane, issued letter to an Irish based Dermatologist, which understated by 80% the number o cases of suicide recorded on Roche data base in respect of Roaccutane. Copy of the said letter was furnished by the ermatologist to the family of an Irish patient. In January 1998, Roche issued what they claimed was a full list of all cases of suicide recorded on it's data base in respect of Roaccutane, to the family of an Irish patient. This list omitted two cases of uicide that had previously been disclosed in wr ting by Roche to the family, the prescribing dermatologist, the IMB and others. In January 1998, Roche issued formal report addressed to Health Authorities, including the U.S. FDA, which featured case detail and number of reports held on Roche data base for Roaccutane, in respect of suicide, cut off date November, 1997. The family o an Irish patient discovered that the said report omitted a number of cases of suicide held and recorded by Roche at the said cu off date. The family notified the IMB and the FDA of the understatement. Roche issued letters and statements to the family of an Irish patient, to the press and to third parties, which overstated by 300%, the number of people prescribed Roaccutane worldw de in the period from 1982 to 1997. It is reasonable to conclude that Roc e sought to seriously mislead patients, health authorities, the media and third parties by significantly understating adverse events reported, overstating the number of people presc ibed, thereby causing serious and major distortion of information relevan in the assessment of the drug's safety. Roche failed to pass on adverse event report to the IMB (received by Roche in 1996), relating to a 19 year old Irish boy, involving suicide a tempt attributed to Roaccutane, until after the discrepancy was discovered and reported to the I.M.B, by a third arty, in February 1998. Public warnings had been issued to Roche in other jurisdictions for failing to pass on a very significant number of ad erse event reports to the relevant Health Authority within the specified time period (pharmaceutical companies a e legally obliged to pass on adverse event reports to national agency within 21 days). In response to a request made by the family of an Irish patient seeking information on the number of deaths reported and recorded on the Roche data base in respect of Roaccutane, Roche issued a letter together with a case listing which understated, by 75% the number of deaths when compared with the number of d aths recorded for Roaccutane by just one national agency. Roche continued refusal to provide a case listing of all adverse events held on their data base means that the number of deaths and other ad erse events reported to Roche in respect of Roaccutane i still unknown. Roche refused to provide information to the family of an Irish patient on the number and nature of adverse events for Roaccutane recorded on it's data base on the grounds that the rules of the IPHA and the rules of the ABPI prohibited Roch from making su h information available. Instead, Roche insisted that such information be provided via the prescribing doctor to whom Roche had issued reports that understated by 80% the number of adverse event reports. Following inquiry by the family to he IMB, they we e informed by letter from the IMB dated 17th September 1997, which stated "Roche products are prohibited by the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industries (ABPI) from communicating directly with members of the public about medical ma ters. This ruli g is part of UK code of practice for pharmaceutical industries and as such it is impossible for me to comment on this. However, it is important to understand that the relevant information can be communicated to you through your general pra titioner". The family subsequently obtained formal letters from the IPHA and the ABPI, which stated that there was no basis for Roche making the representations previously outlined. Roche continue to refuse to provide a full list of adverse event reports or Roaccut ne held on their database. This is a serious impediment for patients/ family of patients who wish to pursue further investigations, given the level and extent of the misrepresentations and the unreliability of the information disclosed by Roche Information disclosed on adverse event lists provided by Roche and the IMB/WHO, relating to specific cases, are extremely misleading, contradictory and seriously suspect. A prescribing doctor/ health care professional initiates such reports (by completin a yellow card report sheet - entirely optional as to whether doctor decides to submit such reports) which can be submitted to either the pharmaceutical company or the IMB. One specific Irish case report shows that the observations listed in the Roche lis ng is completely at variance with the observations listed in the IMB/WHO listing and that both record highly suspect, inaccurate and misleading information. This raises questions on the level and extent of deliberate misrepresentations contained in such stings which in turn impacts on the assessment on the safety and efficacy of the medication. In one case, an amended report submitted by Roche to the IMB, one year after the initial report was submitted, set out change in the date when the patient commen ed the medication and change in the date when patient ceased the medication. The amended date were incorrect, suspect and without substance which raises questions as to Roche's motives for making such incorrect changes. The License for Roaccutane is very estricted in that it can only be used in the treatment of severe nodular cystic acne, as a treatment of last resort, when all other treatments have failed. In Ireland, the medication can only be prescribed by a dermatol gist. However, it is clear that man dermatologists ignore the license indications. For example, a survey at Leeds University, showed that 74% of patients treated with Roaccutane in the dermatological unit of Leeds University, had mild or moderate acne. In one rish fatal case, the dermatolo ist prescribed full dosage of Roaccutane for a 4-month period, despite the fact that the dermatologist had graded the patients acne as mild (graded at 2 on a scale of zero to 10). It is clear that Dermatologists are prescrib ng the drug outside the licens conditions. The IMB have indicated that they cannot take any action against dermatologists who prescribe Roaccutane for moderate or mild acne, which raises questions on why IMB apply license conditions if they cannot be enf rced. In the period from the m d 1980's up to 1998, there were very explicit label warnings applied in the US, France and other jurisdictions in connection with psychiatric disorders relating to Roaccutane (see page 1 of January 1999 newsletter). In the U.S. pa ients not only had the b nefit of explicit label warnings on depression and psychiatric disorders, but they also were required to sign a form, prior to commencement of treatment, confirming that they had been notified by the prescribing doctor of the psyc iatric disorders feature as possible side effects. Up until May 1998, the Irish label warning included in the packaging for Roaccutane, simply made reference to 'mood change'. Less than 10% of the members of the Roaccutane Action Group (Ireland), who were prescribed Roaccutane i the period from 1982 to D cember, 1997, were told by the prescribing dermatologist that depression, mood change or any similar symptoms were even remote possible side effects associated with the ingestion of Roaccutane. In May 1998, the warning in Irelan was increased by the IMB to include depression, psychosis, and rarely suicide, suicide attempt etc. (see details on page 3 of January 1999 newsletter). In a letter dated 12th June 1998, the IMB were asked, by the family of an Irish patient to "Clarify wh ther the new warnings to be introduced in Ireland shall be applied to the label i.e. supplied inside packs of Roaccutane". The Chief Executive of the IMB stated by letter dated 16th June 1998, that "You are correct in su gesting that the revised statement will be included as part of the information provided with the product". The Minister for Health stated in the Dail on the 22nd April 1999, that the full text of the increased warning had been featured in the packaging in erts. This is not the case. Instea , a significantly watered down version of the warning has been inserted in the Irish packaging for Roaccutane. (see attached letter issued by Dr. T. Middelkoop to the Minister, dated 30th April 1999), compared with packa e label warnings presently applied in the U.S., France and other jurisdictions. Dr. Alan Byrne, consultant psychiatrist attached to Naas General Hospital, is quoted as stating that dermatologists, who prescribe Roaccutane "are not trained to look for depressive symptomatology". Dr. Byrne i also quoted as stating that some form of ef ective monitoring of depressive symptomatology is required and that such monitoring should be applied in the future for people who are prescribed Roaccutane. The safety of patients who are prescribed Roaccutane in the future is being put in jeopardy by the watered down existing package warnings and the absence of proper monitoring of patients by doctors who are trained and experienced in detecting depressive s mptomatology. Roche are recently quoted as stating t at 50,000 people have been prescribed Roaccutane in Ireland from 1982 to 1998. This is a blatant and substantial overstatement by Roche, consistent with the Roche tactics previously described. Public letters of warning, available on the internet, have bee issued by the U.S. Health Authority (FDA) forcing Roche to withdraw adverts, (placed by Roche in US medical journals following the introduction of increased label warnings featuring suicide/p rasuicide) placed by Roche in order to dilute and minimize the increased warnings. No public comment has been made by the IMB or any other medical agency concerning similar advertising strategy applied by Roche in Ireland following the Irish increased warnings. (see pages 8 & 9 of April 1999 newsletter). It is essent al, in the interest of public safety and public confidence, that some independent Irish statutory organisation be legally obliged to make public (by formal letter to the aggrieved party or otherwise) whether or to what extent they have invest gated compla nts concerning matters such as those previously outlined. The present system whereby the IMB will not give a full and detailed account of investigations of complaints made by members of the public is seriously inadequate and most disturbing. ow can member of the public be expected to continue to provide information to the IMB, such as that previously outlined, on the basis that they will never be told by the IMB whether or to what extent their submissions have been investigated? It is absurd that the outc me of investigations, on matters such as those previously outlined, will never be disclosed by the IMB to the party who made the submissions to the IMB. It is ironic that the IMB, by letter dated 4th February 1998, stated " We have received no data either from national or international sources (including scientific and medical literature) to suggest an unfavourable benefit/risk analysis of the use of the edicine, as currently recommended in the product literature "no notifications/no alerts from other coun ries". Some 11 months earlier, on the 3rd March 1997, the French National Agency had placed a label warning for Roaccutane which featured "In rare occa ions, neuropsychological problems have been recorded (behavioral difficulties, depression, convulsions nd suicide attempts", which French warning was known to the family at the time of receipt of the IMB letter. Dr. Kelly, then Chief Executive of IMB, has categorically refuted statements attributed to him which appeared in article in The Irish Times dated 4/3/98, which stated" There was no evidence in Ireland of Roaccutane causing people to commit suicide. "Yet here are countless numbers of scientific journal articles and surveys published from 1983 to date, which show the link between Roaccutane, depressi n, psychiatric disorders and suicide/parasuicide (see pages 2 and 3 of April 1999 newsletter). It is estimated that Roche have earned profits well in excess of £1 billion from the sale of Roaccutane. Yet, neither Roche nor dermatologists have commissioned or carried out any studies to investigate the chemically-induced changes in the brain caused b Roaccutane. The costs of two specific initial studies commissioned by Irish families, is in excess of £60,000. Grant aid to help partially finance these studies has been refused by all Irish Agencies approached to date. Roche and dermatologists can continue to sell and prescribe Roaccutane, without commissioning independent studies and can rely on legal protection arising from increased label warnings applied for the drug. In the meantime, patients/families of patients m st continue to put up with misrepresentations that are not publicly investigated and finance studies that should have been undertaken prior to the introduction of Roaccutane in 1982. The need for he immediate appointment of an independent inquiry is now long overdue.

JILL - 09/06/99 18:51:45
Age: 20

Comments:
To Jim, thanks for your reply. I have yet another dilemma. I woke up this morning to find a pretty big zit on my left cheek. It annoys me because this is the side of my face that ALWAYS used to break out. Up until now, my face hasn't broken out at all. I' am really really fearing a relapse. It's not supposed to happen again so soon!! Anyway, I know it's only one zit and it can probably be hidden pretty well with make-up but I'm just so afraid that pretty soon one zit will lead to many more. Has there been cases in which after completing a 6 month course of accutane, a person started breaking out again only 2 1/2 weeks later?? I'm really getting worried. Someone pls give me some advice on how to control the oiliness. My face just recently started to get oil again...I don't know why. You know how the condition of our skin fluctuates while on accutane...it breaks out and then heals, breaks out and then heals,...well i was wondering..does this happen the first few weeks after you finish your course? Someone wi h advice pls help!!! JILL

Jim - 09/06/99 13:44:15
Age: 18

Comments:
This is for Jill who finished her treatment 2 weeks ago. I finished my 6 month treatment one week ago and have basically the same results as you except for the oily skin. My skin was never really oily before treatment though, either. It became extremel dried out by benzoil peroxide and retin-A, and never even really got that dry during treatment. Anyways, I have been getting the occasional little whitehead. I go through little periods confident that the results are positive and periods where I think t didn't work. But right now I think the results are good as I don't have one "active" pimple on my body as I like to say. Actually my face looks pretty damn good today. So I'll keep posting and letting people know how it turns out, Peace

Pauline - 09/06/99 12:53:06
My Email:pauly_6@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 19

Comments:
Hi everyone! I have just spent ages sitting here reading through the guestbook and reapplying my vaseline over and over. It has been really helpful and comforting. Since I was about 14 I started getting white pimples here and there under my skin. Over the past 5 years they have spread all over my face and neck, never really surfacing and never going away! It looks dreadful. There is no redness just gunk! I now also have large cystic pimples as well which a lot of other people have mentioned but I would lik to hear from anyone who might have had a similar problem with the other type that just stays around constantly and whether roaccutane has helped this? I am starting my 6th week on Roaccutane and haven't seen improvment I've had terrible outbreaks and bee through many of the side effects. None have been totally unbearable but enough to make me feel pretty lousey. However I am determined to stay in a positive frame of mind and give it a fair chance to work. I have tried nearly every other treatment under he sun from diets, natural remedies, hormonal treatments, topical treatments, the pill etc etc. but they haven't been the answer to my problem. I'M NOT GIVING UP!!! I have another problem (to make matters worse) I'm a picker! I know it's terrible and I tr so hard not to especially now I'm on Roaccutane but I am left with horrible scars, not deep ones just red surface scaring. Although, I have found I get this even if I don't pick. Is there anything that anyone could suggest to help with scaring or some m gic method of covering them up? I would really appreciate hearing from anybody who has any suggestions or who would just like to chat while they are going through their ordeal and share experiences or even if you just want to chat about life. Wow don't I ound lonely!!! Anyway good luck to everybody.

Ally - 09/06/99 12:49:58
Gender: female
Age: 21

Comments:
hehe I love a good debate but I'll have to agree with Pam, Stacy, Phil and Jeff re: the supposed 'link' between Raoccutane and clinical depression. I won't elaborate since the info has been presented well (Pam : I'm a postgrad psych student and your post ng regarding the biopsychosocial model was great. I'm focussing on depression in my study, and I must say it was very well written :)) Anyway I've been happy to receive many emails about others who have tried a few of the wonder products I have recommended! Its great to hear they can help others! (Number 1 is still definately Elizabeth Arden 8 hr cream for the lips.. I still use it aft r stopping roaccutane). Thanx everyone for making this such a great sight.. you have still managed to keep me coming back even though I now have clear skin (well for the 2nd time!) Cheers!

Hugo - 09/06/99 12:27:40
My Email:hugoburger@hotmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 25

Comments:
I have been on Roaccutane for about eight months. I realise that for some persons this seems like an incredible long period, but my derm never mentioned a shorter term. She told me that the skin has a memory, and it needs to be programmed thoroughly. In m case it did. I had severe acne on my shoulders, upper arms, back and brest. My face was not so bad, though still bad. After 2 months, no more pimples!! The side affects were getting worse though: no more contact lenzes (as of day one), dry lips, and most bothering of all: bone aches. No more squash for me during Roaccutane! Now the result is beautiful!!!!!!!!! I have not had one pimple since!! Even the scars are fading, though it is going to take a long time before they will really fade substantially. So only good things about Roaccutane for me. The only thing that is really interesting is: I HAVE SMELLY SOCKS!! I've never had them before, but since I stopped taking Roaccutane, I have. My theory is that my skin is letting through all of the wast-products. Before Roaccutane it seemed that my skin absorbed all waste-liquids... Anywayz: for all you out there who are starting and are wondering if it is going to work: goodluck to all of you. Remember that it worked really really really well for me. Bye! PS, to the person below: I can imagene that the dry throat is cause by Roaccutane, though it seems a little bit quick for me.

spunky - 09/06/99 09:25:15
My Email:spunky695@aol.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
hey everyone. I just wanna say that things are improving really good. I've been on 80 mg for 3 weeks and 4 days and I weigh 160 pounds. I have dry skin and lips and a nasty sore back. I just have acouple of questions that I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE THE ANSWER TO. when I wash my face.. the few pimples I have sometimes just come off ( I don't pick them) and they leave a raised red bump. How long will that stay there??? also.. does accutane cause a VERY VERY sore, dry throat... I had one for like 3 d ys... ironically as soon as the accutane started working. Also, is it ok to take ibuprofen(advil) and echinacea while on accutane?? Thank you to all and good luck. BTW, I still have no idea how I was posting before... it was the same way I always did . I went to contact ifo and guestbook. I would never kwwp us from this incredible site. Thank u once again :)

Tim - 09/06/99 08:40:47
Gender: Male
Age: 16

Comments:
I've had acne for about four years now. the acne itself isn't that bad what does concern me is that I scar fairly easily. I've been on accutane for 6 weeks and my skin is almost completly clear but I'm left with these dark almost black scars on my cheeks. I am very concerned as to whether these will ever fade. Please somebody tell me if they do fade and whether accutane helps this process along, i'd hate to have to resort to laser treatment at such a young age. Thanks very much for listening and best of lu k to every one of you in fighting this truly horrid diesease.

Susan - 09/06/99 05:26:09
Gender: Female
Age: 21

Comments:
I am just finishing a five month treatment of accutane (40mg/day) and am so happy with the results. I was very hesitant to go on this drug, but I am so glad that I did. I just want to encourage those of you who have reservations to consider giving it a ry. My acne was never horrible, but I always had a little something and I scarred easily. Prior to accutance, I tried every topical cream out there and a couple oral antibiotics (minocin and tetracycline) and I had no improvement. The pill actually wor ed for me for 9 months, but as soon as I went off, the acne reappeared. I was very hesitant to take accutane because of the side effects and all the warnings, but I found that side effects were minimal. The only side effect which has lasted the duration of the treatment has been dry lips and that is a small price to pay for clear skin. I had headaches during the first two weeks, but they went away. I am not saying that accutane is for everyone, just not to be scared off by horror stories about side effec s. Find yourself a good dermatologist. I had one who saw me every 3 weeks and closely monitored my blood to make sure the drug was not having any adverse effects. So...for anyone who is thinking about going on accutane but is worried about the side effect while on the drug, I just want to say that for some it really isn't so bad. I only wish that I had had the courage to start this drug 2 years ago and had saved myself the misery of dealing with the acne all that time. My skin has never looked better. G od luck to everyone struggling with acne.

JILL - 09/06/99 04:02:31
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
Hello! some of you might remember me..it's JILL! Well..I have been off my 6 month course of accutane @ 60mg's a day for 2 weeks now. I must say, that I still get ocassional tiny pimples but they disappear quickly. What scares me however, is the fact that y face has gotten increasingly oily since I stopped my treatment. As much as the dry itchy flaky skin got to me..I kind of enjoyed how the dryness felt! The oilier the skin, the more prone you are to breakouts! Anyways, I was wondering if anyone could rec mmend anything to keep the oiliness under control? I've been a little nervous these passed 2 weeks..being off accutane. i fear SO much a sudden relapse. To tell you the truth, my skin has basically no more bumps/zits..however, as much as I've wanted to st p wearing make-up/foundation, I still find it hard not to be insecure about the left over red marks. I so wish that i could go out in publis with a natural face. It's such a drag having to throw on make-up eveytime!! =( anyways, i want to hear some storie from people who are OFF accutane now and going thru the same things as i am. pls respond to jill! thank you!!!!

Stacy - 09/06/99 02:42:38
Gender: female
Age: 24

Comments:
"Back to school?" What was THAT all about??? Who pissed in her (OR HIS) Cheerios? Thank you to everyone who backed me up. The support was AWESOME! Ya know, I wonder why they didn't leave a name, it could have been fake, we would have never known. Ma be THEY should make an intelligent decision and go back to kindergarten to learn how to write their name.....

Jeff - 09/06/99 02:28:45

Comments:
Very well put Female 32. I just wanted to note too that "25% of all American's will suffer from a serious bout of depression(usually between 2 weeks to 6 months)at some time in their life (Goldstein 52)." Obviously, many people on this post are in that 5%, and that's very understandable. You guys need to realize it's not the Accutane, but life in general. SUCK IT UP!!!! Jeff

Pam - 09/06/99 01:42:01
Gender: Female
Age: 32

Comments:
Re: Depression...I see this continues to be a heated debate! Using a biopsychosocial approach...contemporary psychiatric literature suggests that a wide range of complex interacting factors contribute to the onset, course and outcome of depression...thus n individual may be biologically predisposed to develop depression in the first place...whether this in fact happens may depend on a whole host of mediating psychological and social factors...individual psychological traits...negative experiences in child ood...difficulties in adolesence...lack of familial and/or social support...concurrent substance abuse problems...the list is endless...a causal link between depression and Roaccutane has not been established...what has been documented is an 'association' between depression and Roaccutane...scientifically speaking there is a world of difference between an association and a causal link...for example...if out of a hundred subjects taking Roaccutane...72 got bitten by a mosquito...we might carefully infer tha there is some sort of association between Roaccutane and the likelihood of being bitten by a mosquito...(however it might just have been a particularly damp summer!)while the association between Roaccutane and depession certainly merits further investiga ion...to suggest that Roaccutane causes depression is overly-simplistic...and shows little understanding of this complex phenomena...

Laura - 09/06/99 01:27:49
My Email:bettyrage@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 27

Comments:
Hi, I wanted to post in regards to a few things, The first is depression. I've been on Accutane twice and suffered what I consider "moderate" depression both times, I didn't want to get out of bed within a month of starting it, it was a little scary but had read up on the side effects so I kept my head on straight and talked to my doctor. Depression is a widely recognized side effect of Accutane treatment but you can take anti depressents to treat it, if you stop the Accutane it goes away too (when I ev ntually stopped the treatment both times I stopped taking the anti-depressent). Also I just wanted to share with those that are still breaking out in their third or fourth or more month of treatment, I did too, my dermatologist thought it wasn't working or me the first time I took it and took me off after 5 months, my acne cleared up within 3 weeks, it was awesome :D, unfortunately I only stayed clear for about a year so I went back on it for 6 months (same thing, I cleared up after stopping treatment). I'm really bummed because its been a year and a half and I am breaking out all over again badly, I don't know what to do now, I don't think Accutane is an option anymore, its obviously not a cure for me. Anyone else have the same problem? what are you oing instead? Feel free to email me, I'd love to hear ANY suggestions :D

JEFF - 09/06/99 00:04:49
My Email:jskst31@pitt.edu
Gender: MALE
Age: 20

Comments:
Wow, I noticed some heated debates going on here. Well, Phil and Stacy I'm gonna have to agree with you guys on this one. Obviously the person who made the anomyous post is the one that needs to go back to school. Next time be sure to post your name and mail so we can reply to these absurd comments. ACCUTANE HAS NEVER SCIENTIFICALLY BEEN LINKED TO DEPRESSION!!!!!AND NEVER WILL...SO DROP IT. I have been an intern at a retail pharmacy for over two years, and currently attend a world renowned School of Ph rmacy. Another words, I speak from experience, which I'm sure the anomyous post doesn't. Futhermore, I have been on Accutane for three months now, which puts me on both sides of the table. If you know anything about the ingredients that make up Accutane then you would know none of them have ever been scientifically linked to depression. Their depression is caused by other psychological factors. (psychology is my minor). And psychological problems ARE linked to depression. Maybe it was there low self e teem that acne caused, or the fact that Accutane wasn't working fast enough for them that led to suicide. I assure you it wasn't any chemical interactions. And since your so sure about all these other drugs that cause depression, why don't you name about alf a dozen of them to appease me. I'll be really surprised if you can even name two other drugs that have been scientifically linked to depression. Anyway, please think again next time you decide to post such garbage about Accutane just because your pi sed off about your experience with it. Future Doctor of Pharmacy/Law. Jeff

JEFF - 09/06/99 00:04:41
My Email:jskst31@pitt.edu
Gender: MALE
Age: 20

Comments:
Wow, I noticed some heated debates going on here. Well, Phil and Stacy I'm gonna have to agree with you guys on this one. Obviously the person who made the anomyous post is the one that needs to go back to school. Next time be sure to post your name and mail so we can reply to these absurd comments. ACCUTANE HAS NEVER SCIENTIFICALLY BEEN LINKED TO DEPRESSION!!!!!AND NEVER WILL...SO DROP IT. I have been an intern at a retail pharmacy for over two years, and currently attend a world renowned School of Ph rmacy. Another words, I speak from experience, which I'm sure the anomyous post doesn't. Futhermore, I have been on Accutane for three months now, which puts me on both sides of the table. If you know anything about the ingredients that make up Accutane then you would know none of them have ever been scientifically linked to depression. Their depression is caused by other psychological factors. (psychology is my minor). And psychological problems ARE linked to depression. Maybe it was there low self e teem that acne caused, or the fact that Accutane wasn't working fast enough for them that led to suicide. I assure you it wasn't any chemical interactions. And since your so sure about all these other drugs that cause depression, why don't you name about alf a dozen of them to appease me. I'll be really surprised if you can even name two other drugs that have been scientifically linked to depression. Anyway, please think again next time you decide to post such garbage about Accutane just because your pi sed off about your experience with it. Future Doctor of Pharmacy/Law. Jeff

paul - 09/05/99 21:06:24
My URL:http://www.oocities.org/Pipeline/Ridge/8642/index.html
My Email:paul@holliday999.freeserve.co.uk
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
well its like wk16, and its all GOOD ! :)

Accutane CAN cause depressions and other mental problems! - 09/05/99 18:59:26
Gender: To Stacy and Phil

Comments:
It is a serious thing to discuss, if accutane can cause depressions or not. It does. It has been proved by several cases were patients got ill while taking accutane and got better when they got off it. (All dont get well by stopping accutane but need also medication) It has not yet been proven HOW accutane can make this happen. There are studies going on. It is well known that vitamin-A in high doses can lead to same illness. It is not only accutane that causes depressions. There are many other medicines a well. To Stacy and Phil...back to school before saying something!

Phil - 09/05/99 11:17:15
Gender: Male
Age: 24

Comments:
To: nichollsron@yahoo.com When you're researching the "possible" link between this guy killing himself while taking Roaccutane, why don't you have a look at the current suicide rate in general. Thousands of people (and teenagers too) kill themselves every year in every country. It s my opinion that to draw a correlation between Roaccutane and a suicide is ridiculous. I'd say it's more coincidental. Think about this...if someone has been drinking Pepsi for the past two years of their life then suddenly decides to shoot themselves, d es the Pepsi get the blame? (or perhaps, caffine, sugar, carbonated water...are they at fault?) I've been on Roaccutane for almost 4 months and only have 1 month to go. My skin was bad, got worse and is now the best it's ever been. Sure, I've felt down at times (like when my acne was really bad), but life is never easy. You've got to learn to take t e good and the bad. If you can't, you need help to deal with life in general - not roaccutane.

- 09/05/99 05:05:02
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
hi there. i took accutane for about six months with very successful results and do not regret it for a moment. my course ended three months ago and my hair is still falling out. does anyone know how long this will continue for? i think i have read six months ... but i've also read some pretty gruesome stories. my hair didn't start falling out until four months into things. the lossage increased over the next two months and has stayed constant since then. if anyone has any positive stories about how heir hair stopped falling out, i'd appreciate hearing them!! thanks.

maria elena - 09/05/99 01:28:09
My Email:alvamar50@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 31

Comments:
hello, sorry for my english, but I`m from Venezuela and don`t speak too frequently it. my problem is that I have very often acnes in between my legs. the acnes becomes very hard and hurts a lot. what would you recommend? 1.- surgery 2.-take raccutan or 3. do nothing. thanks you for your attention and hope you have the right anwers. maria elena.

Stacy - 09/04/99 22:58:24
Gender: female
Age: 24

Comments:
First of all, I am truly sorry that that guy committed suicide. I strongly believe that Accutane was not responsible. I am tired of people trying to blame Accutane for their problems. More than likely, he did not just wake up overnight and decide to ki l himself. He probably had problems BEFORE starting the Accutane treatment. He was probably upset because he had acne to begin with, which is a very depressing and social isolating thing to deal with. Accutane MAY aggrivate feelings of depression but i is definately not soley responsible. It says on the package insert to tell your physician if you experience any depressing side effects. I wonder if he did that??? I am not trying to offend anyone, please understand that. Again, I am sorry that that g y killed himself but it was not BECAUSE he was on Accutane. I do think that what you are doing Mr. Nicholls (educating the public) is great. I just hope you don't have a biased opinion and look at the whole picture instead of trying to sell your magazine or newspaper with "catchy" headings.

Ron Nicholls - 09/04/99 22:14:57
My Email:nichollsron@yahoo.com
Gender: male

Comments:
I am doing a story on side effects of Roaccutane. Would Jean who posted message on August 19th, 1999 please contact me, confidentially assured. The story in last weeks Sunday Times about the death a few weeks ago by suicide of Sean Ryan, while on fourth m nth of Roaccutane, is of particular interest. Anxious to make contact with people who suffered depression which they think may be caused by the drug and whether those starting the drug would be willing to keep a diary record. Need to authenticate particip nts who provide diary records.

Stacy - 09/04/99 20:03:36
Gender: female
Age: 24

Comments:
I've been reading this guestbook for a few months now and just found out how to post. I tried to post the "regular" way from the "reply" link at the top of this page but I couldn't get through. I thought it was because of how TERRIBLE AOL was/is. I con acted Gill and she promptly wrote me back giving me this link to post and it worked! Here it is in case anyone else is having problems: http://www.oocities.org/HotSprings/Spa/2738/contact.html Just wanted to share this with anyone who might have been as frustrated as I was trying diligently to post. Here is my story...I've had terrible acne since I was 14 (10 years). I think it is worse when you experience it as an adult because I was always told that I would "grow out of it." Thank goodness I had dermatologist put me on Accutane. Many did not want to because I was in my "child bearing" years. I gave up for a couple of years, trying so many failed self treatments that failed. Oxy 10 and all those over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide treatments DO OT WORK. Not if you have real acne....anyone agree with me???:) I've been on numerous antibiotics which did not help either. Finally, I was given Accutane. I'm 5'10" weigh 155 lbs and I have been taking 80mg daily. At first I was so happy to see my o ly face decreasing in sebum production. But then, my happiness was shattered by my acne increase 10 times!!! That has lasted 2 1/2 months and now that I am on my 3rd full month taking Accutane, the breakouts are quite less. I still have acne, it is jus fading, if that makes any sense. It's not as red and harsh looking on my skin. I hate the red tint to my face, I can empathise with you all! I have had no real problems except chapped lips and flaking of the skin. I still exercise as often as I did b fore accutane. I don't have to wash my hair everyday which is a bonus! I do use Head and Shoulders for dry scalp when I do wash. I have been using Clinique soap (step 1) routine. It is wierd having to moisturize my face now. I've NEVER had to do that before! I still wear makeup to tone down my acne, but I use the Clinique line and it does not make me break out. It costs a little more than the products that you get in a drugstore or supermarket but it is worth it. I think that all the hype about how awlful Accutane is on your body is totally over-rated. It is blown out of proportion, in my honest opinion. To all those considering taking Accutane, don't be scared to try it. Just get your monthly (or however often your doctor does them) blood tests nd you'll be safe. Good luck and hopefully in a few more months, I won't have to depend on the support from this site. No offense Gill of course. This has been and still is a truly motivating site for Accutane users. Keep up the good work. Stacy

- 09/04/99 19:55:37
Gender: male
Age: 16

Comments:
To the person wondering about Mederma and if it works. I'm still in the treatment, but if severly burnt burn victims use this successfuly, i think it should help alot for acne. And i heard it does. For the person wanting to know if 2 months of accutane is enough to cure. I don't know about 2 months, but it took me 3 months to get cured for now....high dosage though. For the person wanting to know about drinking on accutane, don't worry about it......drink, i got drunk about 15 out of 30 nights this su mer, and my acne still kept improving, your DR. will know though, because your triglycirides will go up...mine went from 127 to 199 in one month.

Drew - 09/04/99 10:11:44
My Email:deathman@apexmail.com
Gender: Male
Age: 16

Comments:
just hit about 2 weeks after finishinf Accutane ------------------------------------------------ Life Just doesnt get any better like a dream come true for me really :-) best thing thats happend in years is called Roaccutane

pam - 09/03/99 20:23:13
Gender: female
Age: 32

Comments:
For Hannah (33) I use Loreal Plenitude UV Protective Daily Moisturiser Oil-Free SPF 15...it's wonderful and light...doesn't feel greasy and heavy like some other sunscreens do...also it's relatively inexpensive...Ally...another woman who posts here actual y recommended it to me...thanks for your nice message...only someone who's been through it all can truly understand how thrilling it is to wake-up without a single zit!!! Good Luck!!!

JEFF - 09/03/99 19:20:01
My Email:jskst31@pitt.edu
Gender: MALE
Age: 20

Comments:
Hello fellow acne fighters, Well I'm now beginning my thirteenth week on Accutane (80mg day 185lbs), and the war is still far from over. Most of my acne is gone except for these little whiteheads that make there debut every morning. Unfortunately, my whole shaving line is se erely irratated and a wonderful hue of dark red. It looks like I laid out in the sun for hours and covered half of my face. Has this happened to anyone else? If so I feel your pain. Now don't get me wrong I am never depressed. I am one of those overl extraverted people that is always drawing attention to myself, but now I can't even look people in the face at times. I'm usually up front with my friends here at college and tell them I am on Accutane and that my face will be red for like two months, b t that two months is more than up and now I don't know what to tell them. "AH is my acne really so bad that after three months of Accutane I still am still breaking out." It was never even that bad. I had to go to four dermos to find one that would pre cribe it. Anyway, I have to go get my picture taken for my pharmacy class' class picture. It's the picture that will be hanging in the school hall for eternity. LUCKY ME!!! Everyone can walk past the picture and comment on my face. AHHHH Wish you all ore luck than me. Jeff

Rianne - 09/03/99 18:17:00
Gender: Female
Age: 34

Comments:
To "female 28" who wrote today regarding Mederma. It can be found on the internet but I'm not sure whether it's available in the UK. I'd be interested too, especially if it helps with scarring left over from acne. Has anyone out there had any success w th Mederma? My scars are of the "pitted" variety (wonderful NOT!)and I know they usually require quite radical treatment to get rid of them. The DermaLux treatment lamp is still working well for me (acne-wise) but I have lots of scars which I'd love to et rid of! Another thing which seems to be helping my skin is the "Never Let Them See You Shine" lotion from Philosophy. I mentioned I had ordered some in an earlier posting. My skin is still ultra-greasy - the DermaLux is destroying the spot-forming b cteria but my skin looked so oily. The Philosophy stuff works so well, it's clear and absorbed quickly and it can be put on over AND under make-up, so it could even be useful for the men who don't want to look oily!!! It really keeps the shine down - a iracle with MY really oily skin!!! I still get the odd spot so I've just got some Silicol Skin (made by Saguna in Germany)- I haven't tried it yet but it has had very good reports here in the UK. A treatment which I would definitely recommend for acne i "rinsing". I've read about this is a few "skin care" books and for the last 2 weeks I thought I'd give it a go. It's basic stuff and FREE!! After you've washed or cleansed (with whatever suits you best) then you fill your washing bowl with warmish wat r and splash your face at least 30 times before patting dry with your towel. It doesn't take long and it certainly does re-hydrate the skin and it makes your skin appearance much better. Even if it doesn't work for you it is worth trying, like I said be ore it's free!!! I'll try the Silicol Skin later too (you just apply it for 10 minutes and then rinse it off)and let you know if it works. If I get spots it tends to be on the T-zone, particularly my chin. Anyway, I've rambled enough for now! As alway good luck to everyone! Love Rianne.

Michelle in South Africa - 09/03/99 18:09:21
Gender: female
Age: 18

Comments:
Hi. I've spent the last thirty minutes ready everyone's stories and am still a bit undecisive about this Roaccutane. I think i have mild acne, no deep scars or anything. My eldest sister, now 24, had bad acne and currently my middle sister, now 22, is about to go on to this "wonder medicine" but i'm wondering if spending about R1000 a month is worth the terrible drynes . So many people write about their acne returning. How many months is standard? Basically, what i am wanting to know, is how long it takes to show improvement, what to expect at first and whether it really works as wonderfully as the Derm.'s say it doe . Thanks and GOODLUCK to all of us!!

- 09/03/99 17:18:12

Comments:
To Hannah asking about oil free and SPF moisturizer- Johnson and Johnson's Purpose is both.

Hannah - 09/03/99 15:58:00
Age: 33

Comments:
This message is to Pam: Congratulations on such great results! I am wondering what oil free SPF moisturizer you are using? I am having a difficult time finding both an oil free and an SPF ingredient. Could you please provide the name?? I also had a great response to Accutance thankfully. I also know a great many people who have benefitted from treatment - male and female. Continued success with your treatment & thanks!!

- 09/03/99 15:02:51
Gender: female
Age: 28

Comments:
Hi, Can anyone in the UK please advise me if this Mederma Cream that supposedly clears up some scars is available from our Chemists or can it be given on perscription from the Doctor ? Please do reply and advise Ive asked several questions before on this site but nobody has advised me.

Wallace Ng - 09/03/99 10:47:04
My Email:vlabng@singnet.com.sg
Gender: male
Age: 18+

Comments:
Hello to you and nice to meet you! I had just bought the Roaccutane for about $168(singapore dollars) which is quite expensive for only 30 tablets. I had a few polite questions to ask you and hope you can help me. Can the Roaccutane cure my acne within two months? If not, how long will my acne be cured with the intake of roaccutane? Hope that u can help me,please reply. thanks! Good Luck to YOU!

Denis - 09/03/99 09:49:10
My Email:deemac@prontotmail.com
Gender: Male
Age: 16

Comments:
Hey there. I have been on Roaccutane for 1 month and 1 week now, after going through a slightly worse period, I am now okay, but still not amazingy great. I was just writing to ask anyone if they knew what happens when you drink alcohol while on roaccta e. Now I don't mean getting absolutely smashed, I just mean a few drinks. Will it make my acne worse? Or do damage in the long run? If someone could reply and help me out by sending me a short email quickly, I would be soooo greatful, thanks everyone. (:

J. - 09/03/99 05:30:20

Comments:
Dear Spunky, You're right, God does exist, and He offers you salvation and hope through his Son, Jesus Christ! Please read my post of 2/19/99. --J.

Bonnie - 09/03/99 01:52:44
Age: 40

Comments:
I take it that you are probably in your teens or twenties....My experience with this drug has been quite different. To start with, this has to be the harshest drug I have ever taken to date. I have a list of side affects that is quite long. Dryness of the lips(incidently, my Dr. recommended something called AQUAPHOR...It's better than vaseline!), a lovely rash going up my arms, and above all, severe muscle aches and weakness. To answer the question on everyone's mind...would I take it again???? You bet I w uld. Twenty weeks of torture has left me with a virtually flawless complexion! I'm glad this course of action is almost at the end (6 weeks to go..yeah!).

Bonnie - 09/03/99 01:50:53
Age: 40

Comments:
I take it that you are probably in your teens or twenties....My experience with this drug has been quite different. To start with, this has to be the harshest drug I have ever taken to date. I have a list of side affects that is quite long. Dryness of the lips(incidently, my Dr. recommended something called AQUAPHOR...It's better than vaseline!), a lovely rash going up my arms, and above all, severe muscle aches and weakness. To answer the question on everyone's mind...would I take it again???? You bet I w uld. Twenty weeks of torture has left me with a virtually flawless complexion! I'm glad this course of action is almost at the end (6 weeks to go..yeah!).

Bonnie - 09/03/99 01:49:53
Age: 40

Comments:
I take it that you are probably in your teens or twenties....My experience with this drug has been quite different. To start with, this has to be the harshest drug I have ever taken to date. I have a list of side affects that is quite long. Dryness of the lips(incidently, my Dr. recommended something called AQUAPHOR...It's better than vaseline!), a lovely rash going up my arms, and above all, severe muscle aches and weakness. To answer the question on everyone's mind...would I take it again???? You bet I w uld. Twenty weeks of torture has left me with a virtually flawless complexion! I'm glad this course of action is almost at the end (6 weeks to go..yeah!).

Bonnie - 09/03/99 01:35:02
Age: 40

Comments:
I take it that you are probably in your teens or twenties....My experience with this drug has been quite different. To start with, this has to be the harshest drug I have ever taken to date. I have a list of side affects that is quite long. Dryness of the lips(incidently, my Dr. recommended something called AQUAPHOR...It's better than vaseline!), a lovely rash going up my arms, and above all, severe muscle aches and weakness. To answer the question on everyone's mind...would I take it again???? You bet I w uld. Twenty weeks of torture has left me with a virtually flawless complexion! I'm glad this course of action is almost at the end (6 weeks to go..yeah!).

Pam - 09/02/99 21:25:16
Gender: Female
Age: 32

Comments:
Glad the guestbook's working again! In my 7th month of Roaccutane...and my skin just keeps getting better and better on a daily basis...needless to say I'm thrilled to bits!!!The really interesting thing is that my skin isn't at all sensitive or red anymo e...whereas in the beginning of treatment...it reacted to practically everything...sometimes even the Cetaphil stung...now it just feels really strong and healthy...even the scars seem less red...and less obvious...I have a very simple cleansing routine i the morning...just Cetaphil and then SPF15 oil-free moisturiser...before bedtime I cleanse thoroughly and then apply a treatment gel (glycolic acid if my skin isn't irritated and salicylic acid if my skin needs someting more gentle)I'm sure this has help d achieve such fantastic results BUT I DON'T recommend anyone do this without speaking to your derm. first. After I finish Roaccutane my dr. said I can add Retin-A to the mix...using each product on consecutive nights...sounds complicated I know...but hey...it's working for me...my skin hasn't looke this good in decades!!! Best of luck to everyone with their treatment (whatever form it takes!)

UK Male Sufferer - 09/02/99 18:38:52
Gender: Male
Age: 26

Comments:
Louise - I'm afraid I've been on RoA four times now and each time, the derm. has told me the maximum time is 16 weeks!! As for a good skincare routine, post RoA, investigate the HELENA RUBINSTEIN MAT SPEACIALIST RANGE (01732 741000 for catalogue) or CLINIQUE Acne Solutions (only available in the USA at the moment). ESTEE LAUDER do a lovely matte moisturiser called CLEAR DI FERENCE which contains salicylic acid so it is medicated and acts as an exfoliant which prevents your pores from clogging up!!

UK acne sufferer - 09/02/99 18:34:02
Gender: Male
Age: 26

Comments:
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS TO TRY: It is important to follow a strict cleaning routine and the following recommendations are well worth trying if you have mild to moderate acne or are currently taking RoA. WASHING: Wash the skin with a mild water-soluble cleans r (such as CLINIQUE Wash-Away Gel Cleanser or ARAMIS for MEN Power Wash or HELENA RUBINSTEIN Fresh Foaming Gel). TONING: After washing, tone with a product containing salicylic acid but NO alcohol (such as CLINIQUE Mild Clarifying Lotion). MOISTURISE: Try ESTEE LAUDER Clear Difference Oil Control Moisturiser or CLINIQUE Turnaround Lotion or HELENA RUBINSTEIN Double Mat fluid). FOOD SUPPLEMENTS: Take a daily supplement of ZINC, vitamin B-complex, and CHROMIUM PICOLINATE. PRESCIPTION MEDICATIONS: The followi g topical medications are worth trying prior to starting roaccutane – skinoren cream (20% azelaic acid) or benzamycin gel (5% benzoyl peroxide and 2% erythromycin) ot isotrexin gel (containing roaccutane in a topical gel). ***As I write this, CLINIQUE ha e brought out a new range for acne in the USA called ACNE SOLUTIONS – it certainly looks promising.***

Pippa - 09/02/99 14:47:58
Age: 29

Comments:
To Louise - I'm in the UK & I was on Roaccutane for 24 weeks. So was my sister who lives in a different part of the country. My dermatologist seemed to think this was a standard amount of time. To anyone else who can help me - Finished in Feb this year & unfortunately the wonderful results haven't lasted, so I'm seeing another dermatologist next month. Have read a lot about people going onto a long-term low dose to sustain the results. Is this c mmon? Are they likely to do this in the UK?

Lynn - 09/02/99 14:26:56
My Email:two_sparklez@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 15

Comments:
ok, i've been on accutane for about 2 months now. it got worse like it was supposed to but then it got a little better. most of it now is just all of these red spots all over my face. i was wondering if anyone knew if they would eventually go away and ow long is it going to take?!?!?! thanx!

louise - 09/02/99 10:49:43
Gender: female
Age: 25

Comments:
I have a question which i need answering pretty quickly as I have an appointment with my derm in the morning, I would have asked earlier but until today couldn't post. Anyway, I've been on accutane for nearly 2 months now, 40mg and now 60. Spots have mov d from my jaw line to my cheeks so not so easy to hide but do seem less severe. My question is that my derm says accutane can only be taken for 15 weeks, but most of you on this site seem to be on it for alot longer. Plus allot have mentioned the need to e on it long enough to prevent it coming back. Is this 15 week max a UK only thing or are there any of you out there from the UK who have taken it longer, and it's just my derm being crap.Which he is, any question I ask him about skin care products or a g od routine and all he says is take the drugs and don't worry about using anything else. I wanted to have a good routine set up for when i finish the course. Just a note to anyone interested, when I first came to the site someone recommended Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream for lips .... belive me it works, nothing else made an impact on me before this but now my lips are perfect! Hope someone can answer my question before the morning Thanks

Beth - 09/02/99 07:28:02

Comments:
Thank goodness - the site is up and running again. Has anyone else had trouble this last week? NO WAY would it post a message!!!! Very frustrating to think that our site and connection with each other had gone. Great to be back!!!

Jim - 09/02/99 05:54:00
Age: 18

Comments:
Hey I can actually post. Well I hope you can because I got a question for people out there. I finished my 6 month treatment about 4 days ago. I never cleared up during treatment but it gradually got better and better. But now they haven't all dissappe red. By "they" you all know what I mean, those little bastards. They're not deep at all, just surface whiteheads and I can't say it's actually gotten worse since the end of my course, but I was wondering if anyone had the same experience and if so, how id it turn out. Any repplies would be useful and I hope the page is back in order, as I think it is because I couldn't post before.

spunky - 09/02/99 03:46:47
My Email:spunky695@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
hey everyone. I just wanted to say thanks and tell u that I really appreciate what everyone is doing for me.. I hope that this ends really soon but ya never know right?? I just want to tell you that I can't tell ya how to post... I'm doing it the same ay I always have been... maybe I have a "super" computer. haha... I have no idea... good luck to all

spunky - 09/01/99 06:51:51
My Email:spunky695@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
am I the only one that can post here?? I just wanted to say that my skin REALLY dried out today... it lookis like the 10 or 12 pimples that I have are gonna peel off.. it's really sick and there's this fine girl in my 5th period class ( Inow I have a gf ut I still wanna look good) how long is this gonna last???? please hslp. what about predinstone or whatever that is. thank u all!!!! bty.. it's been 2 weeks, 5 days and 2 hours @ 80 mg a day for moderate acne and I weigh 161 pounds. thanks

spunky - 08/31/99 12:49:47
My Email:spunky695@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
I forgot to say one more thing and this is important. I think the only good thing I have found throughout all this is the fact that I know that God exists. Don't ask me how.. but I'm more than positve.. let's just pray for results by this weekend.. s turday night is very impt. to me. actually... I'm just gonna ramble a little bit more. My gf was really upset that this has caused all my anger since my acne was never that bad (it is now) and she said that I should have never expected her to be so shal ow. I'm actually kind of happy... to know that this is gonna go away.. that's gonna be the best day in the world.. I just hope that it comes soon. I am being punished right now for being so conceided the past year. I know that's what it is. I was su h a player and would like a girl until she'd like me or ask me out then I'd totally ditch her. This is just my punishment for that. It's kinda also my "test" and seeing if I can get through it.. well.. I am obviously doing a shitty job. I went to UCF esterday and I threw 86 mph which means I still have a good chance to play college baseball. My surfboard broke out in hurricane dennis 2 days ago and I'm getting a toyota mr2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that's gonna be like the best day of my life. I'm stilll man cally depressed though and seriously can't really see much hope in the immediate future (1-2 weeks) but I think I finally see the light.. I hope at least. omg.. these pimples hurt. these few on my left cheek WILL NOT GO AWAY. are they gonna scar???? I w sh with cetaphil and that's it. should I be doing anything else???? I dunno.. I just a cute guy with a good heart trapped inside an ugly face(for now). At least I still have a decent bod though (which is also leaving b/c I refuse to go to the gym) oh ell... talk to everyone later I guess. Blink182 and strungout are awesome. and amber... I love u. and what else.... I dunno.. I wish I could have a little vodka. oh well. I guess I have no officialy skipped school again. damn this sucks. I wish I had done this like 3 months ago... but never regret things right?? thanks for listening. Oh yea.. if ur wondering how I post.. it's magic ;). haha

spunky - 08/31/99 12:36:16
My Email:spunky695@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
I told my girlfriend about taking accutane.. that was the best decision b/c I found out that her best friend took it like 1 year ago but.... I'm still worried that these things are gonna scar. If they do I will cry and cry and cry and never leave the h use. I told my dermy that I was taking 80 and he was pissed but said that it's all good. I really am pissed.. I just want this bullshit to go away.. I can't even go to school for like the 2nd week in a row.... which means my 3.4 gpa before last semes er is like a 2.9 and dropping.. which means I can't go to UF. I can't go out.. I lost all my friends cuz I ignore them.. I hate this shit.. it needs to go or else

spunkster - 08/29/99 20:22:14
My Email:spunky695@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME! Please. I just want someone to answer a few questions because I feel hopeless and lost. I'm seriously about to give up and break up with my girlfriend. Things are not looking up. I quit baseball, stopped racing mountain bi es.. If I lose amber.. then it's all over.. there's no reason to live. I just want my cute little face back that girls used to love. I've been on accutane for 2 weeks and 3 days and I have VERY mixed results. The first 5 days were great and then It j st all went to hell.. my lips bleed at the corners.. my entire face peels and my back hurts bad sometimes. I've had the same pimples for 1 week.. a week!!! They aren't going anywhere. My question is.. are they gonna scar?? they are small but there's ike 10 of them in the same place. and this one on my nose (I never get em on my nose) has been here for over aweek. My pimples usually leave in like 2 days. I just want clear skin. also.. when the pipmles are gone... does mederma work?? and what exa tly is azelex?? I am 160 pounds and am on 80 mg.. the doc only wanted to put me on 20-40 so I just got 2 seperate dermatologists to give me 40 so i can take 80 a day.. pretty nifty huh?? well.. the good news is that I haven't had any new pimples in l ke 4 days. I might kick myself up to 120 mg with another derm. I dunno. anyway.. any help is really, really appreciated. thank you

Dave - 08/28/99 10:32:09
Gender: male
Age: 16

Comments:
Well, roaccutane worked for me, but it took some time to get started though. I was on minomycin for about 3 months and i didnt see any results, and that ticked me off. When i had severe acne, i felt uncomfortable mainly because everyone was looking at me acne instead of looking at me eyes when i would talk. Another fact was GURLS!!! hehahehahe I felt that i was ugly and disgusting and that i had no chance of having a relationship with gurls. Everytime a new pimple would come out, i would get so angry and frustrated. Another thing waz that even my friends would tease me for my pimples and i felt even more sad when i thought about it. Anyways on to roaccutane, i thought that my acne would never vanish, but when i took roaccutane it started to work and every day i grew stronger in my confidence. Roaccutane does not work for everyone, only a few ppl i have known have taken it and it has worked for them. I advise anyone who feels the way i did wtih acne to seek professional help immediately. I hope my advice has help U BYE BYE

- 08/28/99 03:10:40

Comments:
To the male using Mederma, definitely please keep me posted about it. I'd like to try it, but my acne isn't completely gone to the point where I'd feel OK not using any topicals. To Christine, I most definitely sympathize with you about your wedding. I m not actually getting married, but I'll be in a wedding in less than a month, and I keep thinking that my friend will have to get my face airbrushed in her wedding pics. I use Tri Cyclen too, and I'm not sure if it really is working. I've been on it fo almost 6 months, I think. For foundation (which I've just started using and I generally hate it), Estee Lauder's Double Wear works well. Also, I like Clinique's stuff too. Good luck with the Accutane.

Denis - 08/28/99 01:04:32
My Email:deemac@prontomail.com
Gender: Male
Age: 16

Comments:
Hi there. Well I've been on Roaccutane for a month now, and the results are varied. I mean, I have improved in the fact that I am not so greasy anymore and my acne doesn't feel so threatening or heavy anymore, and I feel a lot smoother. But there have een no outstanding improvements that anyone else would notice just by looking at me. And I am still getting some new pimples, and they are largish, but no more little annoying ones that come really quickly. I was wondering if because I have not seen any REAL improvements by this stage (a month), means that roaccutane may not work for me? I have two more months to go and I am on 40mg a day, and I would hate to get to the end of the second month and still not see improvements. If anyone could email me wi h some advice, or information on when their skin started to get better I'd be really really grateful. Thanks.

Ally - 08/28/99 00:50:58
My Email:aliciapowell@bigpond.com
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
Kathy -> re your question about the steroid Prednisone. I took this medication at the start of both my courses of Roaccutane. My derm presribed it to reduce the severity of the initial break out and to makes things a bit more bearable. Because I've nev r tried RoA without the Prednisone I can't compare but I did notice no other side effects besides the general effects of ROA. I think i took 1 pill each morning for maybe the first 3 or 4 weeks of the course. Can't quite remember! Btw everyone Ive discovered a good moisturiser for evening out the skintone adn reducing shine now that I have clear skin. It may be available only in Australia Im not sure but it's - Cussons Natural Care Skin Balancing Lotion. Its oil free and has tri le fruit acids and icro oil balancers to reduce shine and promote a more even and smooth complexion. It's not irritating either like many AHA products. I was using the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Lotion whcih is fab but this is less than half the price (A$8 rahter than $16) and it does a good job :) seeya

- 08/27/99 23:22:04

Comments:

ADRIANA - 08/27/99 21:48:01
My Email:anino@editorial.televisa.com.mx
Age: 28

Comments:
Tengo acne desde los 15 años. Hasta hace tres meses mi dermatólogo me mandó Roaccutan. Por primera vez después de varios tratamientos, la piel me ha mejorado mucho. Terminando el medicamento comienzo con las cremas para las cicatrices y las manchas (ya qu por tomar Diane) me salieron.Estoy muy contenta. No se desesperen este medicamento es una maravilla y los efectos son soportables. Hasta pronto Adriana

christine - 08/27/99 20:11:26
Gender: female
Age: 24

Comments:
Hi everybody, I'm starting accutane in a month after my wedding. I'm so upset today because my face looks terrible and I keep hoping and praying that it won't be this bad on my wedding day. I do relaxation, eat healthy, drink at least 5 litres of water per day and exer ice. I am on ortho tri-cyclen and minocin 100mg a day(it's been 4 months for the minocin) and the improvements are not major. The only thing minocin does for me is reduce the size of the pimples and reduce the redness(a bit), it definetly does not prevent new pimples. I am definetly running out of patience (not bad since I was patient for 6 years with every meds the doc prescribed and didn't work). I've stopped topical meds because the dalacin was definetly making things worst, so now I just treat the spot (to bad for what the doc said). Anyway I was just wondering if anybody could give me advice on other things to do before my wedding and before the accutane to prevent major breakouts. I'm trying the accutane because I know that if I don't I'll end up bei g in my 30's and going on it and saying I should have gone on it at 24 (because I could of gone on it before and I waited and now with my wedding coming up I'm thinking wow pretty I would have been in my dress without the acne). So if something terrible h ppens to me from the accutane well I'll have to cross that bridge when I get there. My acne is very persistant mild to moderate located primarly on the chin and jaw line ( I also had some on back and chest wich cleared up with the pill and minocin). I un erstand why this disease is so frustrating, it's because things can't be predicted (you never know where the next pimple will be and when it will come and how bad. Also everybody knows that you have this problem because they have to look at it everyday. B leive me I've tried to hide it!! Also I'd like to know what makeup covers best and does not cause irritation or acne. Sorry for the long message but I don't have anyone to talk to about this who really understands. Thanks and take care.

MONICA RUIZ - 08/27/99 19:17:53
My URL:http://www.oocities.org/
My Email:mruiz@lloreda.com.co
Gender: femenino
Age: 25

Comments:
Hola, mi nombre es Mónica. Llevo 5 meses bajo tratamiento con Roaccutan, tomando una dosis diaria de 20 mg. He tenido los síntomas comunes como resequedad en la piel, nariz, ojos y labios. El acné se ha reducido en gran parte, pues he sufrido de acné quí tico, aunque aún tengo brotes cuando se acerca mi periodo menstrual y también tengo cicatrices, pero ya no son del mismo tamaño y mi recuperación es más rápida. Quisiera saber si es normal que todavíe continúe con brotes, pues muchas personas tienen una ronta recuperación. Tengo temor de no recuperarme completamente. Mi dermatólogo dice que es normal y que debo tomar 6 gramos en total y sólo llevo 2,5. Quisiera conocer su opinión. Gracias.

Lara - 08/27/99 18:48:19
Gender: Female
Age: 29

Comments:
I have been on Accutane for 7 months now. My skin is absolutely flawless. I am very grateful for that. I am on a minimal dose of 1 40mg tablet daily. My reason for starting Accutane was for the large cysts underneath my skin. They were so painful. I have only experienced one cyst during my treatment on Accutane. I am due to go off the treatment in about 1 1/2 mos. my concern is that my skin will not look as smooth and youthful as it does now, and I am concerned I might start getting flare-ups again. (Alto gh my Dr. says there's a 90% chance that won't happen) Anyway, has anyone experienced any side effects after your treatment? Does the texture of your skin look as good?! :-) Would love to hear from you. -Lara

Hendré Wasserman - 08/27/99 18:43:01
My Email:aardwolfh@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
Hi there! I have entered a comment in this visitor's book, but I thought it was a good idea to give a more detailed account. I suffered from acne since I was about 14. My parents and I thought it would go over with time,, but this was not the case. I battled with it just like most of the people who has some form it. It is not the skin problem itself that provides the irritat on and FRUSTRATION!! . It is the idea that other people look at your face with disgust. Even though this is not the case, it is still not believed to be false. It is said that the reason acne is such a frustrating "dis-ease", is because it is one of the most visible. The skin is really the largest organ, relating to sight. Finally, I went to see my GP. He prescribed the infamous Roaccutane. I knew about all the side-effects, and I even went through all of them, but I gave it a shot. I tried everything. Salt water, no chocolate, no carbonated drinks, no coffee, many kind of ointments and "wonder substances", but nothing worked like this! I have to admit the side-effects: nose bleeding, intense dryness of skin, psychological factors, and a few minor things. My docter advised me not to get involved in pregnancy (I am unmarried!) and I must stress this to all the women using this medicine. AVOID PREGNANCY. The simple reason is foetal malformation. I started off with 20mg per day and continued for three months. The acne started to move it again, so I continued the pills. I am now using 10mg per day and find it working tremendously well. To you guys near the 90mg's, good luck . As I was saying, I m now continuing for another four months on the 10mg, and then I'll see what happen. Relax!!!!!

Hendr - 08/27/99 18:29:56

Comments:

Rianne - 08/27/99 18:22:22
Gender: Female
Age: 34

Comments:
This is for Mary Kate. Thanks for the advice on using tea tree oil. DermaLux actually have a website - it can be found on www.dermalux. It does seem to be helping my skin. I haven't yet dared stop the Minocin MR (antibiotics) - hopefully I'll be able o shortly. I just don't want to tempt providence!!! Very best wishes, Rianne.

Mary Kate - 08/27/99 16:28:04
Gender: female
Age: 23

Comments:
P.S. I forgot to add that I wear the Tea Tree Oil underneath my makeup. I have never had a problem with Clinique Products and I just put a bit of foundation and powder over it and that helps with any shine.

Mary Kate - 08/27/99 16:20:56
Gender: female
Age: 23

Comments:
Hello everyone, Rianne: I have been using the brand 'Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Oil' that can be purchased at a health food store. In Canada it was $8 for a small bottle. In the brochure that I got with it they instructed that you 'dab it on three times per day or ad three to six drops to warm water and rinse affected area.' There is also a 'Thursday Plantation Antiseptic Cream' that they say you can use for daytime treatment. I haven't tried this yet but I think that I will. What I have been doing is to dab a dro or two onto a cotton pad and dabbed the affected areas. It feels strange because I have conditioned myself to never let oily things touch my face. But it seems to help. The oil has a very strong smell for about 45min and gives you a tingly feeling. T e problem that I am having is that is does seem to cure pimples that come up daily but I don't think that it prevents them. I have recently started taking the oral contraceptive Diane 35 and am hoping that it will eventually help with this aspect. I wou d actually like some info on the Dermalux lamp that you spoke of. Where do you get one, what does it cost and so forth. For people on Accutane, I just noticed that the brochure for Tea Tree Oil says that the 'Thursday Plantation Antiseptic Cream' and th 'Thursday Plantation Soap' are safe and effective for sensitve and dry skin. Good luck everyone. Mary Kate

kelly - 08/26/99 21:43:44
Gender: female
Age: 23

Comments:
hello to all. My skin is a little better today. I know you're not supposed to pop and pick, but sometimes I jsut can't help myself. I don't try to pop cysts, just inflamed ones where I can see the head. I actually have makeup on today, and I look pret y good. I have some dry patches that really flake up. I know it's gross, but I can actually pull whole pieces of dead skin off. I don't really know what to think right now. What I can say for sure is, it's only been two weeks, and my skin is producing little oil! I washed my face at six this morning and there is still no shine. I used to be shiny after an hour. Hang in there people. I get incredibly distressed too. I'm sure more pimples are on their way. To DAN: I would enjoy a correspondence wi h you. However, I don't like giving out my email, so if you don't mind, we can converse over Gill's guestbook. Feel free to ask me whatever. Take care, everyone. Peace.

Rianne - 08/26/99 19:30:41
Gender: Female
Age: 34

Comments:
Hi, this is for Stephanie who mentioned Silicol Skin. You may have read from my earlier postings that I'm using a DermaLux lamp and this has helped my acne a great deal - however, I still get odd spots here and there so I was interested to read the artic e in the Mail about Silicol Skin. (I'm determied to have a completely clear skin now I've started!!!!) I rang them this morning and have ordered some - it's £7 and I think the postage was £3. The lady on the phone said it was very good (but I know they a ways say that!!) - and one thing I stressed to her was I didn't want anything that would really irritate my skin and she said Silicol wouldn't. (The article says "it works like a sponge by sucking up impurities and excess oils. It also soothes itchiness nd reduces the redness of infected pimples AND doesn't sting like some traditional acne treatments which contain harsh chemicals") I thought it may also reduce the redness from old acne scars - maybe. Also Mary Kate - you mentioned using tea tree oil on your skin. How do you use it, directly onto the skin? Do you leave it on for a long time or just a couple of hours? I've also recently ordered some lotion from Space.NK apothecary called "Never Let Them See You Shine" (made by Philosphy)- although the ermaLux is tackling the spots and my acne has improved such a lot my skin still throws out oil! It would be nice to find something that stops my skin looking greasy. (I posted earlier asking if anyone knew of anything, but I know that a lot of you are ha ing problems at the opposite end of the scale with Accutane i.e. dry skin). Anyway, like I've said before it's good to "merge" ideas and the help from other people's experiences is invaluable. As always good luck to everyone - whatever you're using!! Lo e Rianne.

- 08/26/99 19:24:35
Gender: male
Age: 16

Comments:
To the person asking about Mederma and how it effects me. I just started it, and i've heard it works great from everyone, pharmacists and derms...it's $22, and is great for sensetive skin. I have a great derm, and trust everything she says and recommend . Its suppose to help with the scar and redness of the scar...i will keep you posted. As for taking it with other topical creams: first of all, mederma is something u should take after your acne is pretty much cleared up (it doens't help acne). So, if your on other topicals for acne, u shouldn't take mederma, also, mederma should be used 3-4 times a day. Now, i noticed people were freaking out about their diet on accutane.....if you have past family experience of heart disease etc..i would understand but for everybody else.......thats crazy! I was on a VERY SUCCESSFUL treatment of accutane and i drank and ate everything (besides real oily foods). I drank alot of alcahol, and that raised my triglycerides dramatically, but so......just take the pills treat the side effects...and let the pill take care of its self...chances are , you will have a good successful treatment. REmember, if your taking two pills a day, take them as far apart as possible and with milk or food (i took it with milk).

mary kate - 08/26/99 18:26:39
Gender: female
Age: 23

Comments:
Hello everyone, I just wanted to say that I really appreciate this site and have begun trying some of the suggestions that people have offered. It is also sooo comforting to hear other people's stories and realize that I am not alone. For years I have thought that I wa overreacting by not wanting to go out of the house if I felt my face was bad. At this point I have not resorted to Accutane but certainly understand people's willingness to deal with the side effects. From the suggestion of someone on this page I have tarted using Tea Tree Oil on my skin and have found it to be very helpful so far. I have only used it for a few weeks but I find that it lessons the redness, cures pimples fairly quickly and gives my skin a nice, smooth look. I thought that it might be seful for those of you on Accutane because it is an oil and will help both pimples and dry skin. It might also be nice for you to be using a natural treatment in conjuction with the Accutane. Good luck everyone. Mary Kate.

Stephanie - 08/26/99 15:46:11
My Email:Steph1920@AOL.com
Gender: female
Age: 16

Comments:
Hi, I was just wondering if anyone has heard of a product called 'Silicol skin'. I read about it in the Daily Mail (English newspaper) it's some kind of mask made of silicic acid, but it doesn't irritate sensitive skin. The girl in the article said that i worked for her in a matter of weeks. I was wondering if it is worth using? One last question, where can you buy Mederma? Thanks a lot.

- 08/26/99 12:38:35

Comments:
To the 16 yr. old male who used Mederma, did it work for you? Do you have to be off any other kinds of topical meds?

paul - 08/26/99 11:14:18
My URL:http://www.oocities.org/Pipeline/Ridge/8642/index.html
My Email:paul@holliday999.freeserve.co.uk
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
hey how is everyone? well it is near wk 13 and well I woke up this morning and had nothing to pick at, am a bit taken back, it does work, just hang in there, it will get better ! feel free to write to me about anything, I have laods of time as am on HOLIDAY ! bye bye

Pam - 08/26/99 09:27:05
Gender: female
Age: 32

Comments:
Elizabeth...hang in there...six weeks is really early days...I'm into my seventh month now and everyday my skin just gets better and better...at the beginning of treatment (first three-four months)I got breakouts...rashes...dryness...redness...my skin wa incredibly sensitive...and I also seemed to wound really easily (scratches from playing with my dogs took ages to heal) NOW...the improvement is incredible...it just took seven months to really get there...

Mike - 08/26/99 06:47:07
My Email:lt714@ucla.edu
Gender: Male
Age: 20

Comments:
Yo, I've been on accutane 40mg/day for about 10 weeks now... I still have 10 more weeks to go. My face has cleared up TREMENDOUSLY and I am almost spot free. Everything is fine except a few side effects such as dry lips and skin. For those side effects I'm not worried about, but what I am worried about is that when I wake up in the morning, I feel weak and tired, and sometimes I feel like vomiting, but as I go through the day, those feelings go away. I also feel unhealthy sometimes. I dont' know if i s from the drug, or from me being lazy. =) Have anyone ever had this problem before? I feel that my cholesterol and triglyceride level has risen greatly. This drug is truly the only one that has helped my acne go away. It also dried up my oily face. or those of you who are wondering, my face did break out during the 7-8th week of treatment, but it has cleared up a lot since then, and I only get 1 new pimple a day as compared to a million a day before. Well, if anyone has expereienced what I have, pl ase reply to my email above! I wouldn't want to stop taking this drug as it has been the only "miracle" drug for me even though I am fully aware of the potential side effects....

Andrew - 08/26/99 05:53:17
My Email:s353047@student.uq.edu.au
Age: 18

Comments:
This is to rachel who asked about roaccutane dosage. I am in the 9th week of my treatment and I m on 60mg/day and I weigh 154lbs. This is a high as my dermatologist will let me go. I hope that helps! See ya

- 08/26/99 04:33:34
Gender: Male
Age: 17

Comments:
I have been on minocycline, benzamycin, and every other general med. but my doctor finally gave me accutane. My face isnt really sever but it has been long enough that I havent responed to anything. I havent started yet, im kind of putting it off, but i want to know if any of the side effects are really severe. My doc didnt really help. I read alot of people had really bad flare ups after starting. The doc told me when i start to stop every other med including the topical stuff. is there anything i c n do to at least help my face not get to much worse. Any kind of info is greatly appreciated.

kathy - 08/26/99 00:19:49
Gender: female
Age: 48

Comments:
My son is on Accutane at 80 mg per day (40 in the a.m. and 40 p.m.) After his doctor's visit yesterday, the doctor prescribed prednisone (a steroid) to help get through the "break-out" period. Have any of you also been prescribed a steroid like predniso e to take for the inflammation, swelling and overall break-out? He is only supposed to take 10 mg only in the morning but in reading the literature with the prescription, prednisone can cause nervousness, mood changes and restlessness. Seeing as how Acc tane can also cause mood changes, it makes one a little "gun-shy" about taking two medications at once that can cause similar side-effects. If you've also taken a steroid like prednisone prescribed by your doctor for inflammation/break-out, please post a message telling about your experience with it... I would appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

Elizabeth - 08/26/99 00:09:54
My Email:eablee@gateway.net
Gender: Female
Age: 35

Comments:
I'm on my sixth week of Accutane now and now my skin is worse than before I started the Accutane. I've developed rashy pimples on the sides of my face and my derm tells me I just need to be patient, that it takes about 2 months for the medicine to kick i and my system is still adjusting. This has really gotten me down. Help - will/does this get better? Can anyone share their comments/encouragement for me? Thanks.

Pam - 08/25/99 22:16:06
Gender: Female
Age: 32

Comments:
Luz...I have had elevated cholesterol and triglycerides during treatment with Roaccutane...for me...diet alone was not enough to lower my lipid levels...I also needed to take medication...but then I have a strong family history of heart disease...animal f ts are loaded with cholesterol...(eggs,cheese,butter,meat,milk)I simply don't eat eggs, butter or cheese anymore...I drink low-fat milk...and rarely eat meat (probably about once a month)legumes are a fantastic source of protein...and some studies suggest they may actually be able to carry cholesterol out of the body...vegetarian sites are great places to get healthy recipes...except that many of them use cheese...if you've got a sweet tooth (like me!) head for fruit-based desserts rather than pastries/cho olate/cream...try doing a search on the internet...there's heaps of information out there...

Luz - 08/25/99 20:45:58
My Email:garibay@mattel.com
Gender: female
Age: 29

Comments:
Gill, I really like your site, because it is great to see all these favorable comments about Roaccutan. I have been in treatment for 20 days and results are visible since now. If someone have some tips for a low cholesterol or tryglycerids diet, it would be g eat to know more about this. Thanks.

Sherri - 08/25/99 20:06:17
Gender: female

Comments:
Well I have been reading the entries and have had no response to my message. PLEASE past accutane users PLEASE respond to my previous message. I need hope!!! I feel as though my life is over because of all these side effects. I need to know if anyone else has had these side effects so long after treatment and if it got better. PLEASE, PLEASE someone respond-I feel like I can't go on living!!! PLEASE I AM DESPERATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rachel - 08/25/99 20:00:24

Comments:
What is the normal dosage for accutane. I had mild to moderate acne and was put on 60mg/day for 5 months, the entire 5 month course. Is this normal? I am having so many problems now- have been off it 9 months. Alexandra, thanks for your response. If you on't mind me asking what was your dosage? I weigh 135lb. Is it possible my derm over medicated me and this is why I am having so many problems?

- 08/25/99 18:48:03
Gender: male
Age: 16

Comments:
I went on accutane from late april to late june. i weigh 120 lbs, and was on 3 month course of 60 mg first month, and 80 mg second two months. My skin starting clearing up big time on the second month. If i could estimate, it probably took me about 1 1 2 months to get rid of my last cyst. I used petroleum jelly lip balm for lips, and "dermatologica active moist" for face. BOTH, HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! I am now acne free, but i still need to wait for all the red marks to fade away, and for my ski to balance out. In case someone is in my position, here are some tips. DON'T go in the sun alot if you have red marks from past acne, and don't think about getting a tan or burnt to cover them, it makes them brown, or redder, and sometimes permanent. un isn't good for red spots. Now, i used "Mederma" to help heal with the red spots/ some scars....was highly recommended. In the shower i use "aqua glycolic face cleanser", which is also recommended. I'll let u know how my face goes, but being a 16 yea old kid is really hard, even on my part with having to wait months for the marks to fade. If anybody is thinking about going on accutane, i would HIGHLY recommend it to anybody, and have even approached kids in school with bad acne to ask if they have u ed it. It may not work for everybody, but it works for most, and works wonders. I don't want nobody to go what i went through, and going through, but i know people are as i speak, and will.....i just hope they've tried everything before all hell breaks oose..

kelly - 08/25/99 16:43:16
Gender: female
Age: 23

Comments:
Hello all. It's only been a few days since my last entry, but my skin has gotten a lot worse during that time. I don't have a lot of cysts (just three) but my nose feels like sandpaper from the blackheads, and I have a lot of little zits that get really red. Plus, it's getting harder to put on makeup because my skin is flaking like there's no tomorrow. I called out of work yesterday because I was so upset. For some reason, I expected that my treatment would be beneficial from the start. I should've k own better. On the bright side, I'm not as oily. Right now, I would do anything for clear skin. I hope staying on this works. Bye for now.

Mary - 08/25/99 15:21:15
Gender: Female
Age: 17

Comments:
Ann- I used to use Nutregena Multi Vitamin Cream and it worked great before I went on Accutane. Since I started accutane a couple of weeks ago I stopped using it though because it contains vitamin A which my information from my pharmacist and the accutan brocheurs says to avoid while on accutane. I am thinking about trying it again now because my skin is not overly dry and peeling but I would caution you to be careful when using it at first and only use every other day until your skin becomes use to it. Someone had asked about how often you should get blood tests. My doctor told me that I needed one before I started accutane to ensure everything was ok, then a test once a month. She said that some doctors only request tests for the first three months a d then not again until the last month. Just to be on the safe side I go every month.

Andrew - 08/25/99 07:54:55
My Email:s353047@student.uq.edu.au
Gender: Male
Age: 18

Comments:
Hi, I have had mild acne since i was 15 and it has just this year started to become severe. I went to the dermatologist and she put me on roaccutane. I have now been on it for almost 2 months at a 60mg/day dosage and have had all the usual side effects. I have seen some slight improvement but I was wondering how long it takes before it really starts to kick in and show some significant effects? Can anyone share their experience because I'd like to know? Thanks See ya

Erin - 08/25/99 01:02:02
My Email:taryn.stone@minesupport.com
Gender: Female
Age: 19

Comments:
I have just finished looking throught the comments that others have written and can relate to so many of them. The main side effect that I experienced was the dryness of my lips. I had peeling/flakey lips for so long and I used so many different creams/b lms on them but nothing ever really got rid of that awful feeling. My dermatologist gave me a special cream to fix it, but it never worked so now I am using Blistex which is working wonders!!!! I have been off roaccutane for nearly two weeks now and my kin looks so good. I don't have any blackheads or those big pimples that I used to get, and the comments that I receive off people are great. It really boosts your self-esteem. I only use a moituriser once a day and that just seems to soften the skin th t little bit more. I am sorry to hear that the drug does not work for everybody, but in my case it worked wonders! Good luck to everyone who is just starting out! Cheers.

Alexandra - 08/24/99 23:22:53
Gender: female

Comments:
Rachel, to respond to your question re dry legs and shaving. My legs are dry but so are all my girlfriends' (We were just talking about this -none of them have been on Accutane). I just use a shaving cream in a pretty pink can (sorry, can't remember the name) and it helps. I use Dormer moisturizer on my legs also. I think it also helps to exfoliate in the shower with a cloth or some time of exfoliating skin cream/gel. I use sunless tanning cream so I usually do exfoliate. Also, the soles of my feet are so dry. I just started coating them at night with Vaseline and wearing socks (very attractive!) one night a week. After having very oily skin for many years on my t-zone, I don't mind the normal skin on my face. I used to have to carry around Estee Lauder blotting papers. Now I am only a little oily occasionally. It is so much better not to feel oily as I felt like my face wasn't clean when it was oily like that. As I mentioned, I have been off Accutane for ov r a year and I am so much happier. Very seldom to I get any pimples. Instead of something I always was worried about; blotting excess oil which felt awful on my face and unsightly blemishes I now seldom think about that. I feel like a different person. I wish that Accutane was this effective for everyone because this condition is such a difficult battle to have to deal with. Finally, a great product that my derm. gave me that I could not do without now is called "T-Stat" medicated pads. It is erythromycin antibiotic mixed with alcohol. I used it after working out. I LOVE it and I have not seen it wri ten about on this site. Best of luck to everyone.

A.Jorissen - 08/24/99 23:06:13
My Email:aae22@hotmail.com/
Age: 21

Comments:
I love your webpage!! it's so nice to know I'm not alone!!! thank you

Erica - 08/24/99 22:26:44
Gender: Female
Age: 24

Comments:
I have a couple of points to make: My background: I, like many others, I have been back and forth to the doc's since my early teens and hve been prescribed the usual oral/topical antitiotics - which either don't work, stink, or both. I was on Roaccutane from January to June this year, but was one of the "minority" who are unresponsive. I still suffered a load of the side effects with few of the benefits. I suffered v. v. dry skin, my lips cracked until they bled, and I had nose bleeds every day. I considered it all to be worth it for th benefits I was promised. My biggest problem seems to be a lack of diagnosis. Half way through treatment, the dose was increased and it all got worse. My acne is usually over my face, arms and a bit on my back. The Roaccutane helped for spots above my jaw line, but made it worse elsewhere. Problems: My consultant changes his mind each time I see him. I asked early on if it definately was acne, yet now that I have been "unresponsive" he's decided that maybe its something else. So I asked if, perhaps I have been misdiagnosed all along - gu ss what - he thinks that I have suffered from acne at some point! Well, I am post-pubescent, so I think that's rather likely! Issues: When I was offered Roaccutane I had to have a pregnancy test first, and a liver function test, and a great fuss was made over the contraception issue. However, when I came off Roaccutane, I was prescribed a topical antibiotic, which I then had t get off my GP. Neither mentioned that antibiotics affect the efficiency of the Pill. The pharmacist explained it to me. I was livid after all the fuss was made at the start. Side effect tips: I hate the smell of Vaseline, so I got through lipsalve like nothing else! I bought a great tub of E45 cream and it was great. For those hard to reach places (my back itched like hell) try squirting baby oil all over, or add a good sq irt to your bath. I don't know what the situation is in other countries, but I have found the system here in the UK inconsistant. My friend went private and didn't have to have any tests and wasn't told about avoiding alcohol - at least that's what I was told! Depression: I had just come out of stress linked depression, yet was prescribed without any questions asked. However, the point was made that people suffering from severe acne are more likely to have low self esteem, so are more likely to suffer from de ression and suicidal tendencies. To some extent I agree (not totally though). I was always very self concious at school and suffered from bullying. I wanted to die, but didn't have the guts or energy to do it. Since then I have found friends who care bout me as a person rather than an object which must fit in, and found a job that I enjoy - and I'm not locked away in a cupboard! I face the public every day. Hopefully, you can fathom my upside down story and see that I've come out the other end even though it didn't work and there is hope. I hope I haven't gone on too long!

Kerri - 08/24/99 20:47:38
My Email:kavitalo@ufl.edu
Gender: female
Age: 23

Comments:
If anyone has ever used Mederma, I need some advice. My doctor suggested using it to reduce the scars, but the pharmacist said she was unsure it would work for acne scars. Has it made anyone breakout, and can you use it in conjunction with other acne me s. I would really appreciate an email back. Thanks!

Rachel - 08/24/99 20:41:07
Gender: female
Age: 30

Comments:
Alexandra- I understand you finished your course of Accutane over a year ago, have you had any problems with shaving your legs or overly dry skin? I have been off Accutane about 8-9 months and have areal problem shaving. Anyone else experience this?

Marijke - 08/24/99 20:18:56
My Email:marijke34@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 18

Comments:
How many times are you supposed to get BLOOD TESTS? Cause I had two so far (13 weeks) beforehand, one during the first month, and my derm told me today that I don't need them anymore until I start the last month or something. While I thought you needed a lood test every month. My skin is looking great and I am looking forward to the new millenium since january 1st is also the first day without roaccutane.... love Marijke

Ake - 08/24/99 20:05:46
My Email:codaco@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 21

Comments:
Thanks for the advice! I went to see another dermatologist and she suggested I go on Roaccutane (40mg). Today's my first day... Anyone who's about to begin the treatment now is welcome to email me!

Dan - 08/24/99 18:06:44
My Email:deemann@earthlink.net
Gender: Male
Age: 29

Comments:
KELLY: I'm starting Accutane next week. I think it wuold be nice to talk with someone going through the same thing. If you would like, please email me at above address. Just an idea, if not, good luck anyway.

Brandy - 08/24/99 15:32:49
Gender: Female
Age: 17

Comments:
I have been on accutane for two weeks now. I don't think I have experienced the flare up my doctor warned me about but my skin is still broken out as badly as usually. I've noticed my face seems to be a lot redder than usually. My skin is also becoming dryer but its nothing extreme. The only real side effects that I have had is fatigue which is probably a result of the insomnia. I have difficulty sleeping for two or three nights before I get tired enough that I nap during the day and go to bed in the arly evening. I have also been losing a lot of hair. I always did lose a fair amount but since starting accutane it has become a far greater amount. I am happy to say that so far I can still comfortably where my contacts (knock on wood). My greatest f ars when starting accutane was that I would not be able to wear my contacts ever again and that the initial flare up would be so terrible that I wouldn't be able to go anywhere. I have only had pain in my heel or back for a couple seconds, nothing that c used great discomfort or that lasted any amount of time. I read this guest book a couple days after I started taking accutane and was scared that I would experience all the side effects written about but I don't. The only thing I worry about now is that if everyone else is having all these side effects but at the same time experiencing great improvements in their acne, is accutane working for me and is it going to work because I don't seem to have any significant side effects. I just pray that accutane will finally do something to help me. I've spent years, since I was 12 years old trying all different types of creams, antibiotics and prescription drugs to help my acne, if accutane finally works I know I will be very upset that I didn't take it years go and prevent all these years of feeling embarrassed, depressed and alone.

Tony - 08/24/99 14:08:33
Gender: male
Age: 38

Comments:
Keith: Yep, mine was a case of very oily skin. you have confirmed my theory of oil drowning my hair cells. good luck on your treatment.

Alexandra - 08/24/99 14:01:49
Gender: female

Comments:
I finished my treatment of Accutane over a year ago. This drug is one of the more serious in the dermatologists' arsenal. I don't know what I would have done without it. I know many people whose lives have changed due to this drug. Acne is not just a osmetic or vanity issue. It affects many aspects of one's life. I had the usual problems on this medication: dry lips, dry peeling skin and a definite redness. I would do it again in a second. I do not regret my decision at all. This drug literally ave me my life back. I deal with many people in a technical/medical capacity where a professional image and confidence is imperative. I strongly believe and have read that the efficacy of antibiotics will continue to diminish in the future for acne suff rers and bacteria become resistant. Therefore, more people will opt for Accutane. I have no lingering effects. I am a very active sports minded individual. I was weepy and depressed during my treatment and perhaps it was exacerbated because of Accutan but I was pretty depressed over my appearance anyway. Now the redness is gone for the most part (it comes back occasionally depending on what I am doing - but it is not always there as it was during my treatment and immediately afterward). I also had s ots on the sides of my face. I was warned not to go in the sun (I don't tan anyway) as they may turn brownish and be more noticable/permanent. Now these reddish spots have almost completely gone. I now get comments on how beautiful my complexion is which I find it hard to get used to. So I guess I know Accutane is not for everyone and I'm sorry some people have experience important issues BUT for some people like me it changed my life and I'm grateful!! All the best - health & happiness!!!

Pikachu - 08/24/99 12:00:39
Gender: Female
Age: 22

Comments:
Hi everyone, I have not written here for some time already.I'm in my 25th week dropping to a 20mg/day dosage.I'm doing very well,there are no more new outbreaks but my face does not seem to be able to take any more of the dryness.I just pray hard because only have another 11 more days of treatment.My derm said i do not have to go back to see her immediately after finishing this 11 days.I wonder can i go back after 1 week of stopping medication?Why would she still want to see me anyway?? Probably to talk bout maintance dosage? I think i would want to find out more about the chances of reoccurence too.I'm worried to death about that.What if i stop Roche and all the ance and oilness come back??>>arghhhh.. any one got any advice for me.normally does reoccurence happen to everyone? or what?? thanks

Keith - 08/24/99 11:00:15
Gender: male
Age: 33

Comments:
Tony: I have seen some hair growth of all places on my chest but the hair on my head is just thinning (dead cells anyway and barely bothers me anymore). I got a shorter haircut so it is less noticeable and actually looks better. Was you scalp greasy befor treatment? I read somewhere that greasy over-oily scalps can inhibit hair growth and perhaps this is what you are running into with your bald spot growing hair back. My hair was already thinning before taking RoA this time and has stayed so.

Sonia - 08/24/99 06:41:56
Gender: female
Age: 29

Comments:
Katrina: I don't think anyone claimed that this was a website was for only people that took Accutane. I'm sorry if that is how you interpreted that. I was only suggesting that instead of Grammer and Spelling we should focus on the issues that has brought s to this website. My comments regarding the use of Accutane was that for some, we felt that accutane was our last resort as I personally did not want to live with having to put and ice pack on my face everynight and face the outside world with these huge painful cysts. I was fortunate, I never had pimples, whiteheads or blackheads....I only had cysts. But I made sure to study as much as possible about accutane and I was fully aware of all the risks and made an educated decision to go ahead with the treatm nt. As I said before, it was worth it to be at work right now, under florecent lights (yuck) with no makeup on and still have people compliment me on my skin. If you have made the choice not to take Accutane, then that's great. My point was merely that it is one thing to disagree, I mean we all have our own opinions, but correcting spelling and critizing grammer is not necessary and it really isn't your place. Good luck!!

katrina bost - 08/24/99 05:08:43
My Email:katrina@iex.net
Gender: female
Age: 24

Comments:
This message is for SONIA: I make one simple suggestion about spelling and everyone goes off of their rocker. I am sorry you took it so offensively. It was more in a joking manner to begin with, but since some people have such low self-esteems and take verything said soooooo personally I apologize. Oh yeah just because someone is not taking roaccutane and differs in the opinion that it is a miricle drug and subjects to the fact that hey!!! the drug is great, so what my bones are aching and crumbling, a l my mucus membranes are dried up and I have bloody noses, I feel depressed and want to kill myself and my hair is falling out and not to mention my internal organs are going to hell, does not mean that they sould not use this message board. Have you rea all of the testimonies which declare all of these symptoms??????? Well I hold firm on my opinion that the drug kills and so do a lot of medical journals posted on national health sites, oh yeah and so do all of these personal testimonies posted just rec ntly and in the archives. Please don't pretend to understand where I am coming from with my acne problem. What makes you think it is any less than yours and that I do not have a right to share my experience and read those of others on this site. It seem the whole attitude of this site is " IF YOUR NOT RISKING YOUR LIFE ON RO ACCUTANE LIKE US THEN YOU HAVE NO BUSINESS AT THIS SITE" MAYBE YOU NEED TO LIGHTEN UP? ALL THE SAME "SONIA" I WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK AND HOPE THAT YOU WILL DO O.K ON THE DRUG AN NOT SUFFER THE ADVERSE EFFECTS THAT OTHERS HAVE. KATRINA BOST

kelly - 08/24/99 03:51:50
Gender: female
Age: 23

Comments:
Hello. I've been on Accutane for almost two weeks now. I've just had the normal side effects. My lips are dry and sensitive and my skin has started to get flaky. I haven't broken out that badly yet. My skin has just been breaking out like normal. I ave noticed a little decrease in the amount of oil my skin produces. I've also noticed that the zits I do get seem to go away faster. So far, I'm pleased that I went on it. It seems like a drastic measure to take, doesn't it? The price we pay to look ood...

Dan - 08/24/99 03:45:30
My Email:deemann@earthlink.net
Gender: Male
Age: 29

Comments:
I am a debating first time user of Accutane. I hear a lot of stories that have happy periods, but horrid endings. I would also like to find out if there are people who are in my shoes that live in the New York/Long Island area who are interested in suppor ing one another? Sounds like a good idea to befriend people with commonalities.

Olivia - 08/24/99 00:53:06
My Email:o_moussallem@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
I need some help and advice. PLEASE. I have only recently consulted a dermatologist about my skin. I don't have a severe case of acne, it's only sort of on one side of my face and is very mild but deep and i'm worried about permanent scarring. On my fir t visit my dermatologist recommemended Roaccutane, I haven't started it yet and thought that the side effects were only dry lips and that it can affect the liver. Wanting to find out more about the drug, i searched the web to find this excellent site, bu i have read about the serious side effects some people are experiencing that i wasn't aware of. Now i am so worried and confused. I don't want to start the treatment and then as soon as i am off, my skin breaks out again. What do i? I feel really sic in the stomach at the moment with worry and confusement. My face seems to break out when i'm stressed or depressed so i don't want that to happen if i get off Roaccutane. My dermatologist was not of much help and did not really explain all this to me, o if anybody could help me out or just reassure me then that would be great. Please email me. Thanks.

Shelley - 08/23/99 23:41:03
My Email:allears73@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 26

Comments:
I'm in my second month of Accutane, now at 60 mg/day instead of 40... and NOW I am noticing problems. Mainly the "big breakout", which I knew was coming. But, something that's also bothersome... I have a couple of spots on my face that almost look like urns. They are weepy and crusty and just really gross. One on my nose, one on my chin. They are not pimples, although the one on my nose is in an area that was affected with blackheads and it looks like the number of blackheads in that area is decreasi g? Also I am noticing that makeup (which I WANT to use to cover up the redness and breakouts) looks awful on my face, it makes it look even flakier! I am currently using Almay but if anyone has a different suggestion for makeup products during the treat ent I would be so thankful! I am feeling a little discouraged right now, I just hope this is worth it! Thanks for the help.

Matt - 08/23/99 22:19:25
My Email:Wood226@aol.com
Gender: Male
Age: 17

Comments:
I have way too many red marks on my face and if anyone knows how to get rid of them fast can you please e-mail me my doctor said they would take a couple months to go away

Matt - 08/23/99 22:15:25
My Email:Wood226@aol.com
Gender: Male

Comments:

- 08/23/99 22:12:43
Gender: male
Age: 16

Comments:
To male 16, wow, trust me, i know everything u mean. Scroll back to feb-june to see all of my posts, etc..Anyway, i highly recommend "Mederma" over the counter drug. It helps alot with scarring, is dermatologist recommended, and i just started it today. I'll let u know how it goes...

sherri - 08/23/99 21:04:58
Gender: female
Age: 29

Comments:
PLEASE SOMEBODY HELP!! My life has completely fallen apart. I am VERY depressed and even having thoughts of suicide. I was on Accutane (60 mg/day for 5 mo.) about 11 months ago. While on it everything was fine. I had normal side effects(dry eyes and lip and some joint pain). After finishing my course my skin looked great, however about 5 months ago I started having problems with really dry skin (my legs are peeling and can not shave due to ingrown hairs) I also started developing little bumps all over m cheeks and a bunch of permanent "whiteheads all over my forehead. The bumps on my cheeks are not acne the derm said it is something called keratosis pilaris, brought on by having the dry skin these bumps are also all over backs of arms and on thighs. I ever had hair thinning while on accutane but like 3 months after I stopped the drug it started thinning. The hardest thing for me to deal with are the bumps on my face this is way worse than acne ever was and my skin looks and feels gross, with all these ed bumps and drying and flaking. What I don't understand is why all this is happening now, 11 months after my treatment. My skin was gorgeous during and right after treatment, I never had a problem shaving or skin peeling on my legs or any of these probl ms. I am now seeing a Dr. for depression over all these problems. I hate my skin now . I just wish I could go back and never have taken this drug. If anyone out ther has had any similar side effects(problems shaving, bumps) please let me know how it is f r you. Did these side effects go away eventually? Please past accutane users let me know if you experienced this and if it went away? I am at the end of my rope! I quit my job and moved in with my parents because I am too embarrassed to face people and am so depressed. This is my last ditch effort, because I honestly don"t want to live anymore- not like this for the rest of my life. I hope someone out ther can help me with some info and maybe bring me some hope that things will get better.

Lisa - 08/23/99 19:13:27
My Email:cochmbral@aol.com
Gender: female
Age: 17

Comments:
I was on accutane about a 1 1/2 years ago, I would like to go on it again, but I need to take an acne medication that isn't an antibiotic, is accutane and antibiotic?????

Pam - 08/23/99 18:17:09
Gender: female
Age: 32

Comments:
For Anthony (13)I think it's great that you said no to your dermatologist about taking Roaccutane right now...and are taking the time to find out more about the drug...and its side-effects...for me it was a really personal decision...one I had to weigh up very carefully...and I was 28 before I finally took my first course...I'm now in the process of finishing up my second course...and I'm very pleased with the results...in answer to one of your questions...the skin on my face doesn't feel overly dry becaus I use an SPF 15+ moisturiser everyday...however...(and this is just my personal opinion)if I had a 13 yr old son I would be extremely hesitant to use Roaccutane at this stage...it doesn't hurt to be cautious about this drug...although I have never experi nced any of the more serious side-effects...I knew they were a possibility...and I made an informed decision...I strongly suggest you find out everything you possibly can about the drug...before you make a decision either way...although this site is fabul us...it doesn't take the place of professional advice...maybe you could go and see a different derm. and get a second opinion? keep in touch anthony...and good luck...

Tony - 08/23/99 14:23:08
My Email:tanwj@singnet.com.sg
Gender: male
Age: 38

Comments:
I started roaccutane about 6 weeks ago. Common side effects but mild in nature. Interesting to tell people that in my case, my balding patch seems to be experiencing hair growth. I thought I read a case about a female(?) who reported her hair is growing in abundance. Happy so far but I am carefully monitoring for side effects. Good luck to everyone on roaccutane at the moment. It is quite an amazing drug but which makes it scary.

Mike - 08/23/99 10:16:23
My Email:wellge00@hotmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 16

Comments:
I am a 16 yr old male and for all of u out there who dont know, its a tuff time for us at this age with trying to impress the women etc, and i was put on mino...... and that worked fora while, then i got bad cystic acne which was sore and red etc, i was p t on roacs and i am now 4 months in, i suffered really bad for the 1st month untill they dropped my dosage.....now i am fine, no acne, i can actually wake up in the morning and not have to go into the bathroom on a popping expadtion owell if ur in the tuff stage nowm keep going, in a few months u'll be soooooo happy with it and will recomend it like i am now

David - 08/23/99 06:46:56
My Email:mgilligan@oanet.com

Comments:
I took accutane when I was about 17 years old for pretty bad acne. I had lots of small and large spots all over my face, neck, back, and chest. I took it for 3-4 months at only 30mg I think, and it worked wonders. It cleared everything up all over exce t for on my face. There were still a few remaining blemishes that just wouldn't go away. However, all the small things like bumps and blackheads disappeared. But, after treatment, I noticed some bad things. All of the blackheads started to come back, nd I got swarms of tiny bumps again, all over the problem areas from before. The big bumps have never come back, but I get a lot of small bumps, whiteheads, and blackheads, especially on my face, and my skin is still extremely oily. What should I do??? Go back on accutane? I wash my face, back etc... about 3 times a day, and about 20min after I have, my skin feels really oily again. I would really like some advice here. Thanks.

Sarah - 08/23/99 02:26:48
My Email:SarahWolf1@aol.com
Gender: female
Age: 30

Comments:
Hello! I'm 30 & have been on Accutane 3 times over the past 11 years with some success...especially the year immediately following each course. The cystic nature has been improved greatly, so I have only good things to say about Accutane. My problem is that I am pregnant and my adult acne is once again flaring. I don't want to take anything oral (antibiotics,etc) or anything topical that contains retin-A or antibiotics. I saw an "infomercial" about stuff called Proactiv. It's a topical reg men developed by 2 dermatologists. Has anyone out there heard of this or tried it??? Is it worth a try??? Thanks in advance.. Sarah

uy6r - 08/23/99 01:50:28

Comments:
vry

jack - 08/23/99 01:50:10
My Email:sunkaya259@hotmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 21

Comments:
May I ask you some about side effect? Can Roaccutane bring diabetes?

HAIRLOSS - 08/23/99 01:02:43

Comments:
Hairloss (or other hairchanges) are quite common side-effect of Accutane. Why it does happen is unknown. Permanent hairloss has been reported but usually it should grow back in 12 months. This medicine works on ALL cells in body. The cells which is change (an old falls out and a new grows back) most frequent is the cells of the skin. The second cell is the cells which produce the hair.

Al - 08/22/99 17:55:38
Gender: female
Age: 19

Comments:
To anyone who is interested, there is a brilliant new book out called 'The Good Skin Doctor' which tells you absolutely everything about acne, and the medicines that can be taken. The book is written by Dr Anthony Chu - if anyone know's how to contact this dermatologist (I believe he is based in London and he actually founded the Acne Support Group) then please tell me!. I don't have email so please add to the guestbook

- 08/22/99 15:43:21

Comments:

Michael - 08/22/99 13:39:12
My Email:sarnat@hotmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 19

Comments:
Hi again! I have started my 5 week (70mg/day) of Roaccutane course. I must confess ,my face is really starting to clear up after the horrible breakouts and I have no more oily skin. I think that the drug has really kicked in and it's starting to show results.I have no serious side effects besides dry lips. I am sometimes depressed and really tired but i think it's more the suggestion than real side effect. I'll post if something important happend. Keep faith people - Roaccutane will work sooner or later. Bye.

Marijke - 08/22/99 13:05:54
My Email:marijke34@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 18

Comments:
Hi, it seems that a lot of people really like CETAPHIL. I was wondering if anyone knows whether or not I can get that in Europe, esecially in The Netherlands. Marijke

paul agin - 08/22/99 12:19:35
My URL:http://www.oocities.org/Pipeline/Ridge/8642/index.html

Comments:
yeah sorry the last URL was wrong this is the right one ! cheers ! :)

paul - 08/22/99 12:17:41
My URL:http://geocities.yahoo.com/Pipeline/Ridge/8642/

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