June postings

Comments:
My "illnes" doesn't seem to be a tragic, but after all is in my face, and every scar or spot are very annoying. Any way, after talking about Roacutan with my dermatologist, I decided to take the six months taking the drug. And the story repeats: my skin oes red, at the point that it feels like burning, and my lips get dry... the acne disappeard after that, but now eight months later it come back, not as it was before, but... I think that the acne is just an inconvenient illnes, I hate it, and I understan why some persons fall in depressive condition. However, i still trying not to forget my skin problem, but also not be scared, and I told you, there were moments after the Roacutan period when all seems to be very awful. Thank you to give me the opportuni y to talk about this "sign of the times" problem, and also for the extra info you get here.

- 06/30/98 16:46:41

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Jane - 06/30/98 05:42:20
My Email:clarks@solanobiz.net
Gender: female
Age: 31

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I have suffered with acne since I was in my early teens and have tried everything to control it except for accutane. Antibiotics and other things help for a short time but then my body seems to become immune to the drugs after awhile. A few years ago, after the birth of my first child, I became despera e and asked my dermatologist to put me on accutane. He tried to talk me out of it and said that if I got pregnant he would recommend an abortion. Since I don't believe abortion is right, even in the case of a deformed child, I was so frightened by his w rnings that I decided not to go on accutane after all. Now, several years later, and after having another healthy baby, I am again considering accutane because my skin has worsened after having children. I want to solve this problem that has affected my entire life. I feel like I'm not the person I could be because of my acne. My husband is wonderfully supportive and I thank God for him. Nonetheless, I refrain from social events where I will have to meet new people. I cringe at the sight of myself in photos and feel sad that at all the major events in my life - marriage, college graduation, birth of my two children, etc. I can't stand to look at the pictures of myself. Well, I am rambling but would like advice from others who have struggled with the regnancy and accutane issues. My skin is important but not worth having a severely deformed child over. I could never forgive myself for that. Thanks for the support!

Jane - 06/30/98 05:18:07
My Email:clarks@solanobiz.net
Gender: female

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Curious - 06/30/98 02:09:40
Gender: Female
Age: 34

Comments:
Hello all, I have already started taking my 5 month course of Accutane. One month into it the Doctor said to stop taking it for 7 - 10 days so that the peeling of skin around a couple of my fingers would heal. Today is the 8th day and they look pretty ood. I may wait til the 10th day to begin again just to be sure. I am checking into the vitamin A and Accutane relation. I have a book titled Earl Mindell's Vitamin Bible. I read the 3rd Chapter re: Vit A. Vitamin A supplements should not be taken wi h Accutane. Very interesting. The toxity symptons seem alot like Accutane Side affects. There is also a Personal Advice Paragraph that says you need at least 10,000 IU's Vitamin A if you take more than 400 IU's of vitamin E daily. If you are on the pi l, your need for vitamin A is descreased. Vitamin A should not be taken with mineral oil. Vitamin A works best with B complex, vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc( ZINC IS WHAT IS NEEDED BY THE LIVER TO GET VITAMIN A OUT OF ITS STORAGE DE OSITS. I have every intention of finishing my course of Accutane because I know the value of it. I will begin my vitamin crusade the day after. For those people who are unsure yet of taking accutane and you might happen to look into the vitamin idea and try it I would really be interested to find out if it works for you. I would think that it would take awhile (at least 4-6 months before noticing. Also, regarding vitamins, I have learned that regular vitamins purchased have only an 8-12% absorbtion, che ated vitamins have a 40% absorption, and liquid vitamins may have as much as 90% absorbtion. Gill, thanks for creating this site.

- 06/29/98 20:49:54

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physician - 06/27/98 05:26:00
My Email:afinley@arkansas.net

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your site allowed me quick information on Accutane and potential eye complications on treatment. Thanks

Linda - 06/26/98 19:58:44
Gender: Female
Age: 31

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I am confused! Am I taking the correct dose of Roaccutane? I weigh 11 stone (150 lbs) and I am taking 75mg of Roaccutane daily. I am having fairly severe body aches as well. I have been reading about people taking 20mg -35mg daily. What's the formula

Darcy - 06/26/98 18:22:10
My Email:darcy49@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 37

Comments:
I tried Accutane two years ago for my mild but chronic acne. I experienced SEVERELY dry lips; they literally peeled off each and every day. In addition, the skin on my face peeled off in patches each time I dried it with a towel. I found that after abo t 2 weeks, my acne got much worse and I became very depressed; I don't know whether the depression was the result of looking so terrible, or whether it was caused by the chemical compound of the drug. I also became very tired, and found myself sleeping m ch more than normal. In any event, I honestly couldn't take it any more and I stopped treatment after the 15th week. This didn't make my dermatologist happy b/c he said that I should have stayed on for at least 16 of the 20 weeks (80%). My acne didn't really go away, although the breakouts seemed to less frequent, as long as I washed with the cleanser in the ProActive skin care line. (I couldn't use the toner; my skin would react violently by becoming very red and breaking out in large umbers; I used only the cleanser). I was on birth control pills during my Accutane treatment, but about a year later I decided to switch to Ortho Tri-Cyclen b/c I had read that it was lose dose, and after my experience with Accutane, I really didn't want to put any more chemicals in my bod than necessary. The Ortho Tri-Cyclen really seemed to work, and I was at the point where my skin was very clear. I was using the Freeman Skin Care Oil Free Scrub (drugstore stuff) every morning and night, and using Stridex Maximum Strength pads (2% sa icylic acid) at night. I was in heaven! I had finally gotten my acne under control, and my skin care routine was fast, simple and inexpensive. About 3 months ago I decided that I didn't want to take the Ortho anymore; I just felt that I had put too many prescription drugs into my body (Tetracycline, Minocin, Accutane, birth control pills) and I wanted to give my body a break. Wtihin 3 weeks, my forehead began to break out and hasn't stopped since. I have tried the ProActive again (this time I was able to use all 3 products, but I didn't see any results), as well as some of the products from the Serious Skin Care line (the glycolic mask and the glycolic gel), my old standbys (Freeman scrub and Strid x) and Persagel 5% benzoyl peroxide. I'm not finding much success and have resigned myself to the fact that I am going to have to start taking the Ortho Tri-Cyclen again if I want my clear skin back. It just seems to me that there should be a natural way to get rid of (not just control) acne. I'm not going to give up and neither should any of you. (No, I'm not a doctor, but so far no doctor has come up with a cure, so who's to say I couldn't?)

Kim Lewis - 06/26/98 16:17:01
My Email:prexx@ozemail.com.au
Gender: Female
Age: 24

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I must say I am thrilled to see so much support and information on acne and roaccutane. Flipping through the comments I was sadened to see how many people had experienced some of the side effects of Roaccutane. On one of my visits to the Dermitoligist I entioned that whenever I knocked myself, my hands in particular, the pain seemed a lot worse and more of a deep bone pain that lasted longer than normal.I did'nt recall reading this in the list of side effects given with the bottles but apparently she was aware of it and suggested I be more careful as it may lead to arthritis. Even after all this time I still feel like I feel pain more intense. I have endured two courses of Roaccutane, one being a 6 month course, the other being about 10 months. The first ime showed results within 2 weeks and side effect free. Unfortunately within about 6 months after the treatment my acne came back. The second treatment followed the theory of getting worse before getting better however I started experiencing side effects o the dosage was lowered . This resulted in some breakthrough of pimples so they started incorporating more drugs into the treatment which I did'nt like. I have been off any kind of drug for 3 years now and my acne continues to give me grief. I would like to share some of my theories and stratagies for tackling the most annoying aspect of my life.What has'nt worked for me may work for you. Firstly I avoid any kind of prescription drug, besides having tried them all, after roaccutane I refuse to put anythin in my body that could create more problems. I have being seeing a Naturapath and using my own knowledge and resources to try and find anything that may work. In doing so I have aquired a sound knowledge of my body and a healthier lifestle. There are a su stantial amount of herbal alternatives that work in different ways and have no side effects. At the moment I am looking at collodial silver as a positive avenue. I am also concentrating on avoiding all sugar and yeast from my diet. The reasons for this is excess yeast in the body can cause many different problems, acne being one of them. I find it incredibly hard to pin point what triggers my acne, stress,diet,hormonal etc.... I hope I will never give up trying even though I can become so depressed. Please feel welcome to contact me for anymore information or even to talk, and please if you have had any success with the natural aproach I would be thrilled to hear from you.

Tim - 06/26/98 12:48:04
My Email:banksy@alphalink.com.au
Gender: Male
Age: 19

Comments:
Ok, I can accept the fact that I am scarred badly for life, I didn't want a wife anyway! However, when I see another person badly acne scared, or/and covered in severe acne, I can't help feeling deeply sorry for them. Why, is there no cure, or at least be ter forms of treatment. Let's face it Roaccutane is a pretty prehostoric drug, I myself am experiencing hair thining and had a stage of deep depression. So, why is there no cure? Think of all the money going into research of other diseases, and acne re earch seems to get no funding. I feel betrayed by past generations for passing on such primitive tools in the fight for acne. But alas, I myself couldn't bare contributing such little, so when I'm older I will contribute plenty to solving this mess, but, unfortunately it is to late for me... Could someone please send me info on why acne is so hard to treat? and if their are any new strands of treatments being developed?

PAULA*** - 06/26/98 12:22:55
My Email:0scare@tig.com.au
Age: 19

Comments:
Roaccutane: Why the benefits out weight the cost and the dangers of antibiotics....My acne began when i started high school and it went from bad to worst, so i decided to see a skin specialist. The first thing he told he was to wash my face twice a day wi h soap and precribed me a large dose of antibiotics.The only thing i can say....what a big mistake that was! this had no effect on my skin. And the soap gave a temporary clean dry 'tight' effect but then afterward it seemed more oily than before. I went though this crazy cycle and changed dermatologist at least six times. one even had the nerve to say "I just do 't know what to do.." and belive me hearing this from a doctor does does not sound very comforing. After four years years of trying virtually everything lotions,creams,pills and those anoying antibiotics. I became ill. It started with pain in my feet, in particular the joints, then it was the kneens then it was practically all of my jointsin my body. I went to my doctor and was diagnosed with a disorder called lupus. i was confused and frustrated. Now i ha to see a lupus specialist every two months were i had regular check ups. This was A disorder that attacked the joints and organs. It really didn't make sence to me why out of the blue i had developed this. I was a very heathy person and now my joints fee t like i had just sprained them when i walked. I tried to figure out why and how i developed it. The first thing that came into my mind were the antibiotics which i had taken for a such a long time (I had been precribed 4 tablets a day but was put down to 2 because of headaches.) I began to do some r seach learnt how damaging antibiotics really are specially, taken when there nothing wrong with you (eg. in the case of a person with acne, because then it starts attacking the good bacteria.) Then i stumbled upon an article in the Herald 95 which answ red many of my questions. In the article it stated that they had found a link between people taking antibiotics and developing other disorders. It had a list of symptoms which I had including lupus. but what was scary was that - i don't want to sound dra atical or anything - but since it damaged the immune system so much it was found that many people were deing because of antibiotic related disorders. I immediatly stopped taking antibiotics and was off them for two years. I drank as much water as i could during that time and tried to clean my system from it.And i keep going to my regular queck ups until i was told by my doctor two years later that i ha been cured. I was overjoided and i promised myself that i would and avoid antibiotics for the rest of mylife. A year went by and i decided to see a dermatologist again. Because i still had severe acne. Then at last i found someone who knew what to do. I was put on roaccutane for 16 weeks. it got worse but then it got better. when i fininsh it i couldn't belive that i ever had acne. and now two years later i'm almost acne free (I still have my flare ups)and lupus free. I think if you have acne try roacc tane but while your on it have regular blood queck ups. I think it was a good choice for me but i should of done it a long time ago.

Richard - 06/26/98 08:33:03
Age: 10 minutes closer to 40

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I forgot to mention side effects: (1) my face has been quite red, but it's the start of summer, and everyone thinks it's too much sun; (2) very dry lips, but thanks to this website, I was prepared and "greased up" with lip moisturiser sticks ... I finally found a use for all of them that I collected from airline inflight packages! (3) eyes slightly drier than before, but no great problems wearing my soft contact lenses; (4) some peeling of skin on my face, but this is easily rubbed off with a soft towel; ( ) lower back pain ... but I hadn't related this to the Roaccutane until reading some recent entries in this Website ... I thought it was from lifting our baby (11kg) too high, too often! *** On balance, it's all well worth it to have greatly improved skin *** I would even settle for that and just dream of having it cured altogether. :-)

Richard - 06/26/98 08:18:13
Age: nudging 40

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Hi again! It looks like some success after 6 weeks. I have been on 2x 20mg Roaccutane daily, together with daily applications of Teracycline and Erythromycin. Now my Dermotologist has reduced it to 1x 20mg per day, although I was reluctant to reduce the d se so soon. Over the last 20 years I've tried many medications, with varying success, and always with relapse either when I stopped treatment, or when I continued long enough for my body to adapt. With a previous Dermo, I tried both Tetracycline and Eryth omycin together two years ago, without Roaccutane, and it got much worse again. Anyway, the Dermo is quite confident that we've beaten it. here's hoping!

emily - 06/26/98 07:46:18
Gender: female
Age: 17

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i am at the end of the 12 week of a 20 week course of roaccutane. so far the results have been great. I am however suffering from very dry skin and sore joints. Nothing i can't handle,. i have read the other comments and have to agree it is worth it. Beca se even though my face isn't clear yet the improvements so far have been so good that i am no longer the painfully shy girl i once was.. Since i was about 11 years old i have had a problem with acne. I thought it was just something i had to live with and ften thought it unfair that both my sisters had not a blemish in sight. I guess this is were my shyness originated from. Then 3 months ago when i started treatment my courage to face people increased. I still have a long way to go but i no longer walk one step behind my (confident) older sister but instead i walk tally right beside her. I would incourge those just starting out to continue. I hope u find the results far outway the drawbacks as i have.

- 06/26/98 02:07:22

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John Harris - 06/25/98 17:12:02
My URL:http://www.
My Email:fishers@dixie-net.com
Gender: male
Age: 65

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Thanks for telling folks about acne. I had adolescent acne which later developed into adult acne. Two years ago I discovered that the culprit was Demodex mites (as in demodectic mange). I have been treating it with good results. Contact me for more inf rmation.

Laura - 06/25/98 14:43:55

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Re the Proactiv product line: a search of their promotional literature indicates that the active ingredient in their cleanser and lotion is benzoyl peroxide, which many of us have used in prescription and over-the-counter forms.

Jane - 06/25/98 10:46:53
My Email:secured4u@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 28

Comments:
After taking a drug called prozac for a little over just one month 'against my dr's wishes'"the biggest mistake of my life" :-( ,thinking it would help me feel better 8 mths after having had my second child, i slowly developed acne for the first time in m life, that was about 5 yrs ago. The acne was larger than normal in some areas and just bad in others. I've finally found something though that really really works, The Product is called PROACTIV SOLUTION,(A FACIAL CREAM CLEANSER SYSTEM) and very affordable i might add. I'm in Canada, but this product may be bought in the USA. I can ABSOUTELY say with Extreme Confidence that this stuff works like a dream. It may take 6-8 weeks for some to start working as it did for myself, but once you keep it up twice a day, you'll begin to s e how it works, and how effective it really is. And its worth looking at as an alternative to drugs.. Its also on the Web so if you use any search engine type in PROACTIV SOLUTION and you'll find it quickly.. Bless You!

jimena - 06/24/98 19:41:40
My Email:j298ny@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 21

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hi my name is Jimena and i'd would like to thanks all the people who wrote me back when i left here my first message. I'm taking Roaccutan for the eight week now and this is going very, very slow, but thanks to all the people who write to me to give me st enght to go on, to all the people who told me: hey, i feel the same, i understand you, well tahnks to all this people like Dua, Kirsten, Philip,Mark, Jenny and all of you who take a second to give me encourgement Thanks. And because of that i'd would like to talk to anybody who may need a friendly word. I'm here for you to share with u this illness, which affects our life in this way that i've never imagine before. But as somebody told me: Roaccutane is a light in the dark for many of us, and i said:"it's etter to light a candle than curse in the dark". Keep going........love..Jimena ps: my new e-amil is j298ny@hotmail.com

Chris Baughman - 06/24/98 19:02:48
My Email:baughman@penn.com
Gender: female
Age: 28

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I found your site helpful...I also took accutane about 5 yrs. ago and like you I still have acne although it's never been quite as bad as it was before I took it. Would you have any info on a maintenance program? Dermatologists are few in my area and my GP is no help at all. Birth control pills don't work and the only solution I have is to take tetracycline once a year, but it's a pain to get a prescription. I would be interested in any comments/suggestions you might have...I'll try anything!

Sally - 06/24/98 12:24:55
My Email:sally.wingate@csfb.com
Gender: Female
Age: 30

Comments:
Having had fairly mild but chronic acne (since the age of 12), and having spent nearly 15 years on antibiotics, I started Roaccutane 8 weeks ago (35mg/day). I read up as much as I could before starting the treatment (mostly thanks to this page), and desp te all the warnings, decided to go ahead. I have lovely clear skin already, and apart from feeling tired and ill for the first 10 days or so, the only side effect I have is slightly dry lips. I work out 5 days a week, and have had no aches/pains. I hav limited myself to about one unit of alcohol a fortnight (my pharmacist said that the odd glass of wine at the end of a stressful week wouldn't do any harm!), and already had a healthy diet, so no changes there. Obviously side effects are going to be dif erent for everyone, but a friend of mine had a high dose of Roaccutane for 6 months for cystic acne, and had no worse side effects than dry eyes/lips either. So those of you worried about it, it's not always doom and gloom! I saw my dermatologist last n ght, and he's pleased with my progress and is keeping me on the same dose for the next month. Has anyone become pregnant since being on the drug? Would love to hear from anyone who has, or who has info on this subject. Thanks, Sally

JM - 06/24/98 04:35:26
My Email:nocode1@hotmail.com
Gender: Male
Age: 18

Comments:
Well, I've been off accutane now for a little over a week. My skin is still EXTREMELY red, but the dryness is gone. How long until the redness goes away? Also, I just had a small breakout on my nose.. i've never had the nose as a problem area with acne be ore, so this is worrying me. But the rest of my face is clear (but red) and lookin good. GOod luck to everyone else!! :)

Claudia Zwirn - 06/23/98 22:31:25
My Email:claudzwirn@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 23

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sc - 06/23/98 02:08:48
Gender: Female
Age: 34

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Also, I explained to the Doc that my 20 minute exercise routine seemed to be causing me to ache a little. He said that mostly it affects the lower back. And that he has mostly seen the skin peel around the toe nails of females.

sc - 06/23/98 02:00:43
Gender: Female
Age: 34

Comments:
Thank you Chris and Laura for your detailed accounts of how things are going for you. I had an appt. with the Doc today. It has been one month for me. The skin is peeling around two of my finger nails. He said that he has only seen that type of thing bout once a year for the past seventeen years. He said he mostly sees it on males. He has taken me off Accutane for one week I will take half the dose the 2nd week then pick back up to a full dose on the third week. I do have to confess, I started taki g some vitamins/minerals (liquid). I have heard and read not to take vitamin A supplements whilst on Accutane. One person here on this web site responded to my question with the answer that a vitamin A supplement will exacerbate the side effects because ccutane is a derivative of Vitamin A. The A supplement I was taking included 10,000 IU's. I have decided that maybe indeed this is too much so I will stop the vitamins until finished with Accutane. I will continue my liquid minerals. I also and beginn ng to think that vitamin A may be very important after finishing Accutane. I am going to take the highest SAFE dose that I can. I also know that people can overdose on Vit. A.

Kelly - 06/22/98 20:15:12
My Email:tmeloche@mnsi.net
Gender: female
Age: 32

Comments:
This letter is direct to Laura. I am so relieved to find out that someone else also has been experiencing soreness in the heel area. I previously wrote that I was experiencing soreness in the joints especially the lower back. I neglected to mention the heels as I thought I may have injured them somehow and the Accutane was not responsible. When I get up in the morning or after I've been sitting for awhile I can barely walk. It's as if the tendons have shrunk and the base of my heel is bruised. My next doctors appointment is this Friday (26th) and I am going to mention this. What's next???

Laura - 06/22/98 17:36:36
My Email:lokeefe@nypl.org
Gender: female
Age: 46 (yes, you can still have acne at this age, alas!)

Comments:
Concerning the recent discussion on Accutane and exercise: I'm aware of joint pain as a possible side effect of Accutane, but does anyone know if sore feet are one as well? I'm into my seventh week of Accutane; about three or four weeks ago, I began to n tice that my feet, especially my heels, are sore to the point where it's hard to walk when I first get out of bed or have been sitting for a while. I don't wear heels, so that's not a factor; I exercise moderately (aerobics and light weights no more than twice a week), but haven't altered that routine. It's likely, of course, that this problem has nothing to do with the Accutane, but I thought I'd ask this group--by far the most helpful and informed of any I've found on the Net--for its opinions.

chris - 06/22/98 00:55:51
Gender: male
Age: 19

Comments:
Hello everyone, this is a great site and I think its really cool that everyone can write in and share their questions and comments with everyone. I have been taking accutane for about 8 weeks and am very pleased with the results so far. Before I started taking accutane my acne was bad but not extremely severe. My dermatologist thought that one cycle of accutane would do the trick for me. Well, the first month I was very nervous, becasue my skin became much worse and the side effects were horrible. Ext emely dry skin, bleeding lips, blurred eye sight at night, extreme redness in the face, and I'm an athlete and work out 4 to 5 times a week, so I had lots of muscle aches and pains. I also was required to do blood tests every two weeks to monitor any ser ous effects the drug may cause. However, after the first month, everything became much better. My skin looks and feels much much better now, and the redness is beginning to fade. I still have alot of spots, but I no longer have new breakouts and my face does not feel as fragil as it did before. Also, my skin and lips do not feel as dry as they did during the first month, but it might just be that I'm getting accustomed to it. I also don't have many aches and pains as before becuase I take advil or aspr n when they hurt after workouts (which my doctor recommended). I no longer have to do blood tests every two weeks, becuase my test were coming back normal so the doc thought I would be fine. Although its only been 7 weeks for me, I can really begin to s e and feel the drug taking effect, and am very pleased that I went on it. People who are cautious of taking it should weigh their options and use accutane as a last resort after trying other treatments, (I tried minnocyclin and arithmaryicyn before tryin accutane) however it does work. Try not to be discouraged at first because your skin will most likely get worse, and the side effects suck, but hang in there and the improvments will come in time. I hope I may have helped, thanx for listening and good uck!!! chris

chris - 06/22/98 00:39:30
Gender: male
Age: 19

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Kenny - 06/21/98 14:13:40
My Email:kcar119348@aol.com
Gender: Male
Age: 24

Comments:
As a survivor of Roaccutane, i thought this site was fabulous. Its really interesting to hear other people's experiences, some better some worse! If anyone would like to get in touch with me, send me an email!!! Does anyone know if anyone's sued Roche for severe side effects of Roaccutane and got lots of $$$$$? I'd be really interested to know. You know, Roche made a malaria drug which was discussed on British tv - and lots of people went for compensation......be ause of the side effects! Anyway, good luck to all you on Roaccutane and to those who dont want to touch the stuff. Take care out there, Kenny (LONDON)

Rachael - 06/21/98 04:21:04
My Email:cornflakegirl37@hotmail.com
Age: 15

Comments:
I know that we've all done EVERYTHING to look after our skin, and almost all information related to acne is about skin care, but here are some very good makeup tips I learned from a friend in the cosmetic business. 1. Before you start to put on any foundation, try a corrective prebase. These are creams or powders in various colours which can correct redness, sallowness or other colour problems in your skin. For redness, a green prebase is recomended. Use a cotton bu (cue tip, whatever) to remove the prebase from the container, then blend lightly over the red spot using your FINGERS, not a sponge. A good prebase to try is one from the Body Shop, and they can advise you on which colour to chose. 1. Next, apply a foundation. Foundation is probably the most vital part of any makeup. While it won't eradicate the appearance of acne, it will 'soften' it if correctly applied. It's important to get one which matches your skin tone. For those of you groa ing, 'I don't have a skin tone!' take heart. If you're buying foundation from a counter in a department store, they should be able to advise you on what colour to chose. When you apply your foundation, remove it from the bottle using a cotton bud. Put a spot on each one of your fingers, which must be very clean. 'Tap' your fingers all over your face, concentrating on parts which have a lot of acne. Then blend carefully, r membering any big blemishes can later be covered with concealer. Tempting as it is, don't use too much foundation. It's important you don't put your fingers inside any skin colour bottle, or use a sponge as infections can set up inside the bottle and in t e sponge, which is bad news for those with acne. One of the best foundations I've ever found is Prescriptives Exact Colour foundation. It's a semi matte formulation with a light moisturiser. It gives excellent coverage and wears extraordinarily well. At $50 it's a little expensive, and it can be a bit t icky to hunt down, but it's worth it. 3. Now, concealer. After foundation there should still be some blemishes showing. A good way to tell which ones to cover is to close your eyes and stand about a metre (around 3 feet) away from your mirror. Open your eyes, and pretend you're seeing your fa e for the first time. The first blemishes you notice are the ones you cover. There are two main kinds of concealer; liquid and stick. I prefer the liquid kind because it's easier to blend and doesn't drag the skin, setting up an irritation. Basically, it's a personal taste thing. Try and get a concealer that EXACTLY matches your s in tone. If you're buying from a department store, they should be able to advise you. Again, when applying concealer, use a cotton bud to remove it from the container. If you're using stick, DON'T apply directly from the stick. This can set up an infection in the stick. Dab a little on the blemish, remembering that a little goes a long way Blend it using your fingers or preferably a concealer brush, a firm chisel brush with soft bristles. You can get a good one from the Body Shop. To check that your concealer is blended properly, stand back from the mirror and close your eyes again. This is a good trick for checking your makeup at any time. The concealer I'm using at the moment is Prescriptives Virtual Skin Concealer. I've had really good results with it, it blends well and matches your foundation perfectly. 4. Now, powder. A lot of people skip this one and they shouldn't. If you have oily skin the powder can help soak up excess oil and it also sets your foundation, making it last a lot longer. Generally, there are three colours of powder; dark, light and translucent. It should be obvious to you which one to use. There are also two forms of powder, pressed and loose. While pressed is good for touch ups, I find loose blends easier. Again, it's a atter of personal choice. Try and use a powder brush to apply your powder. It's important that it has soft bristles, as sharp bristles can irritate your skin and cause more pimples. It should have a full, large, fluffy head, which doesn't flare or drop bristles. Red Earth has a ve y good powder brush, made out of goats hair. Swirl your brush in the powder and then knock off any excess on the side of the container. Brush it lightly onto your face in quick, sweeping motions. Be careful, though, as too much powder can make you look caked. If you use a sponge, wash it regularly t prevent infections from setting in. I've had very good results with Prescriptives All-Skins loose powder. As you might have gathered, Prescriptives is a pretty good brand. All up, for the foundation, concealer and powder, it cost me $126Aust., which is good value for such good products. Now you should have a pretty good looking face. Whilst their should still be some roughness and a few blemishes showing, the appearance of your acne should be 'softened' and it should look less vicious. As for what colour eye shadow, lipstick etc, there's no real rule. A blue-based red lipstick is good for not higlighting any redness inthe skin, and gold, brown and taupe eyeshadows are perenially good, but that's just a guide. Try and avoid greens and bl es and other pale colours for eyeshadow, but, really, it's up to you. If you want to use a blush, peaches and pinky-browns are good. Avoid pinks and reds, and just use a little blush, applied using a relatively small blush, underneath your cheek bones to culpt your face. If you have difficulty finding foundation dark enough for your skin, try the Body Shop, which has a range of powders, foundations and concealers for darker skin. Good luck!

JANET - 06/20/98 15:20:58
My Email:gwillies@icon.co.za
Gender: FEMALE
Age: 31

Comments:

sc - 06/20/98 13:24:59
Gender: Female
Age: 34

Comments:
My guess is that exercising is out. I usually exercise 3 X a week. I have a 15=20 minute continously moving regimen. A couple days after I started my Accutane prescrip I exercised. I got a knot in my shoulder that lasted for many days. Also I had a col /flu that lasted for two weeks (so I did not exercise during this time). I exercised again yesterday and I have a few aches from that it seems. I referred back to the Accutane phamplet and it does say to notify doctor if doing vigorious exercise. I rea ly didn't know if my exercise regimen might be considered "vigorious", however, it seems as though it may be. I am 4 weeks and 2 days into treatment. I haven't got any new acne really, the old is sure slow to heal. I expect to see more results at 8 wee s. Is everyone reading the Accutane phamplets that accompany your prescription? Accutane is a wonder drug for me. I had one treatment about 7 years ago.

Chris - 06/20/98 00:57:40
My Email:cwood11@hotmail.com
Age: 15

Comments:
I have been on Roaccutane for 2 weeks, I can cope with the short term affects of acne but I am very worried about scaring, if it will go away or how visible it is. What things can you do to prevent the severity of scaring.

Paul - 06/20/98 00:28:19
My Email:pviolette@acnielsen.com
Gender: Male
Age: 29

Comments:
Hi, Does anyone know how long it takes before you will see an improvement with Acutane. I've been takeing it for 6 weeks and have watched my acne go from fair to bad. All accounts I've read, state that it will worsen for only a few weeks - then get better. I'm starting to get nervous and concerned. Please let me know your thoughts/experiences.

Kelly - 06/19/98 21:59:57
My Email:tmeloche@mnsi.net
Gender: female
Age: 32

Comments:
My problem with acne wasn't necessarily with cysts but rather with extremely oily skin. My sebacous glands became much more active after I had each of my children and the acne was more prevalent on my back and my chest. I tried all of the topical soluti ns which would dry the surface of my skin up however the oil production was still out of control. I'm into my 10th week of Accutane use and it hasn't been that bad. My chin has been consistently flakey for about 2 weeks now and my lips are horribly dry ometimes with cold sore breakouts. My biggest concern is the sore joints. I just completed a baseball/volleyball tournament and I am much more bruised and stiff that what I would normally be. I know this is an expected side affect, however I don't know whether to treat athletics like alcohol consumption -- abstinence. I also have the pinkish tone that thankfully is passing for a slight sunburn. Please tell me that it does go away! Does anyone know what this QV ointment for the lips is? It's been men ioned several times in this wonderful sight and I'd like to try it. Good luck to all.

Al - 06/19/98 14:04:42
My Email:aab_2@hotmail.com
Gender: Male
Age: 22

Comments:
This is a great site I visit a couple of times a week in the hope of contacting someone who has had the same experience as me and may be able to offer advice. I stopped a 16 wk course of Roaccutane after only 4 wks because my hair began to thin rapidly. T at was in March and it continues to fall out to date. I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who's experienced anything similar since this is really beginning to get to me now. Cheers Al.

Paula - 06/18/98 14:20:44
Gender: Female
Age: 30

Comments:
I have one day left of Accutane. In response to the previous message that states only negatives about Accutane, I must disagree. Like all medications, people react and tolerate differently. As we know, Accutane is a potent drug with some difficult side effects. However, for many people it is worth it. My acne is completely gone. It was gone after six weeks on Accutane when Antibiotics were completely ineffective. I have also read that the use of Accutane will probably increase in the future as the b cteria that causes acne (P. acne) becomes resistant due to the overprescription of antibiotics. The only side effect I currently experience is a pink skin tone or flush. In closing, I agree Accutane may not be for everyone but for me it is a MIRACLE drug/cure! Best of luck to everyone.

Claire Hansford - 06/17/98 18:08:41
My Email:evil_atitsworst@yahoo.com
Gender: female
Age: 17

Comments:
I have myself been on roaccutane, unfortunately my course coincided with a bout of glandular fever. There have been reports in The sunday Times that roaccutane hs been linked to depression, and similar conditions. I am of the firm belief that roaccutane contributed to my long standing post-viral syndrome, a condition that lasted me two years and continues to affect my health. I am strongly dissappointed that such a drug ws prescribed to me, and i hope others can avoid it where possible. My life has been made hell. My academic and social life was almost totally destroyed, and Im still not back on top. Roaccutane crushed me, i strongly advise that if you can avoid it, do.

sarah - 06/17/98 10:39:16
Gender: female
Age: 26

Comments:
i've tried countless products and been to many dermatologists already but only roaccutane solved my dilemma with regard to acne. now, i'm happy and confident.

JM - 06/17/98 05:21:20
My Email:nocode1@hotmail.com
Gender: Male
Age: 18

Comments:
Well.. i just took my last dose of Accutane 48 hours ago. The dryness is completely gone.. maybe it takes longer in some people, but it is gone for me. The acne is almost gone, except a few MINOR spots.. BUT, the PINK/REDDISH tint in my skin is still ther and my skin is a little oily. How long does it normally take for this pinkness to go away? I've heard a month, but that is so vague. A month can be 30 days. A month can be 3 weeks. A month can be 4 weeks. Anyone know how long it takes before this annoyin pink goes away completely??Once my face returns to it's normal color, i'll be completely satisfied with the accutane results, but if my face continues to be pink, well I don't the accutane did it's job and i wasted a whole lot of money. Any Ideas on how ong it takes and how much of the pinkness will go away?

Jamie Filler - 06/14/98 18:59:24
My Email:wildred99@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 18

Comments:
I have a boyfriend, he have problems with acne on his back, neck, and face. He has been using accutane for many times. But the accutane has not helped him enough. The acne does not go away, only, it makes it worse. It makes him hurting a lot. He gets scar d to take his shirt off, cuz he is afraid of what other people will say about it. I really want to help him, and get his fear off of it.

Jenny - 06/14/98 12:22:21
My Email:cat_sith.hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 21

Comments:
Hi, I'm glad too that I found this information, and know that everybody has the same situation like I have. I'm on roaccutane for 2 weeks now and still the same. Will roaccutane work? I'm not worried about the dryness of the face and lips, but I'm worr ed if that it will effect my future pregnancy. And I also would like to know if It's ok to drink carrot juice while on roaccutane? And can we wear softlens? I hope that somebody will advise me about my problems, thank you.

Tiona Monique Waite - 06/14/98 04:38:27
My Email:cpstmc@vmmc.com
Gender: female
Age: 19

Comments:
I recently visited a dermotoligist, after trying EVERYTHING, over the counter and prescribed. But I've never tried ACCUTANE. I WILL soon thanks to this web sight. The only thing the dermotoligist told me to do (this was my first visit with this particul r Dr.) was, wash my face with HEAD AND SHOULDERS SHAMPOO 3 times a day (and regularly wash my hair with it) and don't use anything else on my face including creams, gels and lotions....nothing no matter how dry my face gets!!! I have never heard of this a d I've heard of every remedy from herbs to homade mixtures. He has been in the business for a long time and has alot of patients who all say his methods work. So being the desperate ACNE VICTIM that I am, I tried it, BUT it's only been about 5 days so f r so I'm not sure if it works or not. I do know that I haven't had any new breakouts. My #1 concern is the leftover spots that I have never been able to get rid of. He says the shampoo is going to help that too!! we''ll see!! One more tip for females on "the pill." A big help in keeping acne away is ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN. I have heard from alot of females and my own research done on the internet, that this really helps women with acne. I just bought my first pack and will be starting them soon. Wish me l ck with Accutane, Head & Shoulders, and Ortho Tri-Cyclen. I HOPE THEY HELP!!! I'll keep in touch with the results.

Karl - 06/13/98 13:20:23
Gender: male
Age: 20

Comments:
HIya. I wrote on the board when I was suffering from severe acne, I was feeling misrable! Now, 4 months after. Im acne free... I still have a redness on my cheeks, but its almost gone!!! Im so happy now.. I just wanna say, it does work..belive me. But it also gets worse in the first 2-3 months your on it. And that is the hardest time, cause it is expensive, and you cant see if its working or not. I hope the effect last at least a year, like it did last time. I dont mind going on a treatment once a year for 4 months, if it can keep me spotfree. Oh yeah, stay away from "Australien Tee tree oil" products, they made my skin so much worse you wouldnt belive it! I want to say , the drug does work, and it is worth the money you spend on it! Good luck to the rest of you. I hope I will never have acne again...I properly will though...but then I wont wait as long as I did the first time, in seeking help. see ya.

Kirsten - 06/13/98 12:35:15
My Email:lizjan@senet.com.au
Gender: Female/Teacher
Age: 25

Comments:
I am now in my 9th week of roaccutane (20 week course) and thought I'd write to let you know how I'm going. I last wrote here on the 15/5/98. I went to see my dermatologist yesterday and he is pleased with the results so far. There is still redness, a few raised pimples but it is a lot clearer,so guys stick with it. He seems to think that my skin will be clear by the end of my course. I asked him about drinking alcohol whilst on roaccutane, he said its fine (excessive alcohol intake not recommended) also I had read on this site that it was important to have liver function tests every 3 weeks. Not necessary, however if at the end of a 20 week course, continuation seemed likely, then yes a test would be done. I haven't had too many side effects to deal with, apart from very dry lips(Q.V lip balm a must) a few dry patches on my arms but thats about it. I have been watching my diet and trying to drink lots of water. Feel free to email if you like, I know its nice to know your not alone. Goodluck and stick with it!

Adrian Villanueva Salas - 06/12/98 19:01:41
My Email:adrian0@mex1.uninet.net.mx
Gender: male
Age: 19

Comments:
Salmos Señor, escucha mi oración, ¡Permite que mi grito llegue a ti! No escondas de mí tu rostro cuando me encuentre angustiado; ¡dignate escucharme! ¡respóndeme pronto cuando te llame! Pues mi vida se acaba como el humo, mis huesos arden como brasas, mi corazón decaído como la hierba marchita. Dichoso el que piensa en el débil y pobre; el Señor lo librará en tiempos malos. El Señor lo protegerá y le dará vida y felicidad en la tierra. ¡El Señor le dará fuerzas en el lecho del dolor! ¡Convertirá su enfermedad en Salud! ¿Por que voy a desanimarme? ¿Por que voy a estar preocupado? Mi esperanza he puesto en Dios, a quien todavía seguiré alabando ¡El es mi Dios y salnador! Dios los bendiga a todos :) Amen

Jessica - 06/12/98 02:59:26
My Email:xuxecps@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 19

Comments:
Hi!, I'm Jessica, from Mexico City, I just wanted you to know that I have a very simmilar story to the one you tell back on your page... After not one, but two treatments of Roaccutan (a little time later), my acne problems started all over again and a li tle worse. As I had been treated with all there is for my skin illness (really, everything there is!!!!, even an "Iridologist" crazy guy who sees your eyes and is suppossed to tell you what is wrong, then help you... yeah sure!!!), I went back to the fir t real cure... even if I hated it when I was younger... a Cosmetologist... a woman who deep cleans my face every three days now, and let me tell you I'm getting better, and I know it is really slow and my patience is constantly over the line, but convinin it with an antibiotic provided by my dermatollogist, and a natural home remedy: "savila" (you roast it and then apply the hot slimy part to the affected part... accelerates proccess and helps to cicatrice the wounds without leaving scars), I'm getting mu h better!!! The main point is whatever remedy or medicine any doctor gives you... I really suggest you help by doing something to the external affected part, not only internal with the medicine, otherwise, some time later you may start all over again in a cycle, beca se the acne accumulates on the dermis and epidermis sometimes deeply and in a cyst kind of way, and when the medicine treatment is thought to be over, acne goes on not just like before, but with all the accumulated acne, well it has happened to me and oth rs as I know, so If my advise is worth anything to anyone, take it, it just may help a little!!!!! Hope you gett well very soon (I hope I do too) Sincerelly, Jess

sheryl - 06/11/98 13:17:25
My Email:sfink@imma.org
Gender: female
Age: 25

Comments:
Sharilynn: I was advised to avoid any Vitamin A supplements because isotretinoin is a closely related substance and that it would add to the unwanted side effects without improving the benefits of the drug. I was even told to avoid eating too many carrots while I was on Accutane. Good luck with it. sheryl

Sharilynn Crane - 06/10/98 18:32:44
My Email:n/a
Gender: Female
Age: 34

Comments:
Gill, Thank you for creating a place with such a wealth of information. I took Accutane (Isotretinoin) by Roche in 1991. It was a life saver. My dermitologist I'll say "talked me out of it" the first time I saw him. He also said I would need to exhaust a l antibiotics before he would prescribe it. Well, He was my third dermatologist over the years and I had exhausted all of them. However, I guess it was just easier for him to prescribe me some more antibiotics. I reluctantly took them and of course to no vail. Now that I look back, I blundered through those years blindly hoping it would go away. Always hoping. I would suggest to anyone going to the dermatologist that you keep records. Records of what anti=biotics you take and for how long, the dosage, etc Then if you switch doctors, you will have that information readily available. Keep a little log of happenings. My acne started in high school. It of course was more devistating at that time in my life. As I have looked back on that time I really do n t think it was actually that bad then. Then in 1985 I stopped taking birth control pills and it flared up very bad. At that time I did not realize it could have been from stopping the pill. However, I did not go back on birth control pills until years la er. I am not taking them at this time. I do not wish to take them anymore. I started taking Accutane May 21, 98. I have worsened. I do however, have hopes of it clearing because this is my 2nd time to take Accutane. Carmex works good for my lips. I put t on alot during the day. It has a cooling feeling. Last week my face was getting pretty dry, however, it is not right now. I am hearing/reading alot about liver and detoxifying it, Omega 3 and 6 Fatty acids, and diets. I experimented back in 1986 or 1 87 and did not eat any dairy products for about 3 months. It did not help my complexion and I lost alot of weight. I got down to 89 pounds. I know that dairy products do not affect me and that I will probably die without them. I just started taking some vitamin and mineral supplements. Have you heard of Dr. Joel Wallach? I wonder if acne sufferers are missing nutrients? I do have a question about vitamin A supplements and Accutane. A good reference book for me is "Complete guide to Prescription and N nprescription Drugs" by H.Winter Griffith, M.D. I have the 1996 edition. Accutane is listed under Isotretinoin. The index in the back cross refences names we know them by and names that the drugs are listed as in the book. Anyway, it says not to take vit min A supplements with Accutane. Can I still actually take a supplement as long as it is of a low amount. There are many different amounts available.

Julie - 06/10/98 04:22:36
My Email:yanksdu@alphalink.com.au
Gender: Female
Age: 38

Comments:
"Bad skin" runs in the family. So it was no surprise to watch my young-teen-aged kids start breaking out. My 14-year old has tried antibiotics for over a year, plus a cream--Differin. These were suggested by the dermatologist. Now he suggests Roaccuta e. I've read every comment that has been posted, plus other reports on Roaccutane. However, I still don't have a clear-cut answer to the "dangers" of taking Roaccutane versus the benefits. How long has this drug been on the market? The dermatologist's answer to that question was: 20 years. If true, what is known about the long-term effects of taking Roaccutane? I could never live with the guilt of having given my children a drug that was for cosmetic reasons; yet the long-term effects were harmful. C mments, please.

Laura - 06/09/98 22:50:45
My Email:stegenga@bus.usc.edu
Gender: female
Age: 37

Comments:
This posting board is such a wealth of information: Since 9/26/97 through today 145 people have shared their stories and come for help. The average age of the women is 26.5 and the men 21.6. It is apparent that acne is sticking with us as we age. Like so any before me, I too waited out the teen years with severe acne, thinking salvation would come once past puberty. By 21 I had spent a worthless year with the antibiotics and topicals. The MD wanted me to try Accutane next but it was too new and too scary. Instead, I found a homeopath who suggested my problem was food-related. Her funky tests did not convince me but I did take her recommendation to start seeing an esthetician (facialist). This is one of the most important steps to getting the skin under con rol. If your cycsts are large, the extraction process will be very painful, but until the pores are clean, the skin must work much harder to heal itself. I saw my esthetician once a week for treatment for probably two months, maybe longer. I was a real m ss. The healing was such a relief. But I must make this clear: The returning acne must be controlled and this CAN be helped by modifying your diet. I determined my intolerant foods and eliminated them from my diet. It was not a magic thing; it took work But it was worth it. This is how I was successful and am now scar-free and rarely have a blemish. People can hardly believe I was a "pizza face." I have helped many, many people by suggesting changes in the food and body products that may be causing the r problems. I spent some time in the medical school library of a major university here in Los Angeles and dug and dug for research studies which support the food-related-to-skin-problems theory. This evidence, the different diets the scientists used and m ch more information about how you can cure yourself is in my book, Acne Recovery Workbook. There is even a section which includes suggestions of alternative foods that may satisfy your cravings but keep you away from acne-causing foods. The work is not ye published but some of your stories have so touched me and awakened long-old memories of frustration, sadness and that deep desire to fit in finally. I have sold the Workbook in the US for $12.95 and charge $3 to ship it. Perhaps $6 would cover postage to places beyond the US. Please email me and and we'll make our arrangements. I feel sure that serious medicines such as accutane may have potential long-term side effects and if you can avoid the misery of a second or third application of accutane and be a ealthier person, that would be a better goal. Good luck and please contact me. Laura

Daisy - 06/07/98 09:50:40

Comments:
Hi, maybe the package inserts are different for Roaccutane and Accutane (which I assume is the USA equivalent). I will quote from my package insert so that the yanks can have the same inso. "When you should be extra careful when using Roaccutane?...- f you reguarly drink alcohol. This is because isotretinoin may increase blood levels of fat-like substances in some patients. Because of this, it is best that you do not drink alcoholic drinks while on treatment." Another thing that it says it that we should not donate blood until one month after finishing the treatment.

Paula - 06/06/98 12:55:34
Gender: Female
Age: 30

Comments:
To answer the question re recurrence of acne, it seems that this varies per individual. However, my dermatologist said that statistically chance of recurrence percentage wise is related to age. He said patients over 30 have a higher percentage rate of p rmanent cure. Additionally, my package insert does NOT warn against prohibiting alcohol usage with Accutane. My Dermatologist did mention it but it was not presented as a serious issue. As a general rule however I think it is a bad idea to mix any medication and alcohol so to me total abstinence from alcohol is the only option. I have 2 weeks left on this drug and I can not wait. I continue to be thrilled with the results but I am looking forward to no side effects. Good luck to everyone!

Donna - 06/06/98 10:21:19
My Email:donna.m.lowe@lineone.net
Gender: Female
Age: 22

Comments:
Firstly I'd like to say thankyou for such a good page. It has made me look at my position realisticly. On Monday I will finish helping with a weeks reserach at Leeds General Infimary into Acne leisons. This involved having some skin biopsies from my back. I agreed to help as I was promised treatment at the end of the week (Accelerating me up th 96 weeks waiting list! - I have already been waiting 60 weeks) So on Monday it looks like I shall be starting on Roaccutane. I had heard that the acne does not reappear, which from your pages seems untrue. Do you know the statistics of reoccuance ? I am 22 now and have acne for about 10 years. I have been on all the anti biotics and also found Zineryt good but am now immune to it it seems. I also found that going away to University was terrible for my skin...it is interesting to see how many people are affected by moving. Also is the difference between ROaccutane and Accutane ? Donna

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