February Postings

Comments:
I don't understand why you people that have had acne for 10-20 years haven't taken accutane. I try to feel sympathy towards you guys, but I mean cmon its getting absurd. You would rather have a 3rd of your life washed away with embarassing, anguishing, elf-loathing moments, time that can NEVER be replaced...all because theres a MINIMAL chance accutane might cause you some unpleasant side affects? Let me tell you something, 95% of people on accutane don't even report anything more than Dry Skin...and acc tane is WAY stronger than anything else available, antibiotics, topical cremes, you name it. I mean, I am just a teenager and I dealt with everything you guys have to deal with for a year and decided I just wasn't going to put up with that anymore. I di n't want to waste any more time in my life. I tried to find a doctor to put me on accutane and they did but only for a limited time which did nothing practically, and instead of sitting around waiting for it to go away I searched and searched and found s meone that would put me on a long-term low dose treatment. Guess what. My skin is china doll clear, only a year or so after my acne even began. I actually enjoy talking to people and looking in the mirror now. If I can take control of my life than I k ow you guys can! Stop sitting around and being victims, think about how much other people are enjoying situations which you dread. You can acheive anything you put your mind to. God bless you guys... good luck

Betsy - 02/28/99 22:35:53
My Email:bsx@cypress.com
Gender: female
Age: 30

Comments:
Hi to everyone who crossed over to the Accutane side. Diagnosed with mild but persistant acne (acne rosacea was also mentioned), I was on the drug for 14 weeks (quit 2 weeks before I was supposed), alternating betweeen taking 40mg one day and 80mg the se ond day (5'10'', 56kg). I got off the drug 3 months ago and while on the drug I was not too bad (was flushed, depressed, with drier skin, my hair at the end was thinning but nothing extreme), the 3 months after brought a severly dry, red, sore, itchy ski on my face and neck (particularly around my nose and lips) that my dermotologist diagnosed as winter eczema. He says I finished the treatment in winter and this elevated the side effects but after the winter is finished and my body adjusts after the dru , I should be fine. I desperately want to believe it but at this point I am not sure if I trust him - throughout the treatment he kept assuring me that ALL side effects will all go away after the treatment is stopped and now from your site I am learning hat people's hair has been thinning long after taking the drug - does it ever stop?, he never told me not to drink alcohol while on Accutane so I did, etc.). I am worried that from oily skin I went to another extreme of dry skin. I am now using a cortis ne cream (Desocort lotion) to tame the red blotches - I don't like using it since I've heard cortizone makes your skin thinner but I don't know what else to do, no amount of moisturizer helps it, if you know a possible remedy, please let me know. Does an one else had a simmilar experience and did it go away? My body also seems to have raised temperature (around 37-37.4 deg C) all the time and I get much more red after taking a shower. My hair still is not better: it's thin, dry and I'm loosing more of t than before Accutane. I used to be a cheerful individual and now am getting more and more depressed - probably from worrying about all this, contemplating what if this is permanent, regretting ever going on the drug. Please, write to me if you can hel with additional information. Is there a way of reversing the effects of Accutane? I now would go in a flash to my previous oily self. How can I detox my body of any residue of the drug? Can't tell you how much I would appreciate your response!

Rianne - 02/28/99 18:09:51
Gender: Female
Age: 34

Comments:
I just had to write to say a BIG thank you to Ryan and Darlene - it made me feel such a lot better to know that there was someone "out there" who knew exactly how I felt - THANKS TO YOU BOTH!! When I wrote my message I was so wary - I was really hoping t at someone wouldn't write back and say "You're obviously obsessed with your skin and need to get on with your life!" That would have made me feel a million times worse! Thank goodness that most people who contribute to this site really have empathy with each other. It's so great that we are supporting each other through this. While I'm writing I also want to thank Gill for starting this site - it is just so brilliant! When I last wrote I was just so depressed with my skin - I really didn't know where to turn. My acne and "oil production" seemed to be in over-drive and my self esteem was on the floor. I'd been washing my face with anti-bacterial HANDWASHING lotion because I just couldn't seem to get my skin free of oil! The result of this was that m skin had become so dry, red, flaking and itchy - PLUS I still had the oil and acne too!!! My face and neck looked a nightmare!! A red "crust" with the acne continuing to thrive and flourish underneath! I've gone back to using the Tea Tree Gel Facewash and antibiotics (Minocin MR) and my skin has settled down a bit - VERY far from flawless though - I assure you!! I know that antibiotics aren't a "cure" and also come with side-effects - but what doesn't?! While I was out shopping I scanned the "spot co nter" (yet again!! For the millionth time it seems!)and saw a moisturiser which I thought may just help my "poor face". I needed at least to get rid of the dry skin, BUT didn't want anything that would further aggravate my acne and add to the "oil produc ion" and spots. I saw a cream called "Clean and Clear" by Johnson and Johnson. It's an oil free skin balancing moisturiser. It claims to soften and smooth the skin whilst helping preventing spots. You can all imagine - I thought the usual "Oh yeah"!! I've been using it for nearly 1 week now and I hope I'm not tempting fate but it seems to be helping a lot. As I've had very bad acne for nearly 25 years I had given up on anything "topical" helping my skin. Well, anything topical that didn't almost take my skin off!! It's inexpensive so worth a try?! I also find that I can use it during the day without getting my normal "oil slick". My skin is still greasy (bah!) but it seems to be settling it down quite a bit. I'll keep you posted how I get on. I've had my hopes built up before!!! Has anyone out there had any luck with something called "Ketsugo" (Isolutrol)? It's based on marine-organisims and known as Isolutrol. It's supposed to reduce the oil production and therefore reduce the acne. I've just r cently tried it again - I first tried it many years ago - but whether I didn't use it long enough I don't know - it did nothing for me!! I've also just received a pamphlet regarding a new "lamp treatment" for acne. (NOT A SUN-LAMP) It's a blue and red amp made by a company called Dermalux and works by killing the bacteria on the skin. Apparently it is for mild to moderate acne and I'm not sure whether it would be radical enough for severe acne. I'm a bit reluctant to spend a lot of money if it isn't oing to help. My last big expenditure was an electric "ozone" applicator - but no success with that either! I visit a city teaching hospital at least every 8 weeks and constantly pour over every article and book I can lay my hands on. I know there is a LOT of research being done and I'm sure there will be a SAFE and effective cure for acne eventually. I just hope it will be SOON! The research also includes methods of reducing/eradicating the scarring left by acne - a problem which can be just as harro ing as the acne itself. Meanwhile I feel as if I am "marking time" until I can find something that will take this awful acne and scarring away. FAR FROM EASY!!! Acne is not something I can just ignore, it stares back at me from the mirror every day. I have managed reasonably well in my career but I just wonder how much better I could have done if I didn't have acne. Interviews have always been a real trial because you feel like you are starting several rungs down the ladder! I find it just so difficu t to look "smart" with a face full of bright red lumps and bumps. They are painful both physically AND mentally. It's also hard to be assertive when you have acne, especially if you are dealing with someone particularly obnoxious. No matter how much I ry (to appear to have at least a little confidence!) I always feel somehow "inferior". One of the first things I do in the morning is run my hand over my face and when I feel "painful" parts then I just know that it is going to result in huge red lumps! It's just no way to begin the day!!! I know I'm not paranoid about my skin, I really try to do the best I can in life and that includes caring for other people's feelings too. I TRY to be kind and cheerful and I know I succeed most of the time. The wor t times are when I'm alone....and sometimes I can feel alone when there are other people around because I may be the only one in the room with a "very bad skin". I know life isn't always fair but to have bad acne for a long time like this makes ordinary life events" such a hurdle. I dislike bright rooms - not because of any other reason - but because bright light = my bad skin shows up more. I don't like walking past groups of people - again, not because of any other reason - but I feel so self-conscio s about my skin. I want to have my hair in a different style - off my face - but I daren't because I need my "hair curtains"!!! I seem to constantly drape my hair around my face to cover it! I only tie it back when I am by myself. When I go anywhere I t y to sit in a "good light" - i.e. the shadiest part of the room - because of my skin. It affects everything in my life - either consciously or subconconsiously. I'm sure other people may not notice my skin as much as I think they do. I hope not! I don t want to be the "centre of attention", I'd happily "fade into the background" if I could! I just want to have a REASONABLY normal skin. I don't have to be "terrific to look at" but I just want to be able to have a little more self esteem. I could fill a room with the tears I've cried over my skin. Please, please don't read this as self-pitying, like I've said before I KNOW there are people out there who have unbelievably awful lives and would settle for "just acne" any day. I care about other people, animals, any living creature - I hate and despise cruelty of any kind. I'm certainly far from perfect but I'm also not just "ME, ME, ME"! I just need to have a little bit more self-worth and I can't seem to find it when I have a face full of spots and a ne scars. I'm sure people WITHOUT acne would read this and say that if I can IGNORE the acne then I shouldn't have a problem! I'm sure that you all know different - it's not that easy OR that simple is it? Thanks to you all for listening to my moans an groans....I didn't intend to go on this long! Be sure, that if I find out any more information on help for acne you'll all be the first to hear! Meanwhile, please keep on chatting on this web-site - we'll get somewhere in the end I'm sure! Regards and thanks to all my friends out there!

Andrew Reed - 02/28/99 15:59:38
My Email:andyace_1@hotmail.com
Gender: Male
Age: 24

Comments:
Well done for this site it's fantastic and has been very informative.

Nancy - 02/28/99 14:41:46
Age: 22

Comments:
I have had acne for ten years now, and like nearly everyone who writes on this page, I can relate totally to the way it crushes your self esteem. I tried everything, both over the counter remedies and prescribed drugs and each time it would come back - s much so that last year I finally got referred to see a dermatologist and was given Roaccatune. I appreciate everyone's advice about how to improve your acne the 'natural' way, but I've tried all sorts of things, and yet I believe that if you've got acne, you've pretty much got it, and there's not an awful lot you can do to prevent what's happening under the skin! I've had really healthy weeks where I've eaten well, not drank, had early nights and my skin can looks dreadful, or I can get up after a hefty ight out only to look positively glowing ( well, for me anyway!) And so I felt I needed the drug as it wasn't something that I could control. To be honest, apart from very dry lips ( which were more of an irritation than a real problem ) I experienced ver few side effects whilst on Roaccutane, and I think it's important that potential users of the drug do not get scared by some of the horror stories that you hear about Roaccutane. And it does clear you skin as well - I had persistant rather than severe a ne all over my face, neck, chest and back, and within about three months the majority had cleared. For me, any side effects I did suffer were well worth the result. My only reservation is the way people talk about it as a miracle cure, as my skin is wor ening again, and this comes from someone who's problems were classified as 'mild but persistant'. I'm off to see my dermatologist again this week ( although this time I'm paying as I can't wait! ) - and the signs are that I shall be going on another cours . I have read several comments on this page where people talk of two, three of more courses of Roaccutane. It can be a very demoralising cycle. I promised myself that I wouldn't become so affected by it again, as last year I became very low about my s in, but it really affects my approach to life. Normally I am an intelligent, fun and lively person, but put a smattering of spots on my neck and I crawl into my shell. I know, I know, this is something that you will all be able to relate to. Anyway, I ust hope I get another course of Roaccutane this week, and that hopefully this will kill it off forever!

Ryan - 02/28/99 10:09:00
My Email:Devilinlee@hotmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 21

Comments:
Hello everyone, especially Rianne. I feel your pain. I've suffered from acne for 4 long years now. I too have tried everything, including EVERYTHING you can get over the counter, every perscription topical gel, ointment, lotion, oral antibiotics, pro biot cs, home remedies including fruit juice washes, crushed kitty litter (no joke, it actually worked fairly well!) and urine to name a few. Needless to say I was desperate and put a lot of time into trying to cure my acne, in fact it became priority 1. I hat the fact that I am always concious of my skin, it takes away from every social and even individual experience. I didn't know wether to laugh or cry when you mentioned the dentist, I know exactly where you're coming from. Over the years I have had varying degrees of success with different "cures". As time goes on my skin is improving. I'm sure much of it has been trial and error and increased knowledge that has helped. Firstly let me say that there IS a food-zit connection. Seeing as how I had tried everyt ing else with little sucess I tried fasting for days at a time, my skin never looked better ( particularly a day or two after the fast) but it's so tough not to eat and it brings your energy way down. Now I do periodic fruit fasts, I'll eat nothing but f uits and veggies for a few days and it has the same affect. My problem is when my skin clears up I throw caution to the wind and eat like mad (particularily sugar, I'm an absolute sugar addict). I think sugar is one of the main culprits of acne. There is nother page on the web that says more about the sugar-zit connection e-mail me if you'd like the address. Another thing I've learned is that we all wash our faces to much, therefore increasing oil production and taking away your natural defense mechanism, the acid mantle (the thin film of slightly acidic oil that actually helps against acne. Soap is almost always alkaline and it just so happens that bacteria flourish in an alkaline enviorment! Once I stopped washing my face so much there was a noticeable i provement. later I started rinsing my face with hydrogen peroxide, and splashing with apple cider vinegar before bed (because of it's acidity) That also helped quite a bit, but once again don't get carried away. Overall my skin is the best its looked righ now since th e first on slaught of acne. My main problem now is with scarring and redness. Don't lose hope. Know that there are others in the same and even worse positions.

gentlebite - 02/28/99 08:50:06
My Email:gentlebite@yahoo.com
Age: 19

Comments:
I've read that agitating acne can worsen it. Like if you rub it, or whatever. Many webpages say dirt does't cause acne, but can dirt not agitate it? And wouldn't sleeping with the same pillow case for too many days agitate acne and thus worsen it? Food isn't supposed to cause acne either, but again, I m wondering about whether it agitates it, thus worsening it. Like when you finish a spicy dinner and you feel that flush in your cheeks. Also, since hormonal change can affect acne, doesn't that mean that if you exercise a lot, you increase your levels f testostorone and thus worsen your acne? Just crazy thoughts I'd like to throw out there. Really like to hear people's thoughts. For the record, acne has killed my self-esteem. I think it's a lot worse since I've always had good skin, was a pretty boy with many female associates, and now I can't bare to even chat with a single soul, with cysts all over my face after the stupid thin crept up on me in last November. I'm on my 10th day of Accutane right now. Does anyone know what the success rate of this drug is? It'll be a cruel joke if it works 90% of e cases and I'm in that 10%. thanks for listening.

Ruth - 02/28/99 07:50:24
Gender: female
Age: 32

Comments:
Sorry to be writing again! I just wanted to thank you for such a great website. I have been reading all the other notes from this month and even the ones in the archives. I do feel better now knowing I am not the only adult with this problem. I know th t I could have much worse problems, but I cannot stop obsessing on my acne. I have never had to wear so much make-up. I have never been this depressed about my appearance before. I never knew I was so vain. I have a feeling that stress has contributed to my severe outbreak, but the more the acne is there, the more stressed I get. It is such a vicious cycle. I would appreciate any advice from anyone. Again, thank you for such a supportive website, and I am sorry for the long note.

Ruth - 02/28/99 07:50:15
Gender: female
Age: 32

Comments:
Sorry to be writing again! I just wanted to thank you for such a great website. I have been reading all the other notes from this month and even the ones in the archives. I do feel better now knowing I am not the only adult with this problem. I know th t I could have much worse problems, but I cannot stop obsessing on my acne. I have never had to wear so much make-up. I have never been this depressed about my appearance before. I never knew I was so vain. I have a feeling that stress has contributed to my severe outbreak, but the more the acne is there, the more stressed I get. It is such a vicious cycle. I would appreciate any advice from anyone. Again, thank you for such a supportive website, and I am sorry for the long note.

Ruth - 02/28/99 06:57:18
Gender: female
Age: 32

Comments:
I am a 32-year-old female. About two or three years ago, I started developing acne on my neck. Around Christmas 1998, my usual Persagel and Clearsil stopped working, so I went to a derm. My face really was not in that bad of shape when I went for help. My derm gave me Minocycline, Avita Gel, and a topical antibiotic. As of this writing, my face has never looked worse. I went back to my derm who explained to me that I had a reaction to the Avita Gel (a product like Retin-A). I am now off the Avita Ge and the topical antibiotic. I have ordered Pro Active off QVC. I have visited another derm who wants to put me on Accutane. I have started taking Ortho-Tricyclen, but I don't want to have to take Accutane. Does anyone know what will get rid of acne on the neck? I am extremely upset about my appearance. Help!

. - 02/27/99 23:38:36
My Email:.@

Comments:
Experienced depression while on accutane?http://www.mindspring.com/~tburnett/

. - 02/27/99 23:37:36
My Email:.@

Comments:
Accutanedepression on page http://homepages.iol.ie/~grantsu/literaturein.html

Christer - 02/27/99 23:34:24

Comments:
Girls worried about getting children after accutane use...there is a great webboardwhich includes some stories.http://rainforest.parentsplace.com/dialog/get/teens/34/2.html

Christer - 02/27/99 23:30:04
Gender: male
Age: 23

Comments:
Have you got a healthproblem like depressions or something else you think accutane caused or you just want to say Roche what you think about the medicine accuttane? Then write to them on http://rbamswcc.bas.roche.com/contact/mailcontact.asp ************** ***To Sara Please dont write about something you dont have experienced! Thank you!

Natasha - 02/27/99 23:06:54
My Email:seaview@cwcom.net
Gender: female
Age: 30

Comments:
Please be sure you are completely healthy before you go on this drug. DO NOT TAKE IT if your immunity is in any way impaired or you are under particular stress. I took the drug in my last year at University and know that it impaired my immunity to the e tent I have had a form of post viral syndrome since (over 9 years). The drug works BUT REMEMBER TO TAKE A LONG TERM VIEW - you will live a long time and you may not realise that bad health is worse than acne. That sounds unbelievable but it is true. PL ASE PLEASE take care of yourself on the drug. You may want to start living life with great gusto as things improve but don't. It is a VERY VERY POWERFUL drug - the side effects you get during the drug are nothing - it is afterwards you may count the cos . Many have. Do not take it unless you have to.

S - 02/27/99 06:59:36
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
Hello all. I posted about a week and a half ago, and as promised, I'm back to update you all on my progress (for those of you who are unsure whether they want to take Roaccutane, I thought this might be helpful and give you some sort of an idea on how i works, for me at least). Well, I must say that although at first I didn't experience much dryness and only a bit of eye-soreness (which might have been from all the reading a college student needs to do), I am now beginning to notice more dryness...es ecially around the lip area...I need to have some sort of chapstick with me at all times! I am noticing some hair-loss but that might be just my 'normal rate' and me being more observant/paranoid. My eyes are dryer than usual...nothing too awful...but t's become more difficul to continue wearing hard-contacts. I know it's awfully early to start noticing any difference in my skin...and perhaps it's due to less stress and more sleep, but my skin hasn't seen a new pimple (or cyst) yet and I _do_ thing th t there's this 'glow' to it. Furthermore, usually I get cysts especially in the cheek area and I haven't seen any new ones (and i isually always do). Once again, I've only been on this drug for a week and a half and according to most, this drug usually akes a while to work...so my improvement may be at first due to other factors...but I do have exams coming up which means that the stress and sleepless nights will be in the near future...so we'll see what happens. Good luck to all of you on this drug! 'll be praying for all of us...yes, we can pray about anything...even acne! :) Isn't that amazing? Until my next update...

J. - 02/27/99 05:02:19

Comments:
Dear Anna: This is my second time writing. I just discovered this site about a week ago. My prayer is that you will accept Jesus as your Savior if you have not already, and that He will guide you in your decision about taking Accutane. Hoping that you se improvement with your acne soon!

Anna - 02/27/99 03:30:33
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
I almost started crying when I read this page... "Finally," I thought, "proof that people like me exist!" I have suffered from acne for about 7 years now and have tried just about EVERYTHING; including 4 different oral antibiotics, Cleocin, Azelex, Retin A, Benzac, facials, a vitamin program, Ortho-Cyclen, and Ortho Tri-Cyclen. I started seeing a new dermatologist who prescribed 40mg of Accutane. I'm supposed to take my first pill tonight but am scared out of my mind. Oddly enough, when I made the deci ion to start Accutane I was fully aware of the side effects... But now that I have the pills in front of me, I'm not sure if I want to do it anymore. Any words of encouragement out there?

Michael - 02/25/99 21:50:29
Gender: male
Age: 15

Comments:
I wrote in at the beginning of my treatment, I am now half way through a 16 week course (thank you NHS). I had really bad acne from my head to my knees. I am on 60mg of Roaccutane daily - I usually take this in the morning but if I feel nauseous, I split the dose 40mg in the morning and 20mg at night. I find this helps. I have made fantastic progress - my face is nearly clear, and my chest and back is 'dry'. People are beginning to notice. Yes I have had the dryness and the nausea, and I have lost a b t of weight, but it has been worth it. I am going out again, and beginning to enjoy myself again. Roaccutane has been worth it.

Pippa - 02/25/99 14:27:09
Age: 28

Comments:
Just to say thanks to everybody who's kept this webpage going for the past 24 weeks while I've been on Roaccutane. As for my story, I had persistent acne since my teens, but in the past few years, particularly when I was under stress, it flared up really badly on my face & also my front & back. For years, I tried everything you could buy in the chemist. Every time there was something new advertised in a magazine, I was straight out to buy it - I must have spent a fortune! Various GPs tried me on the us al prescription 'cures': Dianette, topical & oral antibiotics, Retin-A, etc. - Dalacin topical worked for about a year (all the rest were useless), but then the spots were back with a vengeance. Anyway, I eventually managed to see a dermatologist & got prescribed Roaccutane (fortunately on the NHS). After about 10 days to 2 weeks, the side effects started to kick in - dry lips, horrible peeling face (nose, forehead, chin & around the mouth were orst) & weird rashes & flaky patches on my hands, arms & legs. I couldn't wear make-up, so I looked a bit of a state! I also had joint pains, nausea & felt completely wiped out some days. But I stuck it out, with the assistance of numerous tubes of Blistese, E45 cream, Fucidin cream & anti-nausea pills from my GP. By the time I had finished my first 12 week batch of Roaccutane (I was on 2 x 20mg a day for the whole time - my dermalogist s id that this would reduce the severity of the side effects, although I'd have to take it for about 6 months), the skin on my body was completely clear & softer than it's ever been before. I still had a few spots on my face, but the swelling would go real y quickly, though I'd have a red mark for quite a while - easy enough to hide with a coverstick. All of the other side effects gradually reduced, & when I came off the Roaccutane after 24 weeks (a couple of weeks ago), I only had one spot (time of the month anyway!). My skin can still look a little pink sometimes & takes quite a while to heal if I g t a scratch or cut (my dermatologist says this will last for about 3 months), but the spots & blackheads & other nasties are all gone! Yes, I did suffer during the early weeks of the Roaccutane, but after the years of hating my skin, it's definitely been worth it. I still may not be tall & skinny, but having good skin has done wonders for my confidence - I don't freak out if the doorbel rings & I haven't got any make-up on, I can stay over at friends' houses & not have to rush for the bathroom in the morning! Good luck to everyone out there deciding on their next treatment - I hope I've helped you make a slightly more informed choice on Roaccutane. P.S. To the person asking if Roaccutane drying out your skin would make you age faster, so long as you use a moisturiser & don't sunbathe (which you shouldn't really do anyway), you'll be fine & wrinkle-free. It's the water you need in your skin, not the oil. Good luck to everybody, but always remember, it really is your personality that counts in the end. Genuine people, who are the only ones worth bothering with, won't be put off by something so skin-deep as acne.

Kim - 02/25/99 02:59:08
My Email:Kim@nhscpa.com
Gender: Female
Age: 40

Comments:
I've been reading your webpage since October trying to decide whether or not to take Accutane. I was one of the lucky few who had never had so much as a blemish my whole life until when in the last couple years, I developed cystic acne on my chin (I even modeled for cosmetics companies until my early 30's!!!) My dermotologist says its hormones, lucky me. Anyway, I started 40mgs of Accutane 1 month ago (I'm 5'9', 130lbs) and so far so good. I have the usual dry lips, (Carmex works best for me), dry skin Purpose Cleanser & Moisturizer is good, if you are really dry, I have used Alboline..it's a greasy cleanser but it works in one day. Also a humidifier helps). I use Liquid Tears for the eyes and Neosporin GEL for inside the nose (no bleeds this way). Th biggest worry I have is regarding hair loss.....I haven't lost any hair and I don't want to (it is alot dryer, though). Has anyone experienced this to a large degree? I did get one reply back from another girl and her hair started shedding 3 months aft r her Accutane treatment. I did take large doses of Vitamin A years ago and I remember shedding for at least a year or more. Can some of you contact me and let me know? I just have to say that I never really paid much attention to acne before now, and I REALLY feel for all of you....you'd think they could have come up with a cure by now. I hope that I'm one of the lucky ones who gets through this all in one piece. Thank you Gill for the GREAT Webpage, it's a lifesaver.

Shona Elder - 02/23/99 07:38:26
My Email:selder@mf.co.za
Gender: Female
Age: 28

Comments:
Hi, I completed a six month course of Roaccutane about eight months ago. The good news is, it cleared up my awful nodular acne on my jaw line...the bad news...there's no doubt about it...my hair has become very dry, breaks off easily and has thinned drastically. At first I thought it was just stress or my shampoo or something, but then the other day I was clearing out my drawer, and i re-read the side effects in the box insert....and voila there it was in fine print....hair thinning I'm probably like 1% of people who has suffered from this side effect to this degree, but I thought you'd be interested to know... Hope this is of some use to you

Sara - 02/22/99 22:38:55
My Email:Cialdina@rocketmail.com
Age: 25

Comments:
Hi, this is the third time I'm writing here. I've read many bad stories about this drug,but I want to say I'm reacting well to Roaccutan. I'm on my eleventh week, but my face was ok since the fifth week.Unfortunately everyone reacts in different ways... I've made blood tests, and I've high colestero , so I've to control my diet. My skin and lips are not too dry anymore (40 mg. per day, I'm 47 kg.). I'm happy about this drug and its results,it's worth trying it. I also think many aches people has got don't depend on Roaccutan. Good Luck!!!

- 02/21/99 17:16:03
Gender: Female
Age: 28

Comments:


Dee - 02/21/99 13:39:54
Gender: Female
Age: 24

Comments:
Hi everyone. I am on the 3rd week of taking Roaccutane and so far things are fine. I was wondering while browsing through the site if any of the females had any children after taking accutane. Some have asked this question before but it doesn't seem like nyone is answering! One girl wrote in an earlier posting that she can't have any kids because of accutane......does anyone know anything?

vgk - 02/21/99 06:43:45

Comments:
You can DEFINITELY drink milk while on accutane. In fact, if you drink milk when you take your accutane it increases absorbtion into your blood stream (a good thing) and is actually RECOMMENDED in the labeling!!

Christina - 02/21/99 04:21:37
My Email:Christina.Lee.2@uni.massey.ac.nz
Gender: Female
Age: 22

Comments:
I didn't suffer acnes that spread all over my face. Rather, it was a few pimples popping here and there. I took Roaccutane, and I'm afraid I'm not going to say good things about it. I strongly believe that it has caused my ILLNESS of Hodgkin's Disease sin e cancer develops from possible causes, such as chemical reactions and dietary intakes. I've completed my course of Roaccutane before my cancer was diagnosed, and true, my face is cleared of acne, BUT, is it worth going through cancer or deadly diseases?< r>
- 02/21/99 02:29:11
Gender: female
Age: 21

Comments:
To Christine regarding your article about milk giving you stomachaches while on accutane. All I can say is I have been on accutane for 3 months and I drink milk every day. I have to ill effects because of it. I have not suffered from depression, muscle aches, joint aches, etc. All I have had is dry skin and lips. The acne is getting better but it is not gone yet. I will probably be on accutane for another 2 months. I currently take 80 mg. per day. I guess I am lucky that I suffer from no bad side ef ects. I just wish it was working faster on me. Good luck to you.

- 02/20/99 21:06:40

Comments:
To KIM JOHNSON: Chocolate and other foods DO NOT cause acne. You should know that up front. Acne is caused by heredity, overactive oil glands, and in some cases, hormone imbalances. Chances are, if one or both of your parents had acne, then you will t o. Dirt is another misconception people have concerning acne. If you get dirt on your face, you should probably wash it off, but this is not going to cause a pimple. Acne starts way down below the surface of the skin where dirt, and anything else ordin ry that gets on your face, can't reach. This is also why most of the over-the-counter medicated soaps aren't any more effective than using a nice bar of regular bath soap. Dove is the best as it is the gentlest on the skin and is also recommended by der atologists, although people can always buy what they feel works for them. Benzoyl peroxide is a worthwhile over-the-counter product to purchase, however. This was once only prescribed by dermatologists and has the ability to penetrate the skin moreso t an those expensive medicated soaps do. Also, you should never use any facial masks that contain scrubbing grains because this is damaging to the delicate layers of your facial skin. You should never use a washcloth to scrub your face either. Scrubbing harshly and abrasively to try to achieve that "squeaky clean" look is harmful to your face. Only use your fingertips to gently wash your face and pat dry using a clean, dry washcloth--never scrub.

Christine - 02/20/99 16:51:12
My Email:cdufour@brainerddispatch.com
Gender: female
Age: 29

Comments:
I thought I would pass on this information that I found in Fitness magazine. Milk can cause stomach aches if you are on Accutane. Has anyone had this problem. I don't start the drug till the end of the month. Staying away from alcohol won't be a problem b t I think it will be hard not to have milk and cereal for six months.

- 02/20/99 16:50:12
Age: 35

Comments:
Hello all, I am reporting in about my Chinese Herbal treatment. I also posted on 12-24,25,31-98 and 1/28/99. I went to my herbalist for another consultation (35 dollars) on 2/5/99. We talked about changes in my acne and she made a new herb mix for me. I told her the mix she has been giving me has been helping me extrememly well. She said that no mix will stay ideal. Eventually it will become not so helpful. She also said that once the acne gone I will not need to take the herbs anymore. This shock me. I am not cured yet but to feel like it is getting better and that it may be a cure, I wonder why more people do not know about it. I asked her if the way that I feel happy since taking the herbs if that will also continue. She said it would. I wa very honest when completing the questionnaire at my first visit. just a couple days ago someone I met told me that in Oriental countries the people (public) pay the Doctors to keep them well and if the people get sick then the Doctors (don't get paid or something) Well, if this is true then it makes sense why the chinese herbs work so well, because so much work is put into preventative measures rather than like here in the U.S., all efforts are put into after-sickness. Anyway, I am still broken out bu more of the surface acne than the cystic acne. I have been taking the herbs since 11/4/98, so about 3 1/2 months. The side affects are wonderful. Not only is my acne improving, but I also have no more Pre-menses syndrome, no more headaches associated ith my menses. I no longer have to take claritin daily(actually not at all-except on the day I get an allergy shot once every 2 weeks)for my allergies. Also a few months before I started my herbs, My allergist wanted me to stop taking Claratin. I tried ut could not because I kept getting sore throats and tired. I am no longer bloated all the time. I am not depressed anymore. I actually started cooking and sewing. I use to hate to cook. I was depressed for about 12 years. Nothing seemed to shake it. And most of all, I feel very happy all throughout the day. I will report again in the future. This one place on my face that did not ever seem to heal up for like 9 years has healed and has not broke out for a couple months.

Kim Johnson - 02/20/99 02:39:11
My Email:ripsaw6@prodigy.net
Gender: female
Age: 39

Comments:
Hi all! I was read several postings. Some of which were very scary. I have had acne since age 14. It seems the older I get the worse it gets. I've tried retinA and minocin, and erythromiocin. All of which helped for a while. As soon as I stopped the treatments my acne is back. Some day are worse than others. Right now it is horrible. But it is mostly my fault, because I ate chocolate on Valentine Day and I live a stressful life. The later of which I am trying to improve. I did try a product called PROACTIVE treatment. It was helpful. It did not cure my acne but it kept it under control if used as an everyday cleansing regiment. A 2 month supply costs about $40.00. Although I was able to stretch it. The only thing is you have to continue to use it. I am going to start using it again soon! For those of you who have not tried it, there is a website available. www.proactive.com. Thanks

Fiona Rough - 02/20/99 00:58:37
My Email:fiona@rough29.freeserve.co.uk
Gender: Female
Age: 19

Comments:
I was on Roaccutane twice and towards the end of my second course I developed Leukaemia. I truly believe this drug was to blame. If anyone knows anyone else with a similar story, any blood disorders, major illness or useful info that may help me back u my claim PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE contact me.

J. - 02/19/99 08:03:21

Comments:
Greetings! I just recently found this site, and am alarmed to read of those fellow acne-sufferers who have written of feeling suicidal. Please realize that doing harm to yourself is NOT the answer. I do not mean that I don't sympathize with you; I've had cne for over 12 years and would like to be rid of it! But I am a born-again Christian, and I can assure everyone out there that Jesus Christ's wonderful gift of salvation is the most important need in life, so much more important than our appearance. God oves you and cares about you, so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to be the perfect sacrifice for your sins. His Word tells us in John 3:16-17 that "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever beli veth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." Jesus Christ, who is without sin, went to the cross, shed His blood, and died for the sins of the world. The Bible tells us that "...God hath raised him from the dead..." (Romans 10:9) and that Christ is now "...entered... into heaven itself, now to appea in the presence of God for us." (Hebrews 9:24) The penalty for sin is eternal separation from God, but those who accept Jesus Christ as Savior will be forgiven of their sins and will receive eternal life. God's promise to us is that "...whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord [Jesus Christ] shall be saved." (Romans 10:13) If you would like to receive Jesus Christ's gift of salvation, pray to Christ, confessing to Him that you have sinned, repenting (turning away from) your sins, asking Christ to come into your heart and life and forgive you of all your sins and save you and be Lord of your life. When you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, you can take comfort in knowing that God "...will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (First Cori thians 10:13) So please do not give in to the temptation to harm yourself or to grow despondent! Accept Christ today and turn to Him for the strength you need to deal with your problems. Remember, He has promised to help you!

S - 02/19/99 07:24:42
Gender: Female
Age: 20

Comments:
Hello again. I've been on Accutane for only two days now but for some reason I think I'm already experiencing the side-effect of head-aches and especially eye-soreness. I know these are some side-effects but I was wondering whether anybody knew of anyth ng to help relieve eye-soreness. Thanks.

Daniel - 02/19/99 02:25:11
My URL:http://?
My Email:drs@rmgfs.com.au
Gender: male
Age: 19

Comments:
Hi all, I read quite a few stories and thought I might add my personaol experience with Roaccutane. I have suffered from severe cystic acne for about 6 years now. I weigh 65kg and am 6:2" tall and take 2 20mg capsules per day. In the first few weeks my ac e got majorly worse but this slowly went back to "Normal" after a week or so. Also i got pealing skin around my nose, mouth and cheeks. The skin is still pealing after 3 weeks and my spots are SLOWLY getting better. I can see that in about 2-3 months, if ll goes well, it will nealy dissappear. Hoowever, I experienced sharp abdominal pains that felt like electric shoks to the middle left of my belly. I was very worried about this as I am on protein shakes so I can Build my thin body into the Hulk. This slowly went away within a couple of days with only a few re-accurences. I think I feel little depressed, however, I think thinking this doesn't help either!! I have a huge crack in the middle of my lip and sore eyes, but this was all explained to m from a DERMI. I ahve also had a few headaches lately, not sure if it's Roac., but I dfon't often get headaches, so it's pretty likely. One thing for sure is DON'T DRINK, or you'll probably suffer from large hangovers as I did. Has anyone else had abdom nal pains?, if so please let me hear your experiences. Also, is there any chance of acne getting worse after treatment with Roaccutane, I hope not as mine is getting a little worse after it got a little better. Unfortunatey, I do tend to stay home as a direct result from my acne and don't have a girlfriend. I tend to Veg Out, if you know what I mean !!!! My mates get pretty Pee'd off when we all WANT to do something, but I say "sorry guys, I don't feel like doing anything tonight", rubbish we both very well know why I don't ! I hope the Roaccutane Works without having to stop treatment. When I think abou it, it shouldn't stop me from doing anything but it just does, cos when it comes down to it, you just decide "it looks Horrible" I have seen only a couple of people with acne like mine, once on the trains at Perth train station, I looked at him am felt really sorry for him, and wish now I could have suggested Roaccutane to him ! I hope he's found it anyway.. But you see others WON'T feel sorry for him, they WILL look at him and see all the red spots and zits and think "god, lucky that's not me", and wal away feeling even more confident of their Perfect faces. But fear not my acne infested friends, I truly believe that when it's all over, we'e learned a BIG lesson in life. Do you know what that would be ?? These peolple would naturally be me compassiona e, not only to people who have suffered from bad acne, but everyone. I KNOW. AND THEY WOULD BE THE BEST FRIENDS TO HAVE !!!,,,,,,,,,,,SEEYA PEOPLE

Matthew Alexander - 02/18/99 22:55:44
My Email:FIVEOBEAU@aol.com
Gender: Male
Age: 20

Comments:
I was just wondering if anyone knows of or has heard of Accutane ever causing acne fulminans (a very severe form of acne). I am in the process of suing my doctor who prescribed Accutane to me (for negligence while I was on the drug). Also, I'd appreciat to hear any stories of experiencing any unlisted or permanent side effects from Accutane. If so, write to Matthew at FIVEOBEAU@aol.com. One last thing -- I just want to tell everyone out there to be careful while taking Accutane. It is an EXTREMELY po erful drug. I was taken off of Accutane over a year ago but I had to stay in the hospital for a week because my side effects were so bad. Doctors say if I would have been on Accutane one more week, it would have killed me. So PLEASE, be careful everyon .

Martin White - 02/18/99 15:22:32
My Email:Martin.J.White@bt.com
Gender: Male
Age: 36

Comments:
Sorry for yet another message so soon but after reading the views and comments of all you people with acney I think a bit of advice is needed here (not saying that I'm an ecpert or anything but as I seem to be one of the oldest) I use to be and feel the s me as all of you, I wouldn't go out sunbathe go to the beach or anything Ijust gave up untill I got taken to a Gym (of all places) by an uncle who saw what was happening to me, he gave me some advice which turned my world arround. All he said was "Build you body biger and better than anyone els then they won't be looking at your spots or calling you stupid names they will be looking at your Physique in admiration" he wasn't lying I am now a 13 stone Body builder and I have a better Physique than 90% of the so caled normal guy's I am not huge but people notice ME and not my Acne, as I stated in my previous comment I have found something that works so YOU DON'T NEED TO USE DRUGS THEY WILL NOT CURE THE SYMPTOM ONLY CALM IT. on an ending note: There is a cream that is not advertised which the best out of all of the Acne creams out there you have to use it befor bed after you have wash't it is caled ACETOXYL GEL 5 if you can't get that one there is an equivelent ask your chemisthe/she will know.

Martin White - 02/18/99 14:46:44
My Email:Martin.J.White@bt.com
Gender: Male
Age: 36

Comments:
I found it very interesting as I have had Acne for 23yrs but I have only just found something that calmes it down and clears my skin totaly the name is Tea-Trea skin wash and facial gel. the wash corrects the PH ballance of the skin and the gel is put thinly on any oily parts of the face and which slows down the oil production of the skin ....... and it works plus it is all natural plant extracts with no chemicals or proxydes to dry or bu n the skin.

FAVS - 02/18/99 14:24:40
My Email:STUART.FEAVIOUR@BT.BTM.CO.UK
Gender: MALE
Age: 22 (AND FEELING IT)

Comments:
DOES ANYONE THINK THAT THIS EXCELLENT WEBSOTE WOULD BENEFIT FROM A I.R.C. TYPE THING (SORRY WEBSPEAK IS DEFINATELY NOT MY FORTE) ANY GENIUS OUT THERE WHO KNOWS HOW TO SET ONE UP WOULD FIND A LOT OF NEW NET-FRIENDS (INCLUDING ME)! IT MIGHT HELP, ESPECIALLY WHEN PEOPLE (SUCH AS MYSELF) NEED SOMEONE THERE STRAIGHT AWAY THAT'S DEALING WITH THE SAME KIND OF PROBLEMS!!! ANYWAY, KEEP WELL EVERYONE AND ALWAYS, ALWAYS DISCUSS THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS WITH YOUR DERMATOLOGIST BEFORE TAKING ANY KIND OF ACCUTANE OR ISOTRETION - THE STUFF IS LIKE A SLOW DEATH, THE EFFECTS NOT REALLY APPARENT TO YOURSELF, UNTIL ONE DAY, SOMEONE TELL YOU YOUR NOT LIKE YOU USED TO BE, NOT GOING OUT SO MUCH, NOT SOCIALISING SO MUCH, AND WHEN YOU DO ALWAYS WORRIED WHEN SOME STUPID LITTLE THING IS GOING TO PUSH YOUR TEMPER OVER THE EDGE (AGAIN) OR SEND YOU INTO ANOTHER DEPRESSING BOUT OF SELF-EVALUATION ND PHILISOPHICAL DOOM AND GLOOM! SORRY IF THAT FRIGHTENS ANYONE- BUT IT'S BETTER TO SCARE THAN TO RECOMMEND (LIKE THE CAN'T GIVE A DAMN SO-CALLED PROFESSORS OF MEDICINE) HARSH, BUT OH SO TRUE TAKE CARE FAVS

PINA - 02/18/99 12:21:31
Gender: FEMALE
Age: 35

Comments:
I too suffered acne for over 10 years. it worsened as I approached my 30's. I used most topical treatments but they never relieved me of my acne. My mother had acne and so I always believed that my acne was/is inherited or rather genetic. This being s , I always thought that no topical treatment can really relieve me of acne. I've tried vitamins A and zinc, Obagi treatment (it's a peel formulated by a U.S. doctor), etc. but to no avail. My dermatologist detected that my acne was further aggravat d by the presence of fungus which thrived on oily skin. So for some time, she made me apply Nizoral to combat the fungus together with my tretinoin/Retin A treatment. But my acne was persistent: from mild blackheads and whiteheads to cystic during my m nses. To hasten the lightening of my scars, she prescribed hydroquinone lotion. But what these topical treatments did was just to minimize the number of acne. Say instead of 10 pimples, I'd get 5 nos. Acne became a part of my identity. It was frustra ing. At age 33, during my nth visit to my dermatologist, she told me: "You must be tired after all these years of treatment. You're over 30 now and you still have acne. We've tried everything except the last resort" . When she told me about Roaccut ne, it only took a second to convince me that this was the treatment for me. Since my problem is genetic, I just knew that something drastic was needed to alter my biological system or my sabaceous glands, which no cream nor antibiotics can do. Besid s, do we not get immune from antibiotics if we take them for long periods? At the time I started taking accutane, my weight was (still is) 105 lbs. and my derma prescribed 3 x 10mg capsules per day. I took this for 6 months. My skin started to improve n 3 weeks. Per my derma's recommendation, I stopped all creams and never went out without a sunblock. The only side-effect that I noticed was dryness of lips which was relieved by any lip cream and mild dryness of skin which was relieved by any face cr am. My skin was clear for the next 4 months from my last dosage. Then on the 5th month, I noticed that my face became oily and I got a few small bumps again. After experiencing smooth clear skin for almost a year, I got scared that my acne would retur to torment me again. My doctor did warn me at the start by saying "accutane cures 98% of the users.. let's hope you belong to the 98%. " On my next consultation, we both agreed that I'm a good candidate for a second set. So after a rest period of +/- months, I went back on accutane medication again, this time 2 x 10mg for 9 months. My last dosage was Dec. 97. On June 98, my face started getting oily again. My doctor agreed to put me on "maintenance dose". If I read correctly, in one of the post ngs, low doses for long periods are also being prescribed in Germany. Upto now, I've been taking 1 x 10mg capsule per week. I adjust to 2 capsules per week as I see the need then go back to 1 capsule. I intend to do so indefinitely. My face is back to being oily and I occassionally get small bumps but they easily respond to topical treatment. Luckily, I don't have pitted scars. My doctor prescribed a maintenance topical treatment of salicylic acid and tretinoin (alternating). Salicylic supposedly i proves the skin much better than alpha hydroxy and less harsh. My family and friends are thankful for the results on my face while my new friends cannot believe that I was acne-face or fungus-face in my "previous life." I'm going to have a blood test tomorrow just to be sure that there are no drastic changes in my blood system. I don't eat meat often and if I do, only chicken and fish. I don't take alcohol. I don't take birth control pills and have not experienced ha r loss (this is in response to a query in one posting about the possibility of hair loss to non-users of pills...). It is my hope that my own experience can assist other users or would be users of Roaccutane in their decision-making. The medicine is not for everyone but to those who want to give it a try, let my message be an encouragement.

A.N. - 02/18/99 09:04:35
My Email:aniekerk@spu.edu

Comments:
I just wanted to share my boyfriend's experience on Accutane. He started taking 40 mg a day aboutthree weeks ago. A few days after he started he had a terrible attack of unexplained depression. Last week they upped his dosage to 80 mg a day and sure enoug , another depression episode. He is now off of the drug because it was making him a different person. He was angry, depressed, suicidal, and irrational. Has anyone else had this experience? I will never recommend Accutane to ANYONE after seeing the way it completely changed my boyfriend's personality.

Darlene - 02/18/99 04:16:24
Gender: Female
Age: 31

Comments:
This is for Rianne. After reading your post it was like something I could have written myself. I feel just like you. Even the dentist and hairdresser part. I hate it also. I dread the dentist especially, because they are really in your face, all through y visits I'm thinking, that they're thinking, how awful my skin is! It really does affect your life and how you perceive yourself. I am always feeling self concious, always thinking that people are judging me. It's a terrible way to live. I had beautiful kin in my 20's. Now It's horrible. I have even felt suicidal because I feel so bad about myself. I wish I didn't feel this way.

S - 02/17/99 22:54:12
Gender: Female
Age: 20

Comments:
I just wanted to say how awesome this page is. Today is my very first day on Accutane and I'm supposed to take 1 pill (40mg) each day for two weeks, and then progress to 2 pills per day after that. (Is that usual?...I am about 130 lbs which is 58kg.) I have been reading a lot about Accutane recently and some stories I've heard make it sound like this 'cure-all' while other stories I've read make me worried that I am on this drug. I am especially interested in the issue of hair-loss...I have fairly lo g hair and it does fall out quite easily (since it's so long) and I am hoping that this does not mean that I'll have a higher chance of encountering this problem. Well, besides that, for those reading who are not taking this drug but are considering it, I figured that I would post my experiences starting from day 1 to give you an idea of what it is like for me...my acne isn't _horrible_ horrible but most of what I et are cysts and my derm is very worried about the scarring. I'll keep everyone posted about the progress along the way. I do have one question though. I think I read somewhere that this drug works by damaging your oil producing glands so that they don't produce as much oil? Is this true?? If so, does that mean that people will age faster? And does anybody know how this rug affects Asian skin in particular? Thank you all.

Rianne - 02/17/99 15:47:44
Gender: Female
Age: 34

Comments:
I just had to write again - to try and find out if anyone feels exactly like me in "social situations". I have just come home from a visit to the dentist and whilst having my teeth checked ALL I am thinking about is what the dentist and the dental nurse re thinking while they gaze at my "beautiful" skin! I honestly think that having acne and acne scarring really is debilitating and influences so much of how we think and act. I try to appear as confident as I can and take care of my appearance - i.e. cl thes, hair, diet, etc. I am certainly NOT obsessed with my looks, I KNOW we can't all be perfect. I have lots of hobbies and interests, friends, a decent social life, a job and family - so I know I am lucky in that respect. However, my skin just seems o drag me down SO MUCH. I find that when I am invited to something like a wedding, family get-together, party or whatever, I just "hope beyond hope" that my skin won't look TOO bad on that particular day. I can buy myself a new outfit, have my hair done (which is another nightmare because I HATE to sit in front of the hair-dressers mirror with my hair wet and scraped back - no "curtains" of hair to hide behind and revealing my poor face), put my make-up on BUT STILL I can't get away from my face being co ered in scars/spots. It's impossible to get away from them really. When I've talked to close friends and family about my situation they sympathise but really don't know how to help. I rarely talk about it anyway - (1) It is embarrassing and who WANTS to draw anyone's attention to the thing you want them least to look at!!! (2) I know that usually they'll come up with some kind of "solution" i.e. their son/daughter had bad skin and used so and so, etc. etc. I guess people "mean well" BUT.....!!! I thin this "acne thing" makes you sometimes feel so very alone. There are days when I just don't want to leave the house. Sometimes children, if you're sat next to them, will comment on my skin - and when you are in a room full of people you just don't know here to put yourself. I find that after a situation like that everyone is extra-specially nice to me!! I know they "feel" for me, but it's hard when people feel sorry for you!! I don't want that - I just want a reasonable - (REASONABLE will do!!!) - com lexion. Today my skin looks especially bad. It's been so greasy and spotty these last weeks that I've virtually stripped it with gels and creams in an attempt to dry it out. BUT NO!!! It doesn't look any better!! Now I have dry, irritated and angry s in AND the spots and marks - which seem to look worse when you're skin has been dried out like this. Some days are better than others and I can "cope" reasonably well - but today I'm on the floor!!! I feel so low about my skin....I can't describe how lo . I just feel like crying all the time - but I'm trying to conquer that feeling. I know there are people much worse off and in dreadful situations, I just can't help feeling like this at the moment. I'm so glad I found this web site because I don't kno what I'd do without it. All the other info I've managed to get through web sites is just "general" acne information and I could qualify in dermatology already - I've read SO much about it and seen just about every doctor and specialist possible! This s te seems to be unique because it really gives such a good insight into real feelings of people with acne and the problems that go along with it. Does anyone know of any other sites like this? PLEASE write and let me know if you do. Sorry for rambling o ....I just needed to "talk" to people who understand. I can't believe that in 1999 we don't have a 100% cure for acne. When I read through the stories on this web site it just brought home the lengths that we are prepared to go to - there have been time when I would have taken pure POISON if it would have cleared my skin!!! If there is anyone out there who has just read this and feels the same way as I do today - i.e. ROCK BOTTOM - please write onto this web - I feel so alone at the moment. Also if any ne knows of any other web sites like this - where we can all share our skin problems and trials and tribulations! Lots of best wishes to you all.

sue - 02/17/99 13:08:44
My Email:s.l.wiltshire@sms.ed.ac.uk
Gender: female
Age: 33

Comments:
I found most of the comments positive, though I was on it for 6 months 30mgs per day and have awful side effects coming off it. Pains in chest, palpitations and panic attacks - and more. I am concerned to know whether any one else has these, as stories ave been in the papers recently. I would advise against taking it. My side effect were minimal whilst taking it, however. I am currently persuing this with my dermatologist.

A.N. - 02/17/99 10:01:43
My Email:aniekerk@spu.edu

Comments:
My boyfriend took Accutane for a few weeks and today his psychologist took him off of it because it was causing him to have these horrible fits of depression and anger. Has anyone else had this problem? And is there anything else he could take that won't ause the depression? His skin needs the help but Accutane is definitely not the right thing for him!!!!

Sean - 02/16/99 19:19:29
My Email:Sean0974@aol.com
Gender: Male
Age: 24

Comments:
Hi all someone with a screen name beginning with M wrote to me recently and i accidently deleted the e mail soz . Could u please write back and i will definately respond . Has anyone who took accutane years ago still got permanent side effects such as d y skin ? Anyone ever tried aveeno , moisturel , purpose or lubriderm creams ? I took it 5 years ago and still have dry irritated skin . I think the stuff is fucking brutal and should be banned right now before anyone else gets hurt . Anyone with similar v ews please contact me .

Catherine - 02/16/99 18:57:16
Gender: Female
Age: 23

Comments:
Please could you put this on the Web page, I cannot get through.This is not my e-mail address. Thanks great page, I could've done with this when I was 14. When I was 19 after taking Minocycline for 3 years continuously I started to develop severve joint pain in every joint, even my jaw. I could not move properly, walk or eat properly. I was told to take anti-inflammatories and co-proxamol, but told to remai on the Minocycline. After changing my G.P. 5 months later I was told to stop, however the joint pain continued for another 5 months, when I discovered from News reports that Minocycline can cause joint pain and Liver disease(fatal in two cases).I have be n searching the Internet for information about this side effect but with no luck, did anyone else suffer from this? P.S. I am now on my last two weeks of a 5 month course of Roaccutane, My Prof. says it has worked but I can still see spots and reddish ski , but at least now I can eat chocolate and drink Southern Comfort!!

richard - 02/16/99 10:23:52
Gender: male
Age: 26

Comments:
hi everbody, could someone tell me at what week into treatment with roaccutane has it started to work for you, i have only recently started to see any noticeable effects now, and i am in my 11th week of treatment, thanks.

- 02/15/99 15:57:21
Age: 35

Comments:
Hello all, In response to Jason Sippel, the rash on the back of your hands could be due to sunlight. Maybe while you are driving? Are the tops of your hands catching the sun rays.

Jason Sippel - 02/15/99 13:30:40
My Email:jasace@dircon.co.uk
Age: 29

Comments:
Hi - I was thrilled to see so many stories about other people's experiences with Accutane. I have been on the drug for approximately 5 weeks, initially on 60mg then reduced to 40mg as my liver function was slightly elevated on my first check-up; this on o ly 3 glasses of wine during the entire month! For those of you considering drinking while on the medication, my suggestion is don't. I don't know what others have heard, but in the words of my GP : "Don't so much as breathe alcohol fumes as you walk pas a pub." My side-effects are pretty common: horribly chapped lips, slightly "flushed" look, some joint soreness. One side-effect that I've noticed which I have not seen mentioned elsewhere is a red, scaly rash on the back of each hand. When it first sta ted, it moved so quickly that you could almost see it spread; cortisone cream appears to control it, but the rash doesn't go away completely. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this side-effect? Lastly, having read so much about negative sid -effects - the cross we bear to have good skin etc. - I thought I might point out some of the positive effects: eat healthier for fear of those elevated triglycerides, exercise more (ditto), lose weight (in my case anyway), drink less hence spend less. G od luck to everyone!

Andre - 02/15/99 12:21:34
My Email:andre@idx.com.au
Gender: Male
Age: 20

Comments:
ive been on roaccutane for 3 weeks now and have been taking 2x20mg tablets a day and have noticed no changes to the acne on my back and a slight change to the acne on my face my question is....... can i take any androgens with my roaccutane as a gym supplement? is there any site that can tell me what can and cant be taken with roaccutane? I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR FEEDBACK!!!!!!!!!

richard - 02/15/99 11:14:38
Gender: male
Age: 26

Comments:
i have had mild persistent acne for the past 7 years, and am currently in my 10th week of taking roaccutane, only now is it starting to work, i have been on 80mg's a day, the only side effects have been the dry lips and dry eye lids, to all you people out there, please give the drug some time, my derm told me in the first weeks of treatment the drug basically just dry's your skin out,after which the drug acts to remove the spots, best of luck to everyone on this drug.

Rebecca - 02/15/99 10:53:27
My Email:Dingo_gal@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 28

Comments:
I have found the best stuff to help deal with the godawful scars that acne has left on my face!! YIPPEEEEEE!!!!!!! It is called Creme Intex No2, and it is put out by Ella Bache. Applied once a day, after a few days, you can see a difference, and after few weeks, the scarring is almost gone!!! It doesnt help with the actual acne problem, but I am hoping that a combination of roaccutane and this cream will make my face look and feel great :)) I will let you know how I go with it!!

Christoph - 02/15/99 03:40:44
My Email:kommissah@hotmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 29

Comments:
This is the message that was originally meant for Quinn. Anyway, I figured out how to submit it. Commonly the "full-blow" treatment with roaccutane using those doses that are suggested by the manufacturer is prescribed. This treatment may cure you of acne for many years but more likely for several months or a year only. Then the next treatment is rea y to follow up. In Germany roaccutane now tends to be prescribed on a permanent basis at low doses. This is much better for the patient's blood properties, the traetment is not accompanied by remarkable side-effects and the result is also "spotless". It also saves you so e money, if the health-insurance does not pay. The dose should be balanced out, e.g. it can be sufficient to take a roaccutane-10 pill every third day. This permanent treatment also can (and has to) be interrupted for 4 to 8 weeks every now and again. You will feel (and probably see) when to continue. Tell others about this more effective treatment and also ask your doctor about it. However, most of them still stick to the traditional treatment and have not heard about the permanent application. However, quite many are still reluctant to prescribe roac utane at all. If you feel it is worth it you may also post my message on that roaccutane-site I picked up your addresss. Do not know how that works. Good luck, Christoph

quinn - 02/14/99 17:44:35
My Email:quinnie_yt1@yahoo.com
Gender: female
Age: 18

Comments:
hey guys, i used accutane last summer and i've been off it for 5 months now, my skin was completley cleared, my face , chest and back were completley cleared unfortunately i seem to be in the 1% of people who has got back some of the bumps. I havent gotte any in my back or chest again but i get 1 or 2 on my face and i'm worried that it might get worse. Everyone says you have great skin,,,,but it's sorta depressing for me, considering that it was spotless just a couple weeks ago. I'LL APPRECIATE ANY FEEDBA K.

Cat Frost - 02/14/99 04:50:07
My Email:cat808@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 30

Comments:
Hi, I just started using Accutane 5 days ago. I don't seem to be having a lot of dryness yet but I have been drinking water (more than a liter a day at least) and trying to eat well. My acne has been not so bad for years and suddenly 2 years ago it just started getting worse and worse. I have 4 different kinds of breakouts and usually never go with out having something to try and hide. It has been depressing, debilitating, and just downright bad all around. I have tried topical creams and drugs. Accutane was prescribed by my new Dermatologist and he has been giving it to his patients for 15 years he said with wonderful results. I don't know about the depression thing but the idea that there may be an end to how bad I have been feeling is downright uplifting. To know there may be hope. And to read other people's stories (the good and bad) really helps. Thank you for makeing this site. I am so happy to learn that I am not alone when I feel embarassed and sad. I guess it wouldn't be so bad if it didn't hurt. Enoug

- 02/14/99 03:13:10

Comments:
For those of you troubled with pimples that heal and leave behind red or dark spots, perhaps benzoyl peroxide could help you out. You can buy this cream at your local grocery store (try Clearasil's product), which may help actually "bleach" your skin, ca sing the red and/or dark spots to fade. However, those with darker complexions (tanned or black) should take some precautions because benzoyl peroxide may actually affect the tone and pigment of the skin. This isn't to say that it will, but it's always ise to check with your dermatologist or a pharmacist. Also, Retin-A Micro, a less irritating form of Retin-A, is extremely effective in alleviating blemishes, marks, and it can also shed blackheads from the skin by loosening the outer layers of the skin. The skin then peels away, loosening the blackheads, which fall out, forestalling pimples. You should talk to your dermatologist about these products if you are seriously interested in them. Good luck!

Ann - 02/14/99 00:23:47
Gender: Female
Age: 29

Comments:
I am on my last week of a 5 month course of Accutane. I have had great results. For the first time in years I can go without wearing foundation or any coverup! Although this is my second time on Accutane (first time 10 years ago) I know it is working f r me. I was not properly informed on how to take Accutane the first time I took it (example: don't drink, always take after a meal, always take with milk, take at approximately the same time every day, try and finish the entire course (approx. 5 months), and never skip a dose). After reading many other comments on this page I realize that Accutane effects everyone differently. Some people it may work for and others it may not. However, I thought it might help if I shared my experience and daily regimen I have had mild to severe acne for almost 20 years. I had usually been able to cover it up and keep it somewhat under control with over the counter medications. However, 14 months ago I got the worst rash that started on my forehead and over 2 months ime spread down my face and neck onto my shoulders. This was on top of my daily breakouts. I was covered with little tiny bumps and a redness that wouldn't go away. I tried everything for 6 months. Every prescription out there except Accutane. The on y thing that got better was the redness (thanks to DesOwen cream). Within 6 weeks of starting Accutane things started clearing up, although it was gradual. Currently my only side effects are dry lips and nasal passages, also some minor hair loss. I wash with Alpha Hydroxy-Foaming Face Wash (morning and night) and moisturize with Loreal Plenitude-Accel A-3 (morning and night)(great for removing dead skin cells)and Loreal Plenitude-Active Daily Moisture Lotion (morning only). These are the only things I c eanse and moisturize with. I also drink lots of water every day. Just carry a water bottle around with you, it's worth it. Good Luck.

Nikki - 02/13/99 19:23:15
My Email:andchums@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 17

Comments:
Hello, I had no idea that these kind of sites existed, but it's a good thing they do (it appears I'm not the only person having skin problems - yay!). Anyway, I have a question that hopefully someone can help me with. I have acne (quel surprise); it's act ally quite "mild" (quote GP), but annoyingly persistent. Buggers just won't go away. At the moment, I've been on Dianette for 2 and a half months, but I've yet to see any improvement. On my last visit to the GP, I was randomly told that in 1or 2% of women the pill can have the opposite adverse effect, and actually INDUCE spots and hair growth (yuk), and you just have to hope it's not you. In other words, masculinisation occurs. Now, in no way was I warned of this possibility when Mr.GP prescribed the pill and I'm very worried, especially as my spots appear to be getting worse ( I also conduct hair checks on my body to see if I'm turning into a man or not). Our friend Mr.GP was very vague when it came to answering questions on this matter, and just kept sa ing "it's all very complex" ( hmm....). Instead he referred me to a dermo, but said that the dermo wouldn't provide me with roaccutane because my skin's not "bad enough". If anyone has any information on this aspect of the pill, I would be extremely grate ul, as I appear to be stuck in a rut; I don't qualify for roaccutane, and yet I still wake up in the mornings with horrible skin. Grrr.

Pete - 02/13/99 17:21:29
My Email:leyspm@nottingham.ac.uk
Age: 18

Comments:
Hello world. Does anyone know about Roaccutane's effect on redness of the skin? I wouldn't say I have a terrible spot problem now, but the dermo bloke said my face would become less red as my spots cleared up due to Differin Gel and antibiotics. He said that redness i caused by increased blood flow to the damaged skin, and that once your spots clear up this should get better by itself. I was considering Roaccutane, but some people seem to be saying that it's left them with clear, but red, skin. Now what I want to know (please!) is this: has anyones' skin actually become MORE red after a roaccutane treatment? Or, alternatively, has anyone fortunate enough to enjoy a miraculous remission also found that their once red skin has become approaching normal in tone? Please re ly if you have any relevant experience; my decision may depend upon it!

Amy - 02/13/99 17:13:04
My Email:snobaby79@aol.com
Gender: female
Age: 19

Comments:
Hi..I just wantto say that this web page has really helped me out a lot. I think it is great. I just had blood work done this morning for accutane that i will be takeing in about 3 days. My skin has always been pretty clear except for breakouts on my jaw ine which were controlled by minocycln. But about 1 month ago I began breaking out horribly on my cheeks. my skin would absolutly flare up. I have been so embarresed. ....Massage,yoga and meditation has worked extremly well with the flare ups. It calms your central nervous system which controls inflammation. I think that your thoughts can control everything, its the power of positive thinking. I know that I stress even more after a breakout which in turn breaks me out even more, but i have learned now how to breath away the stress and calm my nerves. I put all of my faith in it, although I am trying accutane, and will continue my meditation through out the treatment. Al o a thin coat of cornstarch on the face during inflammation works wonders.. Good Luck to you all. i will keep ya updated. Just remember to breath, this is all a learning lesson... Its not the destination that counts its the travel...were all on the same r ad.

Helen - 02/12/99 22:28:14
My Email:helen@brookes.freeserve.co.uk
Gender: Female
Age: 28

Comments:
I have a quick query for anyone who has been able to manage the spots that develop after an acne attack. I'm black so what happens is that each and every zit leaves a dark spot well after the attack has died down so that even if my skin is smooth, I stil have these horrid spots all over and they taky up to half a year to clear. I've tried using creams with hydroquinone but they are all extremely oily and this only makes me more prone to breaking out. It is a vicious cycle. Are there any hydroquinone p eparations out there that are alcohol rather than oil based? Or better still any other way to bleach out the spots? I read an entry for August from a girl that had used Ambi but again this is an oily cream.

Jason - 02/12/99 15:35:38
My Email:nocode1@hotmail.com
Gender: Male
Age: 18

Comments:
Accutane dosen't work as well as it claims, and the side effects are awful. My skin was clear until I moved overseas into a tropical environment, where my skin turned red and oily within a year... so, after i moved back here to the states, I went on accut ne for extremely red and oily skin, and have been finished since June of 98'. Sure, it clears up major spots and stuff, but these side effects are not going away. Now, my face gets dry ALL the time in the winter. And it's constantly red/pink throughout th year even though i've been off accutane for 8 months. Not too many spots, just really ugly, red skin. If this makes sense, the skin on my face, dosen't match the skin color of the rest of my body. My face is always red/pink, and the rest of my skin is a ale color. HELP! How can i finally return my skin to color god gave me? It's really weird looking to have a dry, red face and pale skin from the neck down. It is also weird, becuase my face is the only place on my body that is broken out. The rest of my n ck, shoulders, back, etc. is completely clear. Perhaps accutane fixed everything but my face. CAN ANYONE TELL ME HOW TO TURN MY FACE BACK TO A NORMAL SKIN TONE?? thanks. good luck to all of you.

Dee - 02/12/99 09:58:38
Gender: female
Age: 24

Comments:
Well, I have just finished Week 1 of Roaccutane - it has not gotten worse(thank god), but still not any better! My only side effects are dry lips and skin, that's all. I am drinking a lot of water throughout the day, which I think is helping me cleanse my system and helps a little with the dry skin. To Sara, I think I speak for everyone who has or has had acne at one point or another, that we have all felt bad and our self esteem and confidence have been greatly affected, but you must hang in there - You A e Not Alone - and thanks to this wonderful website, we are helping each other get through this horrible disease. Just give it more time and you will see better results coz we all react differently and some improve faster than others. Don't let acne take o er your life, you must be stronger than that.

sara - 02/12/99 02:45:00
My Email:sk_dis.yahoo.com
Gender: female
Age: 26

Comments:
I've basically had very oily skin with occasional breakouts that I cured with monodox and some cleocin. However, in 1997, I went on ortho-try-cyclen, thinking that it would help the excessive oil I was experiencing. Well, I had really bad side effects a d decided to stop taking the pills after 2 months. What a disaster, I started breaking out in cystic acne which I never had before. Well, I'm almost on my 10th week of accutane, just upped to 60 mg, (105 lb), and I'm still breaking out!! I'm so scared hat if I finish this treatment I will just breal out again. I don't feel like the same person and feel as though this disease has taken over my life. I do not like going out anymore and do not have any self-confidence. Thanks for the opportunity to jus vent.

Dea - 02/12/99 02:23:03
My Email:al@lal.uk
Gender: female
Age: 29

Comments:
Whatever you do DONT TAKE accutane! It has destroyed lives!!!!

Rianne - 02/11/99 22:22:43
Gender: Female
Age: 34

Comments:
I'm here yet again! Is there anyone out there who knows of anything I can do about deep "pitted" acne scars? They (as well as the acne) are making my life such a misery. I've had dermabrasion operations, collagen injections and several courses of Retin A treatment and my skin is still full of pitted marks. The skin on my face looks such a terrible mess, full of deep dents and these scars cannot be covered by make-up at all. I'd reeeeally appreciate any help or advice.

Helen - 02/11/99 21:00:34
Gender: Female
Age: 28

Comments:
Just a quick note to Kelly to say thanks for suggesting I change my GP (I didn't know I could). Wish me luck!

Fay - 02/11/99 13:03:06
Gender: Female
Age: 38

Comments:
I have finished a four month course of Roaccutane of just 30mg a day with huge success and very little side effects apart from dry lips and dry skin. I have sufferred with acne all my adult years and Minocin etc which helped gave me thrush. My dermo sai that huge dosages were unnecessary if you took the drug with your fatiest meal of the day, as more of the drug is absorbed with fat. It certainly worked for me and I now have the clearest skin I have ever had.

Kelly - 02/11/99 03:15:00
Gender: Female

Comments:
This is in response to the girl that is becoming fustrated with her GP. Not only was my GP insistent that she could cure my acne. But when I finally convinced her to refer me to a dermatologist, she would only allow me 1 or 2 visits. After switching de matologists,(and GP's) the fourth one finally agreed to accutane. My problem is also not severe, just stubborn. I am trying chemical peels first. If that doesn't clear it up (after all the medications I have tried), I will then try accutane. But at le st I know he agrees with me. Switch doctors as soon as you can! P.S. When you do switch, be sure to bring in your past medications.

Helen - 02/11/99 01:53:59
My Email:helen@brookes6.freeserve.co.uk
Gender: Female
Age: 28

Comments:
I've sort of stumbled across this web site and I'm thrilled and disturbed at the same time. I'm thrilled to have finally found such an excellent source of information about Roaccutane (use from a personal point of view). What I'd like to know is how com everyone is on Roaccutane but me? Do you all live in America or what? I've tried to get my GP to get me on Roaccutane for the last three years in vain. I've had mild but persistent acne for the last 15 years, I've had no scarring yet but my elder sist r has and I'm terrified of getting the same scarring she has. I've run the gaunlet of creams, antibiotics, potions and magic with no success. I went to the Medicentre at Victoria hoping to get Roaccutane privately but they said all they could do is refe me to a dermatologist. I imagine that would be extremely expensive as it would be private. I can't get my GP to refer me because he thinks I'm being petty. I'm going insane. (I think I'd better calm down coz stress makes acne worse). Please let me kn w how I can get on Roaccutane. I am healthy, not prone to depression, do not mind having dry skin (dry skin!) and do not drink so I think I can handle the side effects. Please e-mail me or reply on this page.

Concerned Mom - 02/10/99 21:00:55
My Email:harly@compusmart.ab.ca
Gender: Female
Age: not too old

Comments:
Hi, just thought I would update you and let you know that I got some additional information from my pharmacist from Roche pharmac... on abnormal mensos. (missed or irregular periods). It seems they do know that this medication causes some problems with he menstral cycle, they weren't very informative, they realize that most women on this medication are also on the birth control pill and they also feel that perhaps the pill is regulating the periods and those not on the pill are having missed and irregul r periods. I guess missing a few months isn't so harmful, accutane is working great for my 14 year old. After two months she has only red marks left on her face, and an occasional pimple. 100% improvement so far. I have thought of letting Roche know a out this web site and then maybe they would be more aware of the side effects of this drug after reading everyone's comments. To the fellow who wrote in asking at proactive, we did try that, it seems to help a little, but everyone is different. It is pr bably worth a try. It was about $50.00 for one months supply.

Rianne - 02/10/99 19:44:35
Gender: Female
Age: 34

Comments:
Me again! I'm just wondering, whilst reading through the latest entries, why there are letters missing in some of the words!? I remember typing it correctly and now there are letters missing from my contribution too! Unfortunately it now reads quite si ly - SHOULD read "bumps" and "counter" - NOT what is printed! Still, a great web site though and I wish I'd known about it earlier. Best wishes to all who read and join this site and hopefully we'll all be able to help each other through this and maybe et to the source of what is CAUSING our acne!!

- 02/10/99 14:47:43

Comments:


Favs - 02/10/99 14:08:55
My Email:stuart.feaviour@btm.bt.co.uk
Gender: Male
Age: 22

Comments:
I was wondering if anybody out there had succesfully taken there medical establishment to court and proven that Roaccutane has had a detrimental effect on their life, mainly depressive bouts and bad temprement (to the point of voilence against walls, door and other handy household objects!). I tried to commit suicide in September after a particular bad spell - nothing was particularly wrong with my life - I had a reasonable job and a decent enough place to live - but i could not shake the way that I felt bout life (the pointlessness of it all etc etc) However, I stopped taking Roaccutane in July/August 1998, so still have no idea whether or not it is still affecting me....my GP is no particular help with regards to this matter and referred me to a solicitor! Anyway - if anyone has any information with regards to the legality's, I would be really grateful if they could e-mail me Thanks!!

Carla - 02/10/99 10:37:51
My Email:vonhoesslinc@aecibio.co.za
Gender: Female
Age: 23

Comments:
Hi, my name is Carla I am a 23 year old South Afican Female. When I was about 15/16 years old I started to develop a few pimples, but I wouldn't describe it as bad acne. I used to get the pimples mostly when I was under stress or during those "bad" tim s during each month. I would like to tell people my story about Roacuttane!! When I had had enough of the "few spots" on my face, I decided to go to my GP and ask for some help. My GP put me on the Pill, but that made me sick. During this time I was washing my face everyday with special facial washes, toners etc. The second time I went to him he prescribed Roaccutane. Roaccutane should only be prescribed as a last resort! I was definitely not a last resort. I didn't know what was to follow. Had I known what was to happen, I would have asked for something diff rent. I was told NOT TO FALL PREGNANT and your lips might become very dry. I read the Warnings and precautions , but I never new I would end up feeling this sick. I would like to say one thing: Roaccutane Worked, but not without many bad times along the way. But, if the treatment was done correctly and the correct information was known, I would be alot better now. Doctors need to find out much more about Roaccutane before they prescribe it to more people. I did not know much about Roaccutane when I started taking it! After 8 months (Roaccutane should only be prescribed for a Maximum of 6 months only) of taking Ro ccutane I ended up sick in hospital. I couldn't move a joint or a bone in my body without going through agony every time. Needless to say, I got better, but NO ONE KNEW WHAT WAS WRONG WITH ME. 2 years later I thought I was over Roaccutane!! Surprise, Surprise - I was not! About 1 year ago I started getting sick. I started feeling dizzy, naseuos and shacky, everyday of my life. I went to 4 different doctors asking them what could be the problem? I was told I had "Gastric Flu", "A stomach bug", I could be a "Diabetic" nd I was also checked to see if I could be "Pregnant"! I eventually decided yo go and see a Homeopathic Doctor, and GUESS WHAT? I am not an "Alcoholic, but Doctor ran more blood test and my Liver looks like I should be an "Alcoholic"! All from the Roaccutane. Due to this I now have to become a Vegetarian and only eat Fruits, Vegetables and Salads! Which I don't mind. The reason I have to do this is to clean out my system and my "Sick" Liver. If I don't I could end up with no Liver! I would not have ended up like this if I was given the right information and if more information was known about Roaccutane. After I was on Roaccutane I should have gone on a "Detoxifying program" to clean out my system and my Liver. So if you are going to take Roaccutane, PLEASE PLEASE, make sure you know all about it and that you live healthily and that you clean your system afterwards. BELIVE ME, YOU DON'T WANT TO GO THROUGH WHAT I HAVE GONE THROUGH!

Jane - 02/10/99 02:30:44

Comments:
LIZ C - I also use Retin-A at night before going to bed and benzoyl peroxide (sold over-the-counter) in the mornings after I wash with Dove soap. Just a point of interest for you: My dermatologist informed me that Retin-A ceases working when it is expose to sunlight, hence the instructions to wear a sunblock throughout the day. She also instructed me to go right ahead and use benzoyl peroxide in the mornings because it can help aid in your acne treatment since Retin-A is so sensitive to sunlight. Howev r, never use both products at the exact same time; this is when Retin-A will be rendered useless. I also have a question for you: Do you use Retin-A or Retin-A Micro? I use Retin-A Micro and then benzoyl peroxide by Clearasil in the mornings to help rid my skin of blackheads. Things seem to be progressing. And for those of you out there who have n ver used Retin-A, Retin-A Micro is simply a gentler formula that isn't supposed to cause as much irritation as regular Retin-A. If you could answer that question, I'd be grateful. Thank you! - - Jane

Rianne - 02/09/99 21:59:19
Gender: Female
Age: 34

Comments:
I've just realised that I forgot to include something in my "letter"!! At one of my appointments (with a professor of dermatology at a leading teaching hospital) he mentioned that it was possible - because my skin was producing sooo much oil - that the M nocin MR antibiotic was being "washed out" with the oil before it had chance to take effect. He suggested that I take a slightly larger dose for a short while so the antibiotic could "establish" itself. I realise that we can't all take antibiotics forev r but maybe a short, sharp, shock treatment has more effect on the skin. Minocin MR seems to been the most benificial treatment I've had so far. Some other antibiotics (such a tetracycline) have not improved my acne at all. Maybe they contain the same ingredients" as Minocin but were not as effective because they weren't slow release capsules. Also helpful are kaolin "mud packs" as they seem to draw out impurities from the skin. Of course these will only work on blocked pores and not on lumps and bum s already there! Using lotions containing AHA's help a little too...e.g. Fruition by Estee Lauder. It won't totally alleviate acne (we wish!) but they help the skin look a bit smoother as they slough away the dead skin cells. I occasionally use toothpa te on spots too - only if I'm not going out anywhere!! It certainly dries any spots up without taking the rest of your face off!

Rianne - 02/09/99 21:02:43
Gender: Female
Age: 34

Comments:
I have suffered from acne now for over 20 years and throughout that time have tried pretty well everything to try and cure it. Combinations of diets, herbal remedies, vitamin supplements,a huge amount of different face washes and creams (many "over the c unter" preparations and also precribed topical gels etc. You name it - I've tried it!! I dread to think the amount of money I've spent), sun lamp treatment, acupuncture and a various array of antibiotics. I haven't (yet) used accutane and have been very nterested to read the stories concerning this. I think one of the worst aspects of acne is the legacy it leaves on your skin, scarring! Even when the acne is cured it's a constant reminder. At present I'm using Differin gel, Minocin MR and T-Zone Tea T ee Oil Gel Facial Wash. This combination seems to help quite a bit - it doesn't get rid of the acne totally but it chases some of it away!!! One of the biggest problems I find with topical acne treatments is the irritation effect that they have on my sk n. It compounds the problem because I find that they only treat the "surface" and not the underlying lumps and bumps. Therefore I have red, itchy and "scaly" skin on top of the acne!! Not pleasant! The T-Zone gel wash I find excellent and I wish I had nown about it long ago. It leaves my skin "squeaky clean" without irritation. I also use a moisturiser each evening because I find that, although my skin is ultra-oily it still needs some form of moisturising. I use a non-comedogenic moisturiser, Neutr gena make a very good one and it doesn't "clog" the skin. Most days I use make-up, mostly because it evens out my skin tone and makes me feel a little better about my appearance - and that I DO need!!! As my skin is soooo greasy I find that make-up tend to slip off during the day and usually needs re-applying. Also some types of foundations and powders turn an "orange" colour - I guess this is the combination of the make-up and the oil on my skin. One of the best "cover-ups" I've found is Cover Girl P wder Foundation in shade 1 (Simply Nude they call the shade!)- it's not too expensive and really helps hide blemishes without having that "caked" look. I have also started taking acidophilus plus (from the health food store) to try and replace some of th "good" bacteria that the antibiotics eradicate when destroying the "acne" bacteria. I also take zinc, Vitamin B complex, 4 x 2252ug of Vitamin A and have recently begun taking Propolis capsules (2 x 1000mgs per day). The Propolis is a "new idea" for me having read that it could help acne. I think all these things are worth a try and not as radical as maybe the accutane. I am considering laser treatment for the acne scarring but as yet I'm unsure. Has anyone out there any experience of laser-brasion? I have tried Retin A, collagen injections and dermabrasion in an effort to smooth out my skin but none of these were entirely successful. It's so very, very difficult to feel confident when you have acne...you have to have a very thick skin indeed to br zen it out!!! I'm sure research will eventually come up with new cures.....cures without many side effects hopefully.....for both acne and acne scarring. Meanwhile it's good to have a web site like this, the more people who write and the more informatio we can gather just HAS to be of help to us.

VGK - 02/09/99 17:46:36
Age: 25

Comments:
Dee: You can definitely wear makeup throughout your accutane treatment- you just have to find a good mousturizer. I like Estee Lauder's 100% Time Release Creme (in the jar) and I think someone else wrote that they found Elizabeth Arden's Perpetual Moust re to be good as well. My skin is only flaky in the morning and once I put on moisturizer I am set for the day. Tomorrow is my dermatologist appointment and I think that I am getting my dosage raised- I'll keep eveyone posted.

Betsey - 02/09/99 12:50:23
My Email:betsey68@yahoo.com
Gender: female
Age: 30

Comments:
Greetings! It's been 11 days since my last dose..very satisfied with the results so far and keeping my fingers crossed that the "monster" doesn't return! What a difference though..it's like turning on a light switch..within a fews days my lips were back t normal, redness of certain areas has disappeared, I don't feel lethargic and haven't had any headaches. Praying that my skin stays CLEAR, smooth and dry. Feels good to be back to myself again. Good luck to you all..have faith! :)

Dee - 02/09/99 12:37:48
Gender: female
Age: 24

Comments:
This is a truly helpful site, thanks. i have just begun roaccutane recently(almost a week ago)and I can't wait till it starts working. My skin and lips have begun to get dry. I was wondering if anyone used makeup while in accutane, as I connot go out with ut it, but since the skin becomes so dry, does it become flaky?

Annie - 02/09/99 07:19:36
My Email:BROWN1053@aol.com
Gender: female
Age: 16

Comments:
I have been on Accutane for almost a month now,and have yet to see an improvement. In fact, I would say it's worsened, but added are the side effects: dry, chapped lips, hand rash, back aches, slightly dry skin. The comments here are very reassuring;I rea them and know that things will improve. They couldn't get much worse! Thank you so much for this site - it's very comforting to know that others have the same problem. I'll let you know in a few months about my experience.Thanks!

Dawn - 02/09/99 05:30:45
Gender: female
Age: 28

Comments:
This is the greatest site! Wish I'd known about it sooner. I'm two weeks away from finishing my first course of Accutane and so far I'm very happy with the results. How many people had to do two courses? Someone mentioned that 1/3 of people do - yikes! Some things that have helped. 1)Kiehl's lip balm is the best I've tried. It's like $8 for a big 1 oz jar and I'm addicted. Anyone new to the drug should make sure they ALWAYS have some kind of lip balm near them. After a few hours without it you get pre ty desparate. 2)My face has been dry and I tried Elizabeth Arden Perpetual Moisture - tested it on half my face to make sure it worked and boy what a difference! It's weird using moisturizer after trying to avoid it for so long though! Vgk had posted that waxing should be avoided. I just read this in Allure - little too late. I wish Dr's would warn people about that. Accutane makes your skin thin out so waxing and even depilatories have left me with ugly red marks. Lastly, Joe mentioned Proactiv. There was a good article on it in Allure (Jan?) that made it sound really effective - definitely check it out. I think it was around $40-$60 for a months supply or something so it wasn't cheap. I'm hoping Accutane will mak it pointless for me to try it though. Good luck everyone!

Don - 02/09/99 00:05:56
My Email:yess@aol.com
Gender: male
Age: 24

Comments:
Hi! Just wanted to answer something I noticed somebody having written. She said that antibiotics could be dangerous for health and was glad she tried accutane. Well, the danger of taking antibiotics cant even be compared to the danger of accutane.

Rebecca - 02/08/99 04:36:59
My Email:Dingo_gal@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 28

Comments:
After reading through all the postings, it seems that many people are having to go in for more than one treatment of roaccutane. Is it normal to have to have more than course of treatment, and if so, what seems to be the average time between courses. I m rather anxious about having to start on the treatment at all, and if it means more than one course, then I wonder if it is worth it. All the side effects are pretty scary, even though they may not be common. I guess someone has to make up the statisti s of the bad side effects, and knowing my luck it would be me!!! Any replies, whether general or private email would be welcomed.

Carolina lince - 02/07/99 18:51:50
My Email:caropolis@aol.com
Gender: female
Age: 32

Comments:
I'm 32 years old and single, I just started taking accutane, my question is: is there some girls who after taking accutane got pregnant and their children are ok, without any birth defect. I know female have to wait to become pregnant at least one month a ter taking accutane, but I'd like to know if it's 100% sure that nothing will happens to a baby if the mother took accutane for a period of time. I hope my question is clear my English is very poor. Thanks for your help Carolina

Kristiina - 02/07/99 14:54:15
Gender: female
Age: 30

Comments:
Hi! I am 30 years old woman and I have been suffering acne since my early teens.I Have tried all kinds of treatment but nothing helped.( Sorry if my english isn't very good I hope you will understand anyway) Well as I said I have tried everything awailabl to cure my acne, not cyctic but very persistent. Now I am at my fourth week on roaccutan an I can see a huge emprowement on my face. At the beginning my skin got much worse and my face looked almost like "pizza" but after three weeks it has cleared a lot My face has never been as clear as it is now. Of course I have some side-effects like headache and very dry lips and my skin is peeling constantly. I think anyway that that is a little problem comparing it to that horrible acne-look. My dosage 40mg a day and my derm said that it will be higher after six weeks. Greetings from Finland Kristiina

- 02/07/99 04:58:00

Comments:
For the female worried about hair loss - All I can tell you is my experience. I have been on accutane for about two and a half months. I have long, very thick hair and I have not experienced any extra hair loss at all. However, since hair loss is genet c, I am very lucky. Both my parents have very thick hair and passed that trait along to my brother and me. As for the weight gain, the opposite has happened for me. I have actually lost a couple of pounds. But, you must remember that different people w ll react differently to this medication. Some say they clear up after justs a month or two. I am still struggling and am hoping by the end of my treatment I will have the skin I want. But, I'm glad I have tried accutane. All the antibiotics worked for a while and then stopped. They can also be bad for your health if taken for a long period of time. Good luck with your decision, but I say to go for it.

.. - 02/07/99 04:44:23
My Email:.@.

Comments:
To the 28 year-old man.********Hi! Ok, nothing seems to work for you. It depresses you. That is heavy to feel that way, there is help for that. You should go on counseling and maybe try antidepressants. It helps you feel better although you have your acne left. Then the next battle will be to "cure" the acne. If accutane has not worked 3 times earlier it wont work 4:th time either. Have you done everything? Sure? Have you made bloodtests to see if you suffer from hormonal inbalance, that you should do. Do ou drink 6-7 litres off water/day? Are you avoiding milk products. Eating enough zink, vitamin c, vitamin E, garlic? Are you vegetarian? These changes increase the chanses to be better. And acne is not fun to live with but life is much more than acne! Good luck, you will make it!

- 02/07/99 03:47:13
My Email:scorpgal@worldnet.att.net
Gender: female
Age: 28

Comments:
Hello again, everyone! I am the vain 28 year old lady who's worried about taking Accutane because of the possible side effect of hair loss. I was reading way back into the archives, and something posted by a person (who didn't give an e-mail address) re lly got my attention - he pointed out that women taking Accutane could actually be experiencing hair loss because of the birth control pills that are so often taken along with Accutane to prevent birth defects! That makes a lot of sense to me, since it i generally when a women STOPS taking birth control pills that the hair thinning will occur, and it just so happens that many of the women with hair thinning have remarked that it didn't start until they stopped taking Accutane. Well, in all likelihood, m ny of these women probably stopped taking birth control pills exactly the same time they stopped taking Accuatane, or between one and three months after finishing Accutane (when conception is once again believed to be safe). This makes so much sense that it's almost certainly the cause for the hair loss in at least some of the cases, but that doesn't mean Accutane is off the hook in all the cases. Therefore, I would like to know how many women who were NOT taking birth control pills have experienced hair loss while on Accutane. By the way, I haven't forgotten that many, many men seem to have experienced hair loss attributed to Accutane and my sympathy goes out to them - but since the biological factors are likely to be different, and since most men do no take birth control pills, I am mostly concerned with the experiences of women. Also, I am wondering if any of the many people using this board who have also tried Minocycline and or Doxycyline think that their hair or weight has changed in any way as a esult of these antibiotics. When I was on Doxycyline some suspicious pounds began rapidly appearing - I mean, all of a sudden I couldn't zip my pants! Now I'm on Minocycline and my pants fit again, but my hair has become unusually limp (though thankfull I don't think any has actually disappeared). And of course, while the Doxycyline cleared nearly 100% of the acne on my face, it did little for my back. The Minocycline cleared up about 70% of my back, but the acne is coming back to my face in full forc . I'm not an expert on antibiotics, but I'm fairly certain you can't take 2 at the same time to fix both problems at once. HELP! I want to get rid of this problem for good, without getting rid of my hair & without gaining all the weight I worked so har to lose. I don't expect a perfect world with no side effects - I think I can live with muscle aches & dry lips and I have good vision so I don't have to worry about being able to wear contacts, my blood pressure is low, my bone structure is extremely st rdy...and despite extreme financial & career difficulties I've never been depressed a day in my life - I'd probably be a fit candidate for almost any controversial medication. But I would be pretty darn upset if a drug I took to end a 15-year acne battle resulted in all sorts of other terrible things happening to my appearance instead. Especially if it didn't cure the acne! If you were me, would you risk it? Both public postings and private e-mail are always welcome. Thank you!

Kelly - 02/07/99 03:32:17
Gender: Female
Age: 33

Comments:
Back in November I wrote about how my rosacea was hopeless. I have tried everything excluding accutane. It is not severe, but persistent. I have since tried 2 chemical peels and retin-a, every other day. I can tell the difference so far. Not nearly a red, and less oily. I was told I would need a total of five (at $125 each session), and every six months. It has definately made a difference in my self esteem, and I just pray this is the answer. PLEASE know you are not alone. I sympathize a great d al. One's self esteem is so important. But think of your family and friends. They would be crushed and guilt ridden. Please get talk to someone.

- 02/06/99 20:30:05
Gender: female
Age: 21

Comments:
To Jessica - Your doctor should be monitoring you with regular blood tests even though you are on such a low dose. I am currently on 80 mg. per day. I weigh 113 lbs. I started on 40 mg., then to 60mg. and now 80 for about 2 weeks now. I have been on a cutane for 11 weeks. I still break out but the big ones are starting to dry up finally. This drug works differently on us all. My last blood test showed that my triglycerides were slightly elevated but the doctor is unconcerned at this point. However, I will have my next blood test in about a month. I have experienced no other side effects than the dry skin and lips. I would advise you to talk to your doctor about blood tests. Also, to the male, age 28 thinking about suicide, please get some counseling. There is no greater gift than life. Death is forever - acne is not.

Joe - 02/06/99 18:31:35
Gender: male
Age: 21

Comments:
Has anyone used the proactiv solution commonly seen on infomercials? If you're interested the web page is: http://www.buyitontheweb.com/buyit.cgi/hit-proactiv?;;Proactiv_com I am a university student suffering from acne, and I can't afford to try every drug that comes out. Anybody have luck with this proactiv solutioN?

Tim - 02/06/99 03:43:23
Age: 34

Comments:
I am responding to the man that wrote on 2-5-99 You said you were 28 years old, and have been on accutane 3 times going in for a 4th. I have also been on it 3 times. The first was the best I cleared up for about 1 year then I started having problems again. I have given up on accutane because my skin se ms to scar alot easier than I used to and I still break out quite often!! There is some hope, I am going to go in and have some Power peels done. They run about 300-400$ a visit and I will need about 5. They are like a lunchbreak face lift, they gradually remove scars and help the skins texture. As you get older your skin will not be as oily it takes some time. I would check into this before you go on accutane again, The doctor usally wants to make sure your off af accutane for about 9months to a year in order to prevent scarring. Please check this out.. As far as commiting s icide, I believe that if you commit suicide because of a certain reason you will have to live ;your life again but the problem will be 10 times as bad!! I dont think you want to go through this again. Hang in there it WILL get better.

- 02/06/99 02:28:19

Comments:
Please, PLEASE seek counseling if you are depressed. I am thinking of and praying for us all.

- 02/05/99 20:55:58
My Email:rheannes@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 16

Comments:
I began Accutane a month and a half ago to hopefully eliminate a case of mild, but persistant acne that has tormented me for six years now. It's not that my acne is particulary bad, but over the course of my numerous treatments it responded to absolutely nothing, as well as suceeded in making my life a living hell. Accutane came along just as I was about ready to give up altogether. I was wary of taking the drug at first, due to all of the side effects, but my doctor made it clear to me that people take risks everyday. So I decided to try and salvage my teenage years before I was too badly scarred. I will never find the words I need to thank the doctor for making the suggestion. As terrible as this drug sounds, it had helped me in a great way. My ski improved after about a month, which surprised me, after reading that it would take at least two or three months. As for side effects...I am experiencing many, but none too terrible to live with. Dry skin has been the most prevelant. At one point, my e tire face was a flaky, peeling mess. This was rather embarrassing as well as painful and disgusting, so I went to my doctor at once. He gave me a special cream called Acelovate (I think) which made my skin flake-free in two days time. Dryness still pers sts, but moisturizer takes care of that, and after having oily skin my entire life, is somewhat of a blessing. Ungodly itching was also making me quite uncomfortable, but I will sacrifice my comfort for clear skin at this point. Dry eyes also persist, bu I have been able to continue wearing my contact lenses for short periods of time. I have also been plagued by backaches, some rectal bleeding, and occasional bouts of depression, but because the list of noted side effects for Accutane is so long, it is asy to attribute any and all ailments of one's self to the drug. My point is that Accutane has been a blessing in my life and I've only been on it for a short time. I still do get zits, but they dry out and peel off in a weeks time. My doctor tells me hat by the end of my treatment, I will be smooth-skinned, which is somewhat of a far-fetched dream for me. And in response to the lady who is concerned about hair loss...I myself have a head of thick, long hair, as well as an abundance of hair elsewhere. I was very concerned about this potential side effect when I began the drug. I have noticed a slight thinning of my hair, but it isn't truly noticeable. I could even attribute it to the dry winter weather. The amount of hair loss is just a trifle grea er than that of what is pulled when combing tangles out in the morning. As for the thinning of any other hair...I haven't been quite so lucky. I would encourage anyone to try this drug if they feel their acne is bad enough, or, in my case, completely hu iliating and unresponsive. But first take the time to fully examine the side effects, and understand the drug. I myself have had great success in a short period of time, but doubt that everyone could have been so lucky.

L - 02/05/99 18:16:35
Gender: Male
Age: 28

Comments:
Once more i am going to the derm again and get a fourth round of Roaccutane. I used it 3 times before and he said that it would cure my acne but that was just a lie. I have to take the drug again because nothing else works. Over a period of 13 years i hav used now almost every antibiotic, cream and even 3 rounds of Roaccutane but my life is still a living hell. I totally agree with NINA and the things he said. I also do not go out and people who do not have this disease (like most derms) do not understand the physical and emotional impact. I have given myself an ultimatum: if this fourth round of Roaccutane does not work either, then i am going to kill myself. This is the only way to escape from this hell and maybe then i will be happy.

- 02/05/99 17:55:14
Age: 25

Comments:
I have been on 70 mg per day and have experienced no hair loss and no hair thinning. The people that I know who have been on accutane haven't either. Nonetheless, it is possible.

Jessica - 02/05/99 16:19:32
My Email:jessicaperez89@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 22

Comments:
I've started using Roaccutane a week ago and I have a lot of questions about it. I think this site is a big help, but I got scared when I read about all the side effects that some people experienced. I have acne since I was 12. It was not very severe, but persistent. My dermatologist gave me topical antibiotics (with erythromycin or clyndamycin) and it worked. Between 15 and 16 my skin was almost clear. But then it got really worse. And I started gett ng some scars. Then my derm started peeling treatments every 3 weeks. My skin improved, even after the treatment (and I kept using glicolic acid every night). Now my acne is mild, but I have a lot of blackheads, and an occasional zit. I've never tried oral antibiotics, or Diane 35, and I thought my new dermatologist would recommend me that. I didn't know what Roaccutane was, and my doctor only told me that I could not get pregnant and that I would feel my lips very dry. I didn't know a out the other side effects. And I felt worried when, after 4 days, my skin was very dry and red. It was like a severe sunburn. My derm then said it was normal. But then I found this page and discovered the other side effects. I am only taking 10 mg/day (I weight 44 Kgs). I thing I am the one (on this page) with the lowest dosage. It is combined with two topical lotions (one with glicolic acid) that dry the skin even more - I had to stop with them these last days. I am not expe iencing other side effects. After a week I don't feel that my skin is better, only dryer. About the triglyceride levels, my dermatologist did not recommend blood tests, so I have no idea of what is happening. Should I talk to my doctor about that? Does a low dose combined with topical lotions work? Is it a way of reducing the side effects? Is here anyone else taking 10mg/day (for 3 months)?

- 02/05/99 06:16:59
My Email:scorpgal@worldnet.att.net
Gender: female
Age: 28

Comments:
Unfortunately, I have more time to decide whether to take Accutane than I'd like to have, as I currently do not have the health insurance to pay for it. Since I'm stuck waiting, I started looking into the facts. Can anyone tell me what the odds of exper encing hair loss really are? I've read figures from 10 to 13%, but is that more skewed towards men? Are there some characteristics that would make a person more likely to experience this side effect? I have extremely dry, permed and colored hair, but I lso have a ton of it & so far it has flourished no matter what I have done to it, no matter what medications I took or diet I was on, etc. I'm one of those brunettes who can pluck out 1 eyebrow hair and have 3 grow in it's place...and never mind how much hair grows in more embarrassing places than that. Is there any way to know if my risk of hair loss from Accutane would be lower than average, since I have so much growing everywhere, or could it actually be higher than average since it is already so very dry & Accutane is notorious for drying things out? Also, would starting out with 20mg per day (I'm 129 pounds), though it might not be quite as effective, dramatically reduce the risk of hair loss? I don't think any of the stories of hair loss I've read involved a dosage under 40mg. If anyone has any information on this subject, especially if you TOTALLY regret taking Accutane due to hair loss, please e-mail me! Even if you read this months after I post it, the information will still be useful to me, a it may be months before I can afford the medication anyway. I know this all sounds very vain, but some of you long haired women (and maybe some men) who have suffered from acne over many years may be quite familiar with the technique of hiding behind a giant mop of hair. It doesn't cure the acne, but it's gu ranteed to make it less noticable...and it's one treatment that certainly has no side effects! My hair is not particulary beautiful, but I'm extremely thankful to have been blessed with a ton of it, and I absolutely dread the thought of losing ANY of it. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks :)

Liz C - 02/05/99 00:47:31
My Email:escollins@mindspring.com
Gender: female
Age: 26

Comments:
Just wanted to let you know what has been working for me to clear up my acne -maybe it can help some one else. I'm not on accutane, but I do use retin-a and regular over the counter benzoil peroxide, and wash my face twice a day with antibacterial soap, (regular antibacterial soap, like Dial). The package insert for the retin-A said that using both benzoil peroxi e and retin-a at the same time "wouldn't work", and would only irritate my skin more, could possibly 'cancel each other out'. Well, I tried it anyway, and it's working for me. Retin-A alone wasn't working, and neither was the benzoil peroxide. Here's my r utine: AM (before work) Wash face with antibacterial liquid soap with one of those little face puffs, (more gentle on my face). Slather on benzoil peroxide. PM (before bed) Wash face again, and put on the retin-A. My skin *IS* very dry, but after awhile, it got a little better, or maybe I just got used to it. If it bothers me very much, I get whatever kind of moisturizer that doesn't give me a rash (I break out in hives from allergies), and pat it on, like after s ave. I don't rub it in, because it will just irritate my face more. I don't watch my diet anymore than a normal person. Caffeine, sugar, chocolate, etc., have no effect on my skin at all. i DO have Norplant, and that was what made my acne prone skin (which was managable) break out badly enough to get retin-a. My skin is kind of all over pink, but since I was so pale faced before, I don't mind it much. =)

vgk - 02/04/99 19:52:25

Comments:
I think it is completely TASTELESS and DISGUSTING that KMECO products has decided to capitalize on this webpage MEANT for people going through stress because of their acne. To MARKET a product on this webpage is taking advantage of the hopelessness many f the contributors to this web page experience. Someone who contributes to this page will most likely not be cured by over-the-counter cremes but may very well try to use them in desperation. I think it is very low-class to attempt to capitalize on that. If you are tempted to MARKET your product on this site I ask you to fight that urge.

KMECO INTERNATIONAL INC. - 02/04/99 18:31:35
My URL:http://KMECO.COM
My Email:KMECO@QUIK.COM
Gender: DISCOUNTED ACNE PRODUCTS
Age: 11-70

Comments:
WE PROVIDE AFFORDABLE AND QUALITY PRODUCTS TO TREAT ACNE. VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PRODUCTS. WWW.KMECO.COM

NINA - 02/04/99 00:33:09
My Email:secula@quicknet.nl
Gender: Male
Age: 20

Comments:
Let me tell this to everyone who reads it. Many people dont understand the problems with acne. People who have acne know what i mean. If you go outside you think everybody is looking at your horrible face. You are afraid to confront people (for me girls). YOu dont go out. You are trying to avoid any contact from outside. Well, i "cured" myself. It was 2 years ago when i first started taking Roaccutane. i weigh 70 kg and i got 30 mg. My first session was 4 months. My side effects were dry lips and eyes. But i could still wear my contacts. My face was perfect after 4 months. I did notice my hair was falling off, not much but it did. But the problem is, its coming back. After 2 months i came back. I took it again for 6 months. It was great, but right after i quit it came back again. Oh by the way about the alcohol, i didnt have any trouble with it, i was a drunk and no problems at all. For all of you, we are saying now, oh Roaccutane is a miracle it works its great, but DONT FORGET YOU ARE NOT LIVING A FEW YEARS, YOU ARE LIVING A WHOLE LIFE, so dont act strange when in a few (10) years something bad is happening to your body. Cause Roac utane is a NOT ONLY A MEDICINE BUT ON THE LONG TERM ITS POISON. Still this isnt keeping me from taking them. I am going to my derma soon to get them again, cause i cant live with this acne face. I look good without them, i feel confident , so rather being alive for 10 years without acne and being myself, then living 50 years from now with a acne face and being a person with an iron wall built around himself without seeing anything from life. So it s up to you!!!

Darlene - 02/03/99 23:48:38
My Email:smith1@netlane.com
Gender: Female
Age: 31

Comments:
Hi Everyone, I started accutane in october of 98. I am 102lbs and was on 40mg. I have completed 5 months and have one refill left. I decided to get it filled and take 40mg twice a week, kind of a "maintenance" thing I guess, until the package is all gone. Has anyone else done this without any problems? I had mild, but persistant acne. This drug cleared me up almost immediately. I've always had oily skin, and that went away. Unfortunately I know it will return. I had no side effects while on accutane, except for the occasional dry eyes. I'm a contact lense wearer. I really was afraid to try ccutane in the beginning. I'm glad now that I did take the plunge! Good luck to all!

vgk - 02/03/99 20:57:54
My Email:vk0001@unix1.cc.uop.edu
Age: 25

Comments:
WEEK 7: My face is clear except for 2-3 blemishes. My only concern is that my skin isn't perfect in the sense that it isn't flawless. I have blotchy skin (by no means blemished)- will this all even out? I know it is still early- but does this seem to e the general course of the meds? Notice to those who have their eyebrows waxed: Okay, it may sound humorous and strange but I got my eyebrows waxed the other day and it was a bad decision. I think that perhaps my skin is more supple while on accutane which is why the wax tore my SKIN O F! ewwww...gross! I healed fine but it was painful. So exercise EXTREME caution if you have any waxing done. My 100% Time Release Creme by Estee Lauder is still keeping away the dryness and the Vasoline is keeping my lips from peeling as well. Be sure to slather some on when you go to bed at night if you are self-conscious of the shininess. That's all for now! I am going to my dermatologist next week and will most likely increase my dosage- I'll keep you posted!

Thor - 02/03/99 17:27:42
My Email:ragnthor@islandia.is
Age: 34

Comments:
To Sarah and Peter. You both seem to describe a condition that I am quite familiar with. I was diagnosed with Rosacea in late 1997 and have been on antibiotics, metrocream and finally Accutane - with good result. I finished my five month long Accutane cou se three months ago and have been using 1% metrocream since, but my nose and cheeks are still pink/red as they got while I was taking the drug - due to dilated blood vessels. Accordingly I get very red when exercising for instance. I will be treated with photoderm laser in May - as the dermatologist performing the treatment wants me to wait half a year from the end of my Accutane course. Apart from this consistent redness my face is now clear for the first time since my childhood, I can shave without cut ing myself and the skin is not (!) as sensitive as it was. - If you are curious about Rosacea I advice you to read the newsletters from the National Rosacea Society. They are on the Net. Best wishes, Thor Jonsson, Iceland

Sarah - 02/03/99 13:41:04
Gender: Female
Age: 30

Comments:
This message is directed to Peter regarding your mention of red skin. I was told by my Dermatologist that this is a very typical reaction to Accutane. I have been checking this site fairly regularly from when I began my Accutane treatment in Jan 98 (fin shed June 98). It was interesting that some people commented on red skin (saying they looked sunburned, flushed,) while others did either not experience this side effect or were not bothered by it. I was very red while taking Accutane. A few months after I stopped the medication the redness went away. Now almost a year later I only get red (like a tomato) when exercising or if I flush. I am fair and have always blushed easily so I don't know if that contributes to the redness from Accutane. Also, I did have a mild case of Rosacea before starting the medication. On this site, someone commented that those with acne (vulgaris, congoblate, etc) who also have rosacea tend to get red with treatment. Now, almost a year after treatment my skin still seems sensitive. I used to burn a little and then tan. However, no I don't feel I could go out in the sun at all. I use a non-comedogenic sunscreen ecommended from my derm. as I am very active and involved in sports. I hope the sun sensitivity goes away. I am grateful though for my treatment as antibiotics were doing absolutely nothing and now my skin is very clear, not as oily with only the occasional pimple. I do have a few marks where my acne was the most severe but I'm sure they will fade with time. I would be interested in hearing of anyone else's experience with the redness of the skin side effect also. I used to go pink but as I mentioned with Accutane treatment it was a constant bright red (a little better in the a.m. when first getting up). After exercising I would get pink from exertion but now I am BRIGHT RED and it takes a while to dissipate. I would appreciate any comments! All the best.

Peter - 02/03/99 12:58:00
My Email:pkay@bigpond.com
Gender: Male
Age: 17

Comments:
I finished my course of Roaccutane about 4 months ago and have had little acne flare ups since. During the course i had dry lips/ skin, a little hair loss and a red/ pink glow to my skin. All was okay as I thought all of these problems would go away. My l ps and skin are no longer dry and the hair loss has ceased. However my main concern is that my once nicely tanned skin is now a pinkish colour and no longer goes a nice brown when I visit the beach. Instead it turns a brighter shade of red. I would like o know if any one else had/has the same problem and how long it took to return to normal? Or even if they did anything to reduce the pink appearance (moisturizing etc)? I have also heard of people on roaccutane getting hypopigmentation and wonder whether his is the situation.

Pamela - 02/02/99 23:49:08
Gender: Female
Age: 31

Comments:
Thanks Gillian...for such a fabulous site!!! and thanks to everybody who has contributed to it. I have suffered from severe cystic acne since my teens. Nothing I tried ever made any discernable difference: changing my diet,drinking tons of water,the pill, opical antibiotics,oral antibiotics,Retin-A,over the counter lotions and potions..etc..etc. I kept getting told I would 'grow out of it eventually', but year by year it steadily got worse. In my late 20's I commenced taking Roaccutane(as it is known in Australia) WHAT AN IMPROVEMENT!! The results were so good that I didn't bother to finish the entire course...however just recently my acne has returned so I commenced a second course of Roacc tane. I have had the same SUPERB RESULTS the second time around!! My skin is truly 'glowing'!! However, this is not to say I haven't experienced a number of side-effects. I find that the dry lips are easily managed with lip balm...I literally apply it every hou !!! More serious are the aches and pains in the joints and elevated triglyceride levels. I have experienced problems with joint pain ever since my first course of Roaccutane and this has never fully resolved. It appears this may possibly be a long-term s de effect of the drug for some people. I am willing to live with it. I manage my triglyceride levels with additional medication (Pravachol) and by remaining on a relatively low dose of Roaccutane (20mg a day for the first 6 weeks...just recently upped that to 40 mg a day). I only wish I had sought the help of a dermatologist sooner, instead of 'waiting to grow out of it'. I have a fair amount of scarring which might have been avoided had I acted sooner. Has anyone else considered having, or had laser surgery to minimise the appearance of scars?

Christine - 02/02/99 17:19:31
My Email:cdufour@brainerddispatch.com
Gender: female
Age: 29

Comments:
Thank you for this page. I was considering going on Accutane and now I plan to go on it. My cousin went on it 10 years ago and it cured her acne. The only regret she had was that she did not go on it sooner because it left her scarred, which she later had laser surgery to remove the scars. Anyway, she still has oily skin but she no longer has bad acne. She has even gone off the pill and has not had any problems with it.She is hoping to have children now. I realize there will be side effects but I can't wait. I start at the end of March.

Chris G - 02/02/99 04:12:43
My URL:http://www.frognet.net/~mrpants
My Email:maestropants@yahoo.com
Gender: Male
Age: 26

Comments:
Forgive me if this seems brazenly off-topic, but i have been surfing around and unable to find this. my question is, do they still print the little icon on the back of Accutane blister paks portraying a pregnant woman with a slash through it, meaning "hey don't get pregnant on this stuff!"? it's been years since i was on the stuff, so i of course no longer have access to it. it's been a few years so i don't even know if they still use this icon. If they still use this picture, i would really like it if any Accutane users with a scanner could send me a copy of it. I know it's a weird request but i can't find it anywhere! Or if anybody knows where i could find the picture, please let me know. Thanks for any help anyone can give!

Margaret - 02/01/99 21:08:23
My Email:dinatal3@adlibv.adelphi.edu
Gender: female
Age: 28

Comments:
This question is for Janine - Where do you get the cellugel? Did your dermatologist prescribe it or did you purchase it yourself? Also - has anyone heard of using " creme de la mere " for scars? I am on my second course of accutane and am not breaking o t anymore after 5 weeks. Just very, very dried out. However, all of the marks still remain from where I did break out and I am hoping that all ot the peeling will help them to go away faster. I weigh about 92 pound and am on 80 mg per day. I know that s ems like alot for my weight but the higher the dose you are on the less likely it is to come back. As I mentioned in a previous entry, the first time I took it I was on too low a dose and for too short a time so I relapsed. I did not break out at all the irst time I took accutane, but this time I did. Not alot in quantity, but the cysts were pretty big and are leaving scars on my face. Not really deep ones, but enough to upset me. Anyone tried anything that works for light scarring? Good luck to everyone ith there treatments! I'll keep you posted.

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