I honestly don't know what’s left for me. I have tried birth control pills, Metformin, low GI diets, Differin, Retin A, Benzoyl peroxide, oral antibiotics, a million other drugstore and prescription acne creams.

I am currently on Spironolactone which does nothing for my acne and I’ve been on it for two years this time. I quit the Retin A because it increased the scarring and the Benzoyl Peroxide causes premature aging – really cannot win.

I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, so the dermatologist I saw said that Roaccutane would probably not be suitable for me as it cannot treat the underlying hormonal issues. I can't deal with this anymore, my face is covered in scars and pimples and the end of the tunnel looks bleak. I’m almost 23 and I’ve had acne for 10 years now.

Is there anyone who has PCOS who has tried Roaccutane and had it work for them, with no reoccurring acne? I don’t really want to go on it if it’s unlikely to work. I have clinical depression as it is and don’t really want to go on the birth control pill again, as I had horrible side effects from every type I tried.

I was diagnosed with PCOS when i was i was 18 (i'm 25 now)-- i refuse to take birth control or spiro because both make me batty. antibiotics and lots of topicals will basically keep my acne pretty mild with occasional cysts. my derm suggested accutane recently because i've been on antibiotics for three years (and natural hormone therapy) without a single day of clear skin. he knows i have PCOS. He said it will definitely clear me and may buy me time until i solve my hormone issues or grow out of acne. I would definitely suggest working on the hormone issues with a doctor that uses natural hormone replacement therapy and does saliva tests... and possibly taking accutane as a last resort with the idea in mind that it will not clear you permanently, but may buy you some time to fix the hormonal issues.

My sister and I both have PCOS, and she used Accutane about five years ago with no problems. She's still clear right now. No, Accutane won't fix your hormones, but it could give you clear skin and give you time to find some other solutions for the hormones. I would definitely recommend seeing an endocrinologist for a hormone panel to get personalized recs, much like flb16 suggested.

Thanks for your replies.

I've been seeing an endocrinologist for 7 years now. The problem with Accutane is that you have to go on the birth control pill to take it which really messes me up and I am also prone to those brown marks you get from the pill, really don't know what to do.

Obviously if it's possible Accutane is the very best option.

Failing that... what sorts of antibiotics have you tried? I had fantastic results with 'Bactrim' (aka 'Septra'). Many other people have had good results with this antibiotic as well. As far as AB's go, it's considered the most powerful.

Other AB options are Minocycline, Tetracycline, etc... some people have some success with these drugs although I haven't personally. You have have already tried those anyway.

I have tried three types of antibiotics over the years, unfortunately it doesn't solve the root of the problem so basically I'm stuffed.

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Skye and others: this may not be a consolation to what you're feeling. But I've dealt w/acne for 43 yrs. I'm 55 yrs. old and "battled" with acne for the first time when I was 12 yrs. old(an inheritance from my dad:( Like yourself, I've tried tetracycline, bactrim, zithramyocin(sp.?), doxycycline, minocycline, accutane, bcp(Ortho tri-cyclen, yaz, another that I don't remember). As far as, topicals go I've used: fostex, clearasil, benzaclin, evoclin, differin, etc...... Currently, I'm taking 100 mg. spiro(first time) and 45 mg. solodyn ER(minocyclin), washing w/cetaphil and using atralin(tretinoin)gel .05%. I'm not thrilled w/taking meds. since I've taken so many in all of these years. However, I had cystic acne when I was 12-15 yrs. old. Then got it under control from 15-52 yrs, of age w/assistance of antibiotics, topicals, healthy diet or whatever. In the last 3 yrs; due to stress, menopause, depression, etc., I've tried blue light treatments, kenalog(cortisteroid shots....shot into cysts....clear up w/i a day or two), laser was suggested but it's not covered by insurance and is quite expensive. Believe it or not, I never had scars until 3 yrs. ago when I started picking at my face and ended up w/infection!! About a month and a half ago, when I first began the spiro regimen, my face & eyelids became swollen, red, itchy, and leathery(peeling) and my jawline itched as well. This was diagnosed as contact dermatitis and I had to eliminate washes, topicals, etc. to determine what caused the reaction. I still am not sure what caused it, but usually I have my eyebrows waxed. This time I had them tweezed, no wax!! I, too, suffer from depression, never diagnosed w/a particular type(another inherited characteristic from my dad:( My acne scars are on my cheeks primarily. They cause me to feel ugly, worthless, and are wrecking havoc w/my confidence level and self-esteem. I'm looking for job too, since I lost mine.
My friends are trying to be helpful by suggesting positive affirmations, positive thoughts, etc. But it's difficult for me to look in the mirror also. Acne treatments take time also....months!! Are you seeing a counselor? I started seeing one but didn't follow through with it. My thoughts are that she gave up on me b/c I missed my last appt. and another one a couple of weeks before that. However, we were going to begin something called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Basically, becoming aware of negative thoughts and journaling on how you felt while thinking them. I've also tried EMDR(Eye Movement Desensitization R(?)....can't remember the last word. It's used w/people who've exp. post traumatic stress syndrome. I've also tried hypno therapy. Mainly, tried each of these briefly b/c ins. covered only 8 sessions. These are just suggestions of things I've tried. Another option is joining a self-esteem support group. Good luck, Skye.

We're also often our own worst critics and "beat up" on ourselves for our teeniest imperfections. Acne is a skin condition. Just like eczema, psoriasis, roseacea, etc. certain skin types are more prone to irritations than others. BTW: Skye, your picture shows how attractive you are!! You look quite confident sticking your tongue out at the person taking your picture:)

Hi, I'm in a similar boat, except I've been taking Spiro for just 7 weeks (100mg a day) and was kind of hoping this would help, but as I've never had worse skin than since I've been on this I don't really think thats going to be the case. I'm also on 2000mg Metformin (been 5 months) for the PCOS and to try to get my periods back (came off pill in Nov 07 and since then only had about 4 periods). I originally came off the pill as me and hubby are ttc, but we have put that on the backburner to try and sort out my skin, as lots of medications can cause birth defects, and even if I wasn't on meds as I have no sign of ovulation so falling pregnant could take ages!

I used to have spots, more than any of my friends as a teenager starting about age 13, and tried the usual anti-biotics and gels - rubbish and useless! I went on the pill at 16 to lighten my monthly woes which did not improve my skin but didn't make it worse either. I came off at 18 and had a terrible flare up. Was starting uni and was so self conscious. I had "the chat" with my GP to put me on Dianette which I had heard was good and he finally did something for me which helped! I had beautiful skin for the next 3 years!

I got cocky and came off the pill at 21 but had to jump back on as I had a flare up, and tried more antiobiotics too, and from then until I was 28 I had so-so skin - nice on cheeks and forehead but cystic on chin. I have become an expert at covering up, but the ones I've got now even I can't handle!

And that leads me up to the past year or so where I came off the pill and have had severe acne, cystic, mainly on cheeks, chin and jaw. I recently turned 30 and wanted to cancel my party! Its so awful, I am also trying to find a job but know my confidence is at rock bottom, and I rarely like leaving the house! I have terrible skin envy - where I can't help but feel jealous of all my friends and strangers who have beautiful clear skin! I don't know why I do this to myself!

Anyway I'm going to another Dermatologist in 2 weeks as the previous one basically said because I'm not on the pill there is nothing left to try (lots of anti-b's & roaccutane can cause terrible birth defects if I was to accidentally fall pregnant). I just want a second opinion that this is the case.

My Enocrinologist said if the Spiro does nothing then I could move on Cyproterone (?) but this might really mess up trying to regulate my periods.....Oh its all so bloomin complicated!

I'm also going to cut back on sugar and white flour (starting Monday as I have big weekend planned!) so that then I'll know I'm doing all I can.

If anyone has any similar experiences or insight please share. I'm in Sydney where the sun is always shining but its not fun when you have to wear heavy makeup!!! xxx

Treat your PCOS and acne at the same time with nutrition. Try this site for info.
http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/news.html The link is directly to their newsletter archive.

I don't have PCOS, but I did take accutane twice and it did not help me one bit. Not even temporarily.