24 replies to this topic

[woteva]

Hey! Just decided to start a log to share my experiences and hopefully help others I know how helpful reading other peoples' logs has been to me...
I'm rubbish at writing these sort of things so sorry if it's annoying to read!
Anyway I'm an 18yo male from England, started a 4-month course of 60mg Isotretinoin about 2 weeks ago, I've had quite bad acne mainly on my chin and forehead for about 3 years..tried several different antiobiotics (Doxycycline, Oxytetracycline, etc etc) but nothing has lasted for more than about 2 months so decided to go for Accutane and now hopefully soon I will be free from acne! Woo!

So basically quite a lot has happened during my first 2 weeks, but thankfully I expected it after reading everyone's logs.
After a couple of days I noticed a strange sensation in my face, like I could feel the blood pumping around :S very strange, not something I expected but oh well, wasn't painful. Anyone else get that?
The dryness started to kick in around 3/4 days after my first dose, so since then I've been using 'Simple' moisturiser all over my face, which is great. Like others have said, BUY VASELINE! It is great to put on your face when you're at home, I have been applying it before going to bed, but do not use too much if any when you are going out because it makes you very shiney! I made that mistake and had a rather embarrassing day at work as a result!
My lips have have probably been the most annoying thing so far. I was a bit reluctant to put any chapstick on during the first few days of dryness because I didn't want to look like I had lipstick on lol but I wish I did because now I've sort of got cold sores which kinda makes me look like a clown (acne+clown lips=not a good look) lol I'm exaggerating slightly but do try and avoid this.
I can't say that I've noticed an improvement really..but I'm not expecting it to just disappear straight away. I don't thing I've had the inital outbreak that some people have described, I've had several.
I will admit I was a bit naughty and had a few drinks the other night, I had quite a lot (for me haha) but surprisingly I felt fine the next morning.
One piece of advice I will give you if you're just starting or plan to soon; make sure you give yourself 30 mins extra to get ready for going out because you really will need it. The whole dryness thing can be quite unpredictable so you need to give yourself a bit more time to put moisturiser on.

OK well that's basically my first 2 weeks..hopefully next week I will be seeing some improvement
Any random pieces of advice or words of encouragement appreciated!

[nutritiongal10]

Hey, just read your post, good luck with your course! I'm only on day 30 so it's not like I can offer that much of advice but I feel you on the dryness and the IB! You definitely need more time when your face is all dry. The Vaseline doesn't make your face break out? I'm always so wary to put new stuff on my face but I did try Aquaphor (do you have that in the UK?) and it hasn't made me break out so far, maybe I can try some Vaseline when things get worse. Btw, what part of England are you from? I lived there for a couple years and would love to go back, I think it's so pretty over there!

[woteva]

Hey, just read your post, good luck with your course! I'm only on day 30 so it's not like I can offer that much of advice but I feel you on the dryness and the IB! You definitely need more time when your face is all dry. The Vaseline doesn't make your face break out? I'm always so wary to put new stuff on my face but I did try Aquaphor (do you have that in the UK?) and it hasn't made me break out so far, maybe I can try some Vaseline when things get worse. Btw, what part of England are you from? I lived there for a couple years and would love to go back, I think it's so pretty over there!

Hey, thanks! Good luck with your course too!
I was a bit wary about putting vaseline on my face, as it is meant for your lips obviously, but I'm pretty sure it's fine to use. It doesn't make my face break out, but I guess everyone's different so I would just stick with that Aquaphor if you like it. We don't get that here in the UK as far as I know
I'm from the South-East..rather not say exactly where though, I'm paranoid like that lol..where abouts did you live?

[nutritiongal10]

haha, it's cool, I didn't mean for you to be telling me exactly where you lived! I lived down in Dorset and Wiltshire county, close to Bath. Definitely in the middle of nowhere so I loved a day in London!

[kazzday]

well done guys
i have also token the tablets i found the dry skin a pain too. have you been to your doctors about it? they gave me a big tub of cream called Epederm. you can use it on your face and your lips. i found it amazing but dont worry as soon as you finish your corse a week lator the side effects clear.

Hope the Epederm works(:

p.s im from Dorset too haha where abouts in Dorset?

[woteva]

Hey, so it's coming up to the end of my 3rd week now, just thought I'd do a quick update.
A few days ago I noticed that generally my skin was improving, and although dry it looked healthier and some red marks going away. But obviously as soon as I get my hopes up it just gets worse. I've got several new spots on my chin, and on my forehead, and mysteriously my chest is dotted with tiny little ones, which I have never had before. Strange. Anyone else get that? My back hasn't improved at all as far as I can tell. My face is bareable though I suppose, didn't ruin christmas or anything

The main problem I've had recently is dry, flaky lips and also really dry hands. I've been using vaseline on my lips and it really does help. The cold sore things I had before have basically gone. I haven't had any headaches which is nice, although I rarely get them anyway.
I've read a lot about this drug and I keep hearing 2 months as being the rough sort of time to expect a difference. Would I be wrong to assume that I will be a bit clearer around this time?
Sorry for the slightly boring and unenthusiastic post by the way, I'm quite tired..

Hope everyone had a good christmas

[F***Acne]

Hi dude. Good luck with your treatment. It seems we are almost at the same stage, 3rd week for me is this weekend where i move up to 3 X 20MG tabs from the 2 before.

Not that much has really happened to me in the way of side effects just yet. It sounds like you've had it kinda bad with the headaches and dry hands. I have however noticed dryness on my face too at this early stage. My lips are dry and a bit sore, although I'm not sure it really warrants any moisturising or Vaseline just yet. But I have used chapstick a few times before bed.

My face and even hair are certainly feeling dry though. I seem to make no natural grease/oil throughout the course of a day like I normally did before. ( A sign that it's working I guess so a good sign) My skin does feel enflamed and my problem areas for spots haven't necessarily improved. In fact, they feel like they have flared a bit but I guess that is to be expected with all the stories and experiences I have heard of.

Good things come to those who wait it seems.

Good luck and hope you see improvements soon.

[woteva]

OMG, 1st month over! And I'm really happy with the results so far!
Thanks guys for your encouragement I may give that Epederm a try I'll see. Good luck to you all.

Since my last update, I haven't had many new spots at all, and the ones I have had have dried up relatively quickly.
I've pretty much become used to the dryness, and know what to use and when to use it. I put Vaseline on my lips most nights before I go to bed, and still moisturize with 'Simple' moisturizer during the day. Usually I have to re-apply this because my face dries itself out again.
My hands have probably been the worst thing. When I come home from work the back of my hands feel like they're REALLY badly sunburnt, but it must just be a mixture of the dryness and the cold here. I've started to use Savlon on them, and they feel a bit better today.
The dot things on my chest are still there but are barely visible so I don't really care. My back hasn't improved yet though, which is a little bit disappointing but I don't really want to walk around topless in this weather so again I'm not too bothered!
One thing I do love about being on these tablets is that my hair doesn't get anywhere near as greasy as it used to. I used to wash my hair every day, simply because if I didn't, my face would get greasier during the day. And I have quite short hair! But now I only wash my hair every 3/4 days or so. Saves a bit of time in the morning
This week has been the best week I've had in ages, mostly because I know things are improving. I'm pretty sure I've had my initial breakout, so hopefully now things will just get better and better!

[Giselle23]

Congratulations on completing the first month! If you decide to use the epederm, keep us posted!

[temporaryism]

I'm looking forward to keeping up with your progress as well, woteva.

The bit about the Vaseline as a moisturizer for the face is interesting. How much do you use per application? I feel as though, with the consistency of Vaseline, it could be possible to suffocate the pores. It might be moot, though, because Isotretinoin is supposed to improve such problems of congestion.

I've been using a few drops of Jojoba oil added into my moisturizer at night and it does wonders. While it can be just as oily, depending on how it is applied, it doesn't feel too sticky or have a sense of weight on my skin as with other moisturizers. If you're still having issues with dryness, perhaps you might look into slowly incorporating some Jojoba oil and see what happens.

[woteva]

OK so it's day 36! Not a great week, unfortunately. Not unbearable though.

I've decided that instead of just rambling for ages, I'm going to summarise the things people might actually find interesting/useful.

-Got some new spots around my mouth area and my forehead, which seem to be taking forever to disappear. (but maybe I'm just being impatient)
-Lips are still REALLY dry which sometimes makes it difficult to talk because I feel like I'm going to cut them. I'm still using Vaseline on them every night and drinking plenty of fluid throughout the day. Still using 'Simple' moisturizer on my face during the day (not sure if this is available in America) which does a pretty good job of hiding the dryness- I like the way it looks on my healthy skin as well.
-I've stopped using Vaseline on my face, now only use it on my lips.
-A rash had appeared on one of my arms, which is slightly worrying. Hopefully it will go away soon, cos it looks a bit unhealthy.
-My hands have improved a lot since I started using Savlon on them every day. They're still a bit dry and flaky but at least they don't sting anymore.
-I'm starting to get quite bad headaches really randomly, but they seem to fade away after a minute or so. Could be dehydration? As I said though, I am trying to drink lots.
-The blackheads that were once on my nose have now disappeared! Yay! Didn't really take long for those to go, but I'm still waiting for the whiteheads etc.
The fact that I could potentially be clear in a month or so is very motivating

So basically, I think my skin is slowly but surely improving, fingers crossed it will stay that way!

If you're still having issues with dryness, perhaps you might look into slowly incorporating some Jojoba oil and see what happens.

Thanks temporaryism for your advice, I will definitely research that Jojoba oil. I stopped using Vaseline on my face because I prefer to leave my face dry when I'm asleep, but I still use it on my lips.

[woteva]

Day 45

I haven't really made any progress in the last week, which is a shame. Seems to be taking its time!
It hasn't got worse though, which I'm pleased about.

Anyway, here's what I've noticed:

- My eyes are starting to get quite dry: I feel like I have to blink constantly.
- A few new spots, which seem to dry up relatively quickly.
- My chin still feels bumpy, as if there are spots ready to emerge. Hopefully they'll go away. This is the main thing I'm worried about at the moment.
- My forehead is basically clear of spots, just looks unhealthy though from previous ones.
- My lips have not troubled me at all, which I owe to using Vaseline on them at night and Chapstick during the day. Great combination.
- The annoying rash on my arm has gone.
- Got a really random pathetic spot on my cheek! I never get them there lol. It appeared yesterday but has almost gone today by itself.
- Don't really know how anyones depression could get worse on this drug, I've been so much happier than normal just for the fact I'm on them!
- And my back is improving! It feels so smooth to touch now, same with my neck.

Thanks for reading! Leave a comment if you like! I like comments! lol

[woteva]

Day 54

This week was probably the worst I've had since I started Accutane.

- I broke out on my chin where it felt bumpy before and different places around my face which was horrible.
- Still getting new spots probably every day, mainly around my mouth area, some of which I'm thinking might be due to the Vaseline .
- Had a couple of nosebleeds.
- My eyes are still dry.
- I find myself constantly biting my lips because they're so dry and peeling.
- My back is still improving though.

It's difficult to remain optimistic when you're seeing barely any improvement. Hopefully next week I'll be a bit happier.

[nutritiongal10]

Hey! I'm sorry to hear things aren't going so well right now! I totally know what you're feeling because I'm on day 70 today and my face isn't getting any better! As for the dry eyes, mine are so dry I can barely wear my contacts anymore. I actually had to go see the doctor because they were causing me so much discomfort. My eye doc recommended the brand Refresh, which I don't know if you have over there, but maybe that's worth a try? Have you tried brushing your lips with your toothbrush? I know that might sound weird but it helps get off the dead skin and my lips always feel a ton better afterwards! You could always use a washcloth if you don't want to use your toothbrush. Also, although I don't get nosebleeds, my husband does and he says a humidifier works wonders. We always keep it on during the night and he hasn't gotten a nosebleed since. I know things are tough right now and it seems like there's no end in sight, but at least this is temporary and in a couple of months things will be so much better! And it's so much better to be getting it out of the way now! So good luck and I hope things start taking a turn for the better soon!

[woteva]

Hey! I'm sorry to hear things aren't going so well right now! I totally know what you're feeling because I'm on day 70 today and my face isn't getting any better! As for the dry eyes, mine are so dry I can barely wear my contacts anymore. I actually had to go see the doctor because they were causing me so much discomfort. My eye doc recommended the brand Refresh, which I don't know if you have over there, but maybe that's worth a try? Have you tried brushing your lips with your toothbrush? I know that might sound weird but it helps get off the dead skin and my lips always feel a ton better afterwards! You could always use a washcloth if you don't want to use your toothbrush. Also, although I don't get nosebleeds, my husband does and he says a humidifier works wonders. We always keep it on during the night and he hasn't gotten a nosebleed since. I know things are tough right now and it seems like there's no end in sight, but at least this is temporary and in a couple of months things will be so much better! And it's so much better to be getting it out of the way now! So good luck and I hope things start taking a turn for the better soon!

Thanks for all your advice, I really appreciate it. I think my eyes are bearable at the moment, but if they get worse I will have a look out for that Refresh. I tried brushing my lips last night and it felt weird lol but I think it has made a difference. Regarding nosebleeds, I haven't had one for like a week now, which is good. My nose is really runny though, it's so annoying especially at work. I guess that's more to do with the cold though. I keep on blaming little things on Accutane lol. Paranoid!


Since my last update, my skin hasn't improved really, I'm still getting new spots grrr. Worryingly, whenever I have to stretch to reach something, it really aches in my lower back. Does anyone who's reading this know if this sort of thing goes away after finishing the course?

[woteva]

I just thought I would mention that I think I'm starting to see improvements! I don't think I've had any spots appear on my chin for a week now which sounds rubbish but I used to get probably 1+ new a day before!
Also, I am definitely a lot happier , only a couple of weeks ago I felt soooo crap and just wanted to stay indoors all the time...it really is a rollercoaster ride on these drugs, one week you're breaking out and feeling so down all the time and then the next things start to improve and you feel so much better.
I've just realised- I started Accutane 2 months ago to this day Let's hope things carry on getting better for the rest of my course (my derm put me on 4 months).
So yeh, 2 months in and things are getting better..finally

[woteva]

OK, I think I'm on day 80 now...seems like sooo long ago I took my first pill!

Since I last posted, my skin hasn't improved much if at all. It just seems like everything has slowed down. I'm still getting new spots, just less often. I suppose this is good because it gives it time to heal, but I don't feel happy yet about the way I look. I just looked back at some photos I took on day 1 of my course and I did have way more red marks than I do now, so I'm kinda happy about that. I would recommend to anyone that is about to start, to take pictures every week or so, because you might forget how bad it was.

My lips have been sooo bad recently, and I'm 80% sure it's because I didn't use Vaseline for a while. I just stopped putting it on my lips for like a week and they became flakey and horrible, and now they are really red and sore because I kept biting them (I can't stop myself!!). I started putting Vaseline on again yesterday though, so I expect they'll look a bit healthier in a few days.

Can't wait til I finish...only 5 weeks left! I will not be happy if I'm not clear by then!! I wouldn't be surprised if I'm not though..

[temporaryism]

Keep it up. I'm sure things will get better, surely but slowly.

[woteva]

Day 103 I think.

Well, I kind of have bad news and good news.

GOOD- My face is looking sooo clear. I love it. I haven't had a new spot on my face for several weeks now I would say, and the red marks are slowly but surely starting to fade . I took pictures today and where usually I would easily see loads of red marks and blackheads etc, it is lovely and healthy and smooth. It is definitely not perfect but it has improved sooo much!

BAD- I went to see my dermatologist last week and she has increased the length of my course by at least 2 months because I haven't COMPLETELY stopped getting spots (on my back anyway). This is a shame but in the end I guess it is better to be safe than sorry- I would rather take the tablets for a couple more months than possibly have acne come back like it was before .

As far as side effects goes, I'm basically used to it. Obviously I still get really dry skin, particularly on my face and hands, but I've just been using moisturiser every day and night which helps a lot.
As many others have said, get Vaseline! You only need a small pot and it lasts you ages! I put some on my lips every night and my lips probably look better now than they did before I started my course! I would recommend Chapstick during the day, just put some on quickly when you need to. It doesn't make you look like you have lipstick on, trust me!
I don't get the aching joints thing fortunately, but I have had a few nosebleeds.

Overall though, things are going quite well!

[woteva]

I have almost clear skin! Woo!
Apart from literally a couple of random spots (which go away really quickly anyway) I've had NOTHING. I don't have to wake up in the morning and worry about it now, and I feel so much more confident in myself.
The side effects from the drugs can be really annoying at times, especially the dryness of my lips. Overall though, it has been worth it. I just looked back at some pictures I took from the first couple of months on the course and my skin looks terrible. It made me wonder how I coped.
Apart from the normal side effects, some weird patchy scab things appeared on part of my arm which are taking ages to go away. They don't itch or anything, they just look bad.

I don't really have anything else to say! I will update when I do!