3 replies to this topic

[skinlifedestroyer]

It is great to see a place where we can all comiserate together and share sollutions as well as failed attemps when it comes to our skin.

My skin history is genetic in that my mom, her brother (my uncle), female cousin and I have and had terrible acne. It is strange how the male cousins and brothers avoided this fate in my family. Mine started when I was 9, in 4th grade!

In early 20's, I started taking Doxycyclene. Topical creams, gels never worked for me.
I also have severe rosacea, again hereditary.
Doxy worked well but after 5 or so years my body became immune. About 2 years later, not taking anything, I have experienced skin problems different than anything before.

Started out with huge cysts, mostly on chin, or around my eyebrows/forehead. As soon as one cleared, another showed up.

After about 1 year of that, they are now what I'd classify as boils. They start as huge red lumps then immediately turn to indented crusty oozing holes in my face (Sorry for the images).
Went to derm. I thought I might have a staph infection? She disagreed and put me on Solodyn. This $600/month medicine has done NOTHING. These "things" leave huge red scares for months on my face.

Anyone else on this med? Anyone have a similar experience.

[Siava]

Hi there. I took all sorts of antibiotics as well, Solodyn being one of them. It did an OK job, but cysts were still showing up at least once a week. The only thing that ended up knocking the cysts out at age 31 was Accutane. Have you considered that? It's a highly controversial drug, but for me was a godsend.

Take care and welcome to acne.org.

[skinlifedestroyer]

Hello
I have heard wonderful, glowing reviews of accutane with that pesky little exception - suicide.
One or two people have committed suicide while on it because it can cause depression and should never be taken if you have mental problems.
This is only what I've heard. I take medication for anxiety etc but wonder if there is someway I can get on accutane.
Having acne makes me depressed!

[nods]

My sister went on accutane a few times and she has mental health issues, as far as I know she was ok on it.

I have rosacea as well as acne too, also 30..not sure how the accutane would affect the rosacea, never tried it..I have been on diane 35/estelle bcp for years and I find that is the only thing that helps me, plus I have had laser treaments and IPL for the rosacea which have also been good.

I know they might have an issue putting you on accutane if there is a chance you might become pregnant.