3 replies to this topic

[corriem29]

Alright so after reading a bunch on these forums, then doing a bunch of research on my own, I'm seriously interested in accutane. I'm 25 and still dealing with acne. I was on birth control for four years and it was a little bit better (sometimes) but not much. I went off BC in May and my skin has been awful since then. I thought maybe my skin would have changed since before I had taken BC, but not so much. Although it seems to have clustered to my cheeks/chin/upper lip (really, adorable), instead of my forehead now. I've tried everything. The regimen on this site worked a bit while I was on BC, but doesn't seem to help at all now. Proactiv made it worse, any kind of scrub makes it worse, salicylic acid does absolutely nothing. That's my pattern usually.. I try something harsh and it makes things much worse, then I go gentle and try to clear up the mess I made, then I just break out anyway and I get irritated and go for the harsh stuff again, cycle repeats. Anyway, it's really upsetting. It gets to the point where I really don't want to go anywhere or do anything. This is an issue as I'm in nursing school and I can't afford to miss class because I'm busy being whiny about my face. Also, it's hard to feel confident getting used to talking to patients with my face being a mess. It makes me feel like I'm not hygienic as well (we all know this isn't the case, but it's just an insecurity).

So yes, I want accutane. I'm aware of the risks and common side effects. What I'm NOT comfortable with is trying antibiotics first. I don't see a point as they seem to be more of a temporary fix for the majority of people and come with their own risks. Has anyone had any luck with a dermatologist prescribing accutane without trying antibiotics first? I'm hoping it's a possibility, but I suppose I'll just deal with it if I have to. Thanks for the help!

[Quiescence]

I must admit I had t tried antibiotics properly before coming on the course... I too am 25 and after trying everything else pills creams potions and lotions I came to the accutane decision. My skin was diabolically upsetting ( see pic number one on my log) and I knew accutane was the only chance of a long term fix. The difference with me was that I had been prescribed one antibiotic course ( I just didn't finish it) I suffer from cystitis and knew the Antibiotics would make it worse, would omly temporarily help my face, and really... I just couldn't wait any longer to start the ball rolling as there was the nhs waiting list to consider.

I guess it depends where you live? I'm in the uk and had a GP who just wanted to get rid of me moaning so gave into dermatology referral.. It may be stricter in the US

I feel at the end of the day you know your skin better than anyone and you know what will work for you and as long as you have researched well and are happy with the risks ( it looks like you have ) I defy anyone to disagree with you.

And remember the longer we suffer this horrid disease the longer we are at risk of deep permanent scarring - that was the clincher for my GP

Good luck! X x

Edited by Quiescence, 02 February 2012 - 04:25 AM.

[slowandsteady]

In my experience I wish I hadn't tried antibiotics. I took them for about 6 months, (minocycline)

my derm wanted to go straight to accutane even before trying antibiotics or any other acne treatment.

But I was reading all these 'horror' stories about how peoples lives had been ruined. I wish I had taken it a year ago. I do think that the antibiotics ended up making my acne worse, they cleared it up about 80% but never 100% and gave me gut problems.

[thrillpink]

I never took antibiotics and i'm on accutane now, I don't have a lot of faith in antibiotics as well.