329 replies to this topic

[corrine_1980]

Hi

Well... Just want to give a little bit background before my journey started:
I am female 25..
Started to have pimples in junior high school (13 yrs old), mild one.
I don't really have that much pimples, but I do have lots of blackheads and whiteheads.
And because of the prolong case, I think I had lots of clogged pores.

I have been on so many medication before my doctor give me Roaccutane (Well, I guess this is one of the most often seen line in this kind of thread)

Same with most of you I have tried Doxycycline for 6 months which works well for the first time. After I stopped, my skin start breaking out again. After that I always get stomach upset. So I banned this medicine
I have tried Minocyn as well.. but everytime I stopped, the pimples always comes back.
I have visited so many derms... I had tried so much medicine until I lost count.
I also have tried to eat just vegetable and fruit (but it doesn't really help).
Tried Proactive, Differin gel, Clydamin, tea tree... etc..

OK in the end, my derm decided for me to take this medicine.
I started Roaccutane on 17 February 2006.
Started with 20 mg a day. 10 with breakfast and 10 mg with lunch..

Well, my skin does'nt have that much big acne in the beginning, only around my forehead , there are ard 5 bumps...
But after I start it for about 2 days.. my skin start to become worse...
Oh gosh.. so fast this medicine works on me..
My pimples actually becoming bigger and redder..
Now I developed cysts on my cheek as well.
Feel a little bit stress here...

Any advices is welcomed.

[yoyoman21]

Oh your a female

guess my post is better suited here then in the other place

@Corrine- I was just like you except my initial breakout was proverbly worse take a HUGE cyst with like 4 white heads in it and another 10 - 15 flakey white heads with a flakey nose and you had me ... i didnt feel like going to school but life sucked and i had an exam that day. What happened surprised me. I had 2 cute girls flirt with me that day. 1 who liked me from before and the other one was pretty random. Most of my friends didnt say anything. Most people who already know you and like you tend to overlook your flaws.

Try not to make any first impressions

Oh and smile! studies have shown that even if your have flaws (acne) the action of the smile is what really matters.

It wasnt all good though later in the night i went to work out. One of my friends in the gym was like man what happened to your face were you swimming or something. I was like no i am just having a bad reaction to this one drug. He didnt mean it in a harsh way so no harm done.

Its ~ 2 weeks later

the cyst is flaking and receding (cured mostly by moisturizer)
I have 4 active white heads and tons of red marks and bumps from old ones
Moisturize your skin it helps.


oh and GO OUT !!!

Lack of self esteem will hurt your social life alot more then acne or anything else. Acne is a bitch and some days are better then others. If your breakout is hell it will recede. For people like us Accutane may take a LONG time to work. you cant keep yourself locked up. your friends wont give a damn if you have acne just be a fun person to be around and your acne wont be a problem.


Something great to do is hit up the gym. I've found it really refresh's me. an added bonus is by the summer you'll have great skin and a great body. Focus on toning your muscles and doing cardio since your female.



Workout info here
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/index.html

rock on
~Yoyoman21

[NoIDon'tHaveTheChickenPox]

Hi Corrine and welcome to our crazy group! Being on here and reading other people's logs and asking questions is really gonna help you...so have faith! You are NEVER alone. We are family here, and everone knows exactly how you are feeling.

Like you, we all felt so stressed out about going on this drug and trying to get through the initial break outs and having patience, etc. It was scary at first because you don't know what to expect or what's "normal" and that can rerally worry you. It's okay to feel scared and frustrated right now. But just remember that it will work and the frustration of acne itself will have been way harder than this drug. The side effects aren't bad at all for most of us...in fact most of us just have chapped lips and a little dry skin here and there, truthfully.

As for your questions:

The best way to make it to the end on this drug is to do exactly what you are doing. KEEP POSITIVE! Take one day at a time and before you know it you will be through the first month and wondering how the time flew by! (which is where I am, by the way) Keep talking about it and tells us your conserns. There are a ton of people on here who really care about you and are thrilled to be able to help out in anyway.

As for the initial breakout, being one week into the meds, you are in the middle of it for sure! Most of us had a really bad breakout in the first 2 weeks or so and then went back to a much smaller amount of breaking out with some real improvement by the first months end. I am still breaking out here and there, but nothing like before. Just remember that the "Initial Breakout" doesn't mean "last breakout." You will still be dealing with this for a little while but you should be feeling MUCH more confident by the end of this first month. Either way, the worst should be over by the 2 week mark.

Seems like some people are really itchy on their blemishes, and I have never had that kind so you will have to talk to someone who has your type of skin to better understand. I would just type in "Itchy bumps" or "acne itches" or something in the search area of this forum. You will probably pull up a lot of helpful info.

Covering it up....hmmm. I think putting a little light oil-free foundation liquid makeup on really helps your confidence even if its not supermodel fresh looking (haha). Just try not to use a darker color or anything that is irritating. I always put on an oil-free moisturizer first to smooth out the dry flakey spots so my make up isn't too rough looking. If you can stand skipping makeup and letting your skin breath a bit that would be great, but I think that's almost too hard when you feel like you look horrible. Don't hide...just try to smile and get through the day. You will have beautiful skin before you know it! It really will even out clear up and be easier to deal with soon.

Oh, and about your doctor saying not to put anything on it. For my initial breakout I dabbed on 2.5% benzoil Peroxide on the bad spots. (you can use whatever you were using before, as long as it isn't really harsh.) It didn't hurt anything and helped them calm down a bit at night while I slept. I haven't been using it since the initial breakout. Your doc is right...the meds will do their job, but if you are really uncomfortable (either physically or emotionally) I would ask for a topical antibiotic like erythromicin for a week or so. My doc told me if I was miserable to call her because she could help make it feel better in the first bad weeks. You may want to do the same if you think it will help. After the IB, you will probably be able to just let the meds so to work.

Hang it there!! It will get better very soon! You have come to the right place and you are on the best medication out there for acne. If you are like most people, the worst of your breaking out will soon be behind you. Just try to think of this bad breakout as a purging of all the junk that is lurking under your skin. It's all coming out at once...and hopefull won't need to again. That's pretty gross...but at least you are half way through...

KEEP POSITIVE!! YOU ARE DOING GREAT!!

[corrine_1980]

@Corrine- I was just like you except my initial breakout was proverbly worse take a HUGE cyst with like 4 white heads in it and another 10 - 15 flakey white heads with a flakey nose and you had me ... i didnt feel like going to school but life sucked and i had an exam that day. What happened surprised me. I had 2 cute girls flirt with me that day. 1 who liked me from before and the other one was pretty random. Most of my friends didnt say anything. Most people who already know you and like you tend to overlook your flaws.

Try not to make any first impressions

Oh and smile! studies have shown that even if your have flaws (acne) the action of the smile is what really matters.

It wasnt all good though later in the night i went to work out. One of my friends in the gym was like man what happened to your face were you swimming or something. I was like no i am just having a bad reaction to this one drug. He didnt mean it in a harsh way so no harm done.

Its ~ 2 weeks later

the cyst is flaking and receding (cured mostly by moisturizer)
I have 4 active white heads and tons of red marks and bumps from old ones
Moisturize your skin it helps.


oh and GO OUT !!!

Lack of self esteem will hurt your social life alot more then acne or anything else. Acne is a bitch and some days are better then others. If your breakout is hell it will recede. For people like us Accutane may take a LONG time to work. you cant keep yourself locked up. your friends wont give a damn if you have acne just be a fun person to be around and your acne wont be a problem.


Something great to do is hit up the gym. I've found it really refresh's me. an added bonus is by the summer you'll have great skin and a great body. Focus on toning your muscles and doing cardio since your female.



Workout info here
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/index.html

rock on
~Yoyoman21

Hi yoyoman...

Thanks a lot for your encouragement...
That helps..

Will keep posting about my progress..
And do you know that you are so luckyy that you have found the one that you love..
Congrats for you..

I agree that acne is a bitch,,,

Regarding oh and GO OUT..
Hahaha will try my best.. and thanks once again..

Hi Corrine and welcome to our crazy group! Being on here and reading other people's logs and asking questions is really gonna help you...so have faith! You are NEVER alone. We are family here, and everone knows exactly how you are feeling.
KEEP POSITIVE!! YOU ARE DOING GREAT!!

Hi ...
Thanks a lot for your encouragement as well
Yeah... great to know that my IB does a natural effect of Roacc and doesn't just happen to me..

Yeah I will keep positive...
Just think that taking Roacc is like going through the dark tunnel, and you'll be sure that at end then there will be a light...

Will keep posting about my progress...

[corrine_1980]

11 Days on Roaccutanne...

Still has bumpy face..
Seems all the red bump yesterday has turns into pimples with white puss inside.
Well, it's less painful.
But still scary to look at.

But I am not worry as by the end of the 3 months all will be clear
Keep my finger crossed.

Advice to myself:
Keep your finger from your face. Don't touch it no matter how itchy it is as I don't want to leave any scars at the end of my Roaccutane..

[NoIDon'tHaveTheChickenPox]

Advice to myself:
Keep your finger from your face. Don't touch it no matter how itchy it is as I don't want to leave any scars at the end of my Roaccutane..

Best advice you can POSSIBLY follow. Try your best not to touch!

Hope you are doing well...

[corrine_1980]

Advice to myself:
Keep your finger from your face. Don't touch it no matter how itchy it is as I don't want to leave any scars at the end of my Roaccutane..

Best advice you can POSSIBLY follow. Try your best not to touch!

Hope you are doing well...

Haha.. Thanks...
Hope you are doing fine as well..

Mine is still the break out period... so I am just hold on to it..
Another good advice from my friend : when you see the mirror and look at those ugly big red pimples, just tell yourself.. Pimples2x go away...in 4 months I don't have to see you anymore...

Will keep posted once I get better..

[corrine_1980]

DAY 14

My skin is getting dryer.
My old pimples has reduced, but the new ones appear.
Well, I guess this is part of the initial break out..

Now I get 2-3 new bumps every day.. gosh.. hopes this is normal..
Some are really big..
I still got around 10 on my forehead.. The big ones with white puss inside.
I really don't dare to do anything to it as I am afraid it will create scars later...
Ohh I look so ugly with these red big pimpless goshhh...


Well... when I see new bumps I will just think that I will get clear in another 6 months.

My eyes start to feel dry... now I use eye drops every morning and evening.

I guess this is very common..
Hope all the initial break out will end soonn....

All the best for all of you taking roaccutane.
Cheersss...

[corrine_1980]

Day 15

Finally I have been taking it for 2 weekss yay..
Today I wake up.. when I see the mirror.. gosh.. I look like a monster.
I got a huge pimples at my forehead. Right in the middle.. one at my right cheek and 2 on my left cheek.


Now I am getting used to all these initial break out...
Try to cover it up with some make up.. guess.. that's really difficult.
Now it takes me double time every morning to cover up my face...

But thinking that this will be end in less than 6 months makes me happy..
Yay.. can't wait till that time comes..

I think people who take roaccutane should take 1 picture before they took Roacc, 1 picture during the initial breakout (that's where my pimples got worse than the day before I took it) and the last picture after the course of Roaccutane (clear face

Hahhahahah I look forward to take the last picture with no more pimplesss

[corrine_1980]

Day 30

Just come back from Doctor... he is quite shock seeing my face..
Hehehe,,,

Hope these break out will subside soon.
My forehead is better.
THe breakout seems to move to my cheek.

Now I have more than 20 on both cheek..
Gee.. the worst breakout I have had in my life..

Just keep optimist thinking that these will be over soon .
Trying so hard to keep my hand from my face.. hohoho sometimes feels like touching it...
Ciayoooo to myself...

[corrine_1980]

Day 31

Not a good day for me..
My face is breaking out like crazy.
My cheek is very painful.

I am so scared to wash it as everytime I washed it, a bis puss is coming out.
My cheek is very red due to the big pimples..
So sad, I can't even cover it up.
Gosh.. Is this normal? Are you guys also experience this?

I feel very discouraged.
So scared to come to Office :S...
Feels like going inside a hole and never comes up....

[trenem]

Isn't it amazing how much acne can affect our lives. I hope you don't feel discouraged for long. Some of the before and after pics on here are just amazing. Just look to the future, as hard as that may be, and remember clear skin will come. Everyone seems to have an initial breakout, it will go away!

[corrine_1980]

Isn't it amazing how much acne can affect our lives. I hope you don't feel discouraged for long. Some of the before and after pics on here are just amazing. Just look to the future, as hard as that may be, and remember clear skin will come. Everyone seems to have an initial breakout, it will go away!

Thanks trenem...
That's a huge encouragement...
Yeah.. Sometimes feel very discouraged thinking whether it is worthy to go through all these process.
Agree that acne really affect social life...

Well, may be I should just try to look at the bright side of life..
Trying to be optimist.. though it's so difficult...

[corrine_1980]

Day 32

My conditions:
-Still breaking out.. no improvement
-A little bit sad because my skin condition is around 20 times worst than before...
but of course no use of being sad as it will only added stress to me (which is not good)
-Tons of bumps and red on my cheek.....
-Itchy skin... trying so hard to keep my hands out of my face...
-Still trying so hard to avoid all social gathering... reject most of invitation from my friend .. so sad..

Things to do:
1.Be more positive...
2.My aunt teach me about this method call mind cleansing.. which I think very good and should try it everyday.
Before you went to bed..
Just thank God for everything, then think that you are going to be cured,,, and not to be stress about pimples...

Well.. that mind cleansing seems quite helpful...
Well, wherever you are if you are taking Roaccutane and having initial break out...
Just stay on.. you are not alone.... You've got friend in me.. ...

[corrine_1980]

Day 33

Current condition :
My forehead is clearing up,,, there are lots of dark red scars but with powder I can cover it up a little bit.
My cheeks still looks and feels very horrible.
When washing my face, I can feel that it is very roughh...

There are around 4 big uglyyy cyst and around 15 bumps..... Oh gosh...
Plus I still have lots of previous dark red ugly scars and those dry black skin(previously is the cysts)

Before accutane I only had around 3-4 there.

I sounded very negative :S ... well I guess some of you know how horrible acne can make you feel..
Very desperate everymorning. Trying to get up early so that I can cover it (always fail).
When will this suffering end?
Lord please help...

[corrine_1980]

Today I got a little bit of sore throat..
Well, last Friday my colleague who is sitting next to me keep sneezing.

I guess some of his virus fly to me

Current condition : Got around 7 cysts on my left cheek, 5 on my right cheek and of course still got lots of scars and small pimples.

Even tough still breaking out, I feel less stress.. may be I am already get used to it..
Seeing the cysts everyday...

Cysts2x pimples2x please go away..
I want to go out and play

[Mac]

good luck

[kaz12]

hey corrine

just be reading your log and your experience sounds just like my first month did!!!! I broke out really bad, skin way worse than before accutane.

Am now starting month 4 and things definately better. It was quite slow for me but since about week 6/7 things have been getting gradually better. I still get new spots and have lots of red marks (mostly from my IB) but not nearly as bad as my first month.

I know it's hard not to obsess - but stay postive, it will get better and time does pass quickly!!

take care

Kaz

[j.l.r.m.]

corrine, it'll be fine, it takes time for your skin to get better on Accutane. Check out my pics in my gallery, I used to have horrible skin with nodules all over, and now my skin is the nicest it has ever been in my life.

good luck and stay well!

[yoyoman21]

I am still breaking out like crazy too i'm getting closer to month 2 now :s hang in there things get better i hear