FAO UK Roaccutane users

I was just wondering whether current Roaccutane users in the UK could tell me a little bit about the process that lead them to the 'last resort'.

I have only dealt solely with GP's so far and have never actually seen a dermatologist in my whole life, not through lack of trying, however. Although my doctor has suggested that might possibly be the next option should my current treatment fail.

So what happens when you are referred to a dermatologist? Will they go through the same sort of treatments again or will they offer you Roaccutane?

Erythromycin

I have been using this for over a week now. First couple of days were really bad. Stomach ache alll the time. Heartburn. Although I don't know whether the heartburn was related. It seems to have settled down now though. I'm taking 250mg twice a day.

Can't notice an improvement as of yet. But this is more appealing to me cos I can take it with food. I was on Oxytetracycline prior to this and it did nothing for me. My doctor pretty much said we'd have to go through all the antibiotics before he would even consider referring me to a dermatologist. Is this usual?

Please share your experience with this.

Do you think you sometimes exaggerate the severity of your acne?

People always used to say to me that my acne wasn't that bad at all, but I'd always disagree. I've had girlfriends who I've spoken to it about and they always said the same thing..that they could barely really notice it. I always just assumed they were saying it to try and make me feel better.

I spose it's just a case of mirror's just making it stand out more..

Oxytetracycline

I imagine this has been discussed hundreds of times before but just thought I'd share my (short) experience with it. After visiting a new doctor and telling him of my skin problems, he prescribed me this. I was quite happy to try it as I'd always wanted to get on sorm form of antibiotic, since my acne is very well spread and difficult and time consuming to treat topically. Plus the topicals I had tried were having very little effect.

I have been taking it for a week (500mg twice a day), and I don't know whether it is a complete coincidence, but my face has cleared up dramatically. To the point where I have to double check I'm seeing things. Whether this is going to last I do not know. Not seen much improvement with the body acne though. I've just seem to have taken to it, on my face at least. Hopefully my body acne will improve further down the line as I've only been taking it a week.

Any one else had good results with it?

Alternative cleansers/moisturisers

Just wondered if any one has got any suggestions?