5 replies to this topic

[tane82]

Would really appreciate some help on this... Sorry if this post is a bit rambling

Basically I'm in a relationship with someone, just started seeing them recently. At the same time, I've also just started a course of accutane. I'm not too far into it but I'm stressing out about the side effects already, I know it'll all be worth it in the end and I can't wait for the clear skin but I'm worried mostly about the initial breakout that most people seem to get on this drug. Basically what I'm worried about is that my skin's going to get a lot worse before it gets better, and this is something I can putup with because I know it's going to get better, but I'm worried about what others will think, particularly this woman I'm with.
I'm not sure if that makes sense, but for I'm not comfortable (I dont know why) with telling people I'm on this drug, ( I suppose I dont want people to think acne affects me or bring attention to it) but I dont want my friends and girlfriend to think that my skin will never get better...

[Blondie Girl]

You have 2 ways:
- Tell everyone that you are taking some medicine and that will make your skin look a little weird but then don't say anything else. Make them believe that is not something that worries you.
- Don't tell them and pretend that your skin is weird because you "may" be allergic to something or wathever.

I don't think your girlfriend will care, i mean I'm a woman and that won't make think bad about a guy. She will be ok with that, and she will also see the results so... take it easy

[nick93]

First off. I know it sounds corny and stuff, but if she really likes you she wouldn't care. I think my ex actually avoided taking me to see her friends and stuff because of the severity of my acne, its hardly like I looked like a big score aha, anyway, that hurts and it isn't right. I think it is understandable that she finds acne kind of revolting, I know when I see a girl with bad acne, I find them much less attractive. I know its not right, but its human nature. So, I'm totally contradicting myself here.....
Just tell her that you are taking a course of accutane and its going to make your skin really bad for a while, and say that you hope it doesn't bother her too much and that a couple weeks later your skin should start improving and become completely clear. I'm 99% sure that she will understand and probably say something sweet about how your skin doesn't matter to her, even if it does.

[Kairasa]

I know it can be difficult, but it's emotionally freeing and good for the relationship in the long run to bring up issues such as these. Not only are they personal, but perhaps the person will end up supporting you and ultimately building you up, as you do the same for them.

My situation is a little difference because my boyfriend of almost two years is from this website and he had some of the worst acne I've ever seen in pictures. He used Accutane and it cleared him up but he has scars, and he isn't ashamed of them. And neither am I! They are part of what makes him...him. They are beautiful in that respect.

I guarantee she'll be supportive of you if she cares about you. =)

[KATE75]

I had a similar problem when I was on accutane several years ago. After a few weeks my skin was bright red and very dry and people in work did comment on it. I just told them it was a side effect of the medication I was on for a medical condition I was being treated for. I didn't tell them what the "medical condition" was as I am too uncomfortable discussing my skin problem with other people. Anyway, when I mentioned the words "medical condition" it tended to then shut most people up. No one should pry any further than that.

When it comes to your girlfriend you could maybe just tell her something similar if you really are that uncomfortable telling her the full story. The really bad outbreak I had was only for about the first week and after that my skin was just pretty red. People will see the improvement in you after a while though so hang on in there. It does get better.

[tane82]

Thanks for the help When I wrote this post I was mid flare up and feeling pretty down about it, I guess one of the worst things about acne is its unpredictable nature... Feeling a lot better now about it all though, it's amazing how much it affects me mentally but a positive attitude is helpful. Thanks for the advice