everythingthatshimmers

I will be starting Accutane within the next week. I know Accutane works by suppressing sebum production but how does that work in those of us who already have fairly dry skin? My hair is a little oily but for the most part, my face is dry. Does that mean the treatment will be any more or less effective for me? Also, will my baseline dryness increase or decrease my risk for an initial breakout? If anyone has any personal experiences to share, I would love to hear them. Thanks!

I am planning to begin Accutane in the next few weeks and was just curious how many of you were able to continue wearing contact lenses while on this medication?

 

I have been researching other side effects extensively on this site but haven't seen a lot mentioned about contacts specifically.

 

Thanks in advance!

Was wondering if you could help me determine what kind of acne I have. Mild? Moderate? It certainly seems inflammatory. Sometimes they fill and come to a head (pustules?) and sometimes they don't (papules?). They tend to leave behind a significant amount of hyperpigmentation.

Has anyone else had acne that looks like mine and found a successful, permanent treatment? I have had breakouts for ten years with increasing severity. I am 30 years old. The picture below is only of my chin, I cropped it so I couldn't be recognized, ha. My forehead looks pretty much the same with my cheeks and nose being essentially clear. My chest is pretty much clear at this point also but I have moderate-severe acne on my back.

I am on topical and oral antibiotics now as well as the birth control pill, seeing mild improvement. Have been on retinoids in the past. Have refused Accutane twice but reconsidering, any advice?

Thanks in advance and best to you all!

Hey guys! I'm sort of new to the message boards so I thought I would introduce myself. =)

Also wanted your opinion of just how bad my acne is and how you would describe it. I've been lurking around this community for awhile and you all seem more knowledgeable than many of the professionals I've seen. I've attached a picture to this post. It's only of my chin, I wanted to maintain as much anonymity as possible. =)  My chin and forehead break out the most as far as my face is concerned. The sides of my forehead look the same as my chin with the center being more mild. My cheeks are typically clear although I'm getting a couple of blemishes there now, too. I had mild-moderate acne on my chest but it has actually cleared up (well, all but some mild hyperpigmentation), I had severe acne on my back but it has simmered down to what I would consider moderate. I don't know what I would consider my face, sometimes I look at it and feel like it's improving, other times I think it looks worse than ever. I'm finding it really hard to be objective...

As far as history goes, I had beautiful skin until I was twenty. Then for whatever reason it flipped out and hasn't been the same since. I have been on one acne medication or another for ten years. I have used topicals, antibiotics, birth control pills and nearly every drug store/OTC product available. The past several years I had gotten by on just the birth control pill after weaning off Differin and Solodyn but then I quit taking it earlier this year and I've been a mess every since. I thought surely I had outgrown my acne. I thought wrong.

I am currently on doxycycline, clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide and Yaz. I have seen mild improvement in the inflammation and body acne, but I still have active spots particularly on my face. My dermatologist and gynecologist think that my problem is likely hormonal but don't feel hormone testing is necessary. ??? My dermatologist is recommending Accutane. Any thoughts? The thought of taking a 4-6 month course and *never having acne again* sounds wonderful but the side effects scare the bejesus out of me. The only other thing I haven't tried is spironolactone but I am also hesitant to start another medication that I will have to take for years upon years.

Sorry so long but any impressions on my skin and current situation would be greatly appreciated. Best to you all. =)

I'm on doxycycline for my moderate persistent acne and am experiencing body aches, my back in particular. Anyone else experience this symptom?

I've taken different antibiotics in the past for acne and not experienced this particular symptom.

Thanks!