Scylla

I took a 5 month course. I noticed I was clear after 2 months, although everyone has different results. It seems like the majority of peoples' first reaction is to worry about the "severe" side effects. Every drug has side effects. Some have pretty harsh side effects and yes, it is possible to have those bad side effects. However, most people don't. Taking that first pill was scary for me, but in the end, I was completely fine. I know that amnesteem (generic) is about $400 without insurance. I'm not sure how much the monthly blood tests are, my insurance covered that. And if you were unaware of the blood tests, let me add that I hate having my blood drawn, especially having that darn needle in my arm, but I did it with a smile because I knew I had clear skin because of it.

One more thing, cause I know I type a lot   ...try things first, like different topicals, get your hormones checked out, etc. Six months of that is okay, its good to search for something before accutane...BUT don't do like I did and spend YEARS searching. If it turns out that Accutane is the last resort, do anything you can to get it, because I know you don't want to endure this the rest of you life..

Sounds like you have mild-moderate acne (although it probably doesn't feel mild). If you don't have pustules or cysts, I wouldn't put it in the severe category. Usually, people that have severe acne, know that they have severe acne. The ones that have to ask are more likely on the mild-moderate side. I can understand how that would be hard to get on accutane in the military. Try differin and see how that helps you. It might make it better and hold you over until you are out of the military. After that (if you still have acne), definitely go on accutane. Wash twice a day and moisturize and use SPF with differin. Give it a couple months before you expect true results. Good luck!

I pleaded with my derm to let me do "at home" steroid injections. Sadly enough, its the doctors job only.

I HIGHLY recommend you listen to what I have to say. I was in the EXACT position that you are in. My horrendous chin cystic acne began when I was about 15 and got worse and worse. Like you, my skin remained mostly clear but my chin was a minefield. I could wake up in the morning and a giant cyst would have formed. And I don't mean pea-sized "cysts", I'm talking about the diameter of a nickel and felt like a tennis ball (so I know what you are talking about). It caused me to be anti-social, depressed and caused physical pain as well. NOTHING worked to get rid of my cystic acne. I tried just about every topical, every antibiotic, birth contol, every crazy regimen from changing my pillow cases to refusing to touch my chin in hopes to get rid of it. I went to the doctor about once every week to two weeks to get steroid injections (for a few years*). After dealing with it for 4 years, I got on accutane. Originally, they wouldn't put me on it because I had depression (from the horrible acne). I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful doctor who put me on the medicine. Let me tell you this: accutane is the only thing that will get rid of this. Yes, it is a risky drug, not dangerous though. Many people won't take it and opt to search for other ways to get rid of their acne. Search all you want, thats your time and your heartache. But I went through all of that and I'm telling you from experience myself that accutane was the only thing that fixed me. My skin is smooth, clear and I have almost forgotten what a cyst is. It is so nice to be able to wake up in the morning and continue on with my day without having cystic acne be on my mind. If you really want to get rid of those painful red lumps on your chin, accutane will do it. On occasion I come back to the boards, and I am in awe at how people struggle with this, wondering what topicals might work or asking questions about what reactions they can expect from accutane. Now that I have a different perspective on it, I am much more able to see where I was 6 months ago, lost, aggravated, confused and completely engulfed in how to get rid of my acne.
I know some people are afraid of acne and the risks, and some are unfortunate and can't afford it. I'm not sure of your position, but if you are able to get accutane, DO IT! Theres no sense in searching every topical and facewash to find a cure, trust me!

thats weird, my doctor will see a minor zit on my face and say "do you want me to inject that?" I was so used to having such large cysts that an "average" sized zit was nothing to me. But she was always willing to inject me. She is a physicians assistant and I highly recommend everyone see the PA rather than the head derm if possible. SO much better.