Hi everyone,
I’m now at the beginning of week 5. Just taken my first 20mg tablet today (I was on 10mg a day for the first month). Things are definitely looking up from the dreaded weeks 2 and 3. The massive breakout has cleared - obviously I’m still left with all the red marks. In terms of active spots, I’ve got one big one on my cheek and various small ones but I can deal with these. It’s the massive painful puss-filled angry red lumps that I can’t deal with! I’m hoping the dose increase won’t bring out another breakout….or at least not a one of the same scale as before. I can still see white lumps under the skin that I guess they need to come out sooner or later but if they could do so discreetly it would be appreciated! lol I hope doubling the dose doesn’t mean double the side effects?? I’d be interested to hear what your experiences have been on this front?
My dermatologist is increasing by 10mg each month until I get to my maximum dose (which I think will be 50 or 55mg). This gradual approach means a longer course but if it limits the side effects that suits me. She said it’s best to do it gradually particularly for my skin type (very sensitive, pale, prone to redness, marks easily) and the type of acne I have (very inflammatory). Since I had such a big outbreak in week 2 I’m glad she is taking this approach. It showed the Roaccutane was obviously working on my system even at a lose dose. I would have dread to think what would have happened if she’d started me on a higher dose! My derm was pleased with the progress and my blood tests actually showed my cholesterol had dropped quite a lot. I have changed my diet recently so maybe this has something to do with it.
I was researching acne treatements and found some information on the effect of diet and acne. I’ve always thought diet wasn’t really a big factor. In the past I have been through very healthy eating stages and fairly unhealthy eating stages and hadn’t noticed a difference in my skin. However, the information I found was more detailed and scientific and seemed to make some sense. It spoke about pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory hormones and foods that restrict the production of anti-inflammatory hormones and promote the production of pro-inflammatory hormones. The key things to avoid are: sugar and vegetable oils, as well saturated fats in meat, eggs and diary (although it said the first two were the worst for triggering acne). Avoiding sugar (including limiting fruit consumption) and vegetable oil is quite tough, especially vegetable oil as it is in so many products but I’m giving it a go. I’ve been doing so for the past 2 and a half weeks. Of course, the problem I have is that I can’t tell whether the improvement in my skin is Roaccutane or diet or a combination but the end result is the most important. I will see how I go. I’m allowing myself to break the rules when I eat out since it is pretty impossible otherwise and would mean I couldn’t eat out (not something I’m prepared to give up!)
Also, not had any alcohol for the past month. It’s getting harder and harder. I’m tempted to try one glass to see if it still has the same effect as the first week. I had more side effects in the first week so perhaps that’s why the alcohol had such an effect in the first week. People keep asking me why I have suddenly gone teetotal!
Anyway, fingers crossed that increased dose doesn’t bring too many increased side effects. Hope everyone is doing OK.
Laura