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1. flan

   

   16th Apr, 09
   

   Wow. I really hope this works for me like you guys! Looking good girls!

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2. emsy

   

   19th May, 09
   

   wow it worked really well for you girlies you look stunning, :) hoping it works for me x

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3. kiri

   

   26th May, 09
   

   wow thats really impressive. hope it works out well like that for me. you girls’ skin look amazing!

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4. worriedmum1

   

   29th May, 09
   

   I have a 17 year old daughter with very bad acne, I cant sleep for worrying about her and feel so sorry that its ruining her teenage years. I had it as a teen and it didnt clear up until was 21. I still get spots at 50! It runs in our family as my sister had horrendous acne. I have decided now to let her try Roaccutane but have heard it can get a whole lot worse before it gets better. Is this true? I hope no one minds a mum writing here but I am desperate to help her. Thanks

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5. bessie

   

   29th May, 09
   

   I am a mum too, I know exactly how you feel Honest! I have had sleepless nights, tearful days and now I am feeling positive and happy for my daughter. This is week 13 and the results are good. When it was suggested by our GP to go to the Dermatologist I was so against it and v. scared of this drug. However, I took time to read this site, and other, talk to people and get used to the idea before it happened. That took about 3/4 months and then I was ready to cope with her and support her. She is off to Uni in September and I could not bear the thought of her worrying about her skin when she should be having a fabulous experience. The side effects have been severe, but if you keep on top of them immediately dealing with anything straight away, such as the dry lips- lots of different creams for those, eye drops for dry eyes, making sure they go and lie down when they are tired. I could go on and on but I would say I have seriously signed up today so that I could answer your concerns cos I know how you feel. But our experience has been a positive one. It takes time to come to terms with the thought of taking this and then when you are ready I am sure it will be best. The initial breakout for Hannah was not too bad as she was suffering anyway and within days the oil disappeared and a different look happened and it has got better and better. She is still getting spots but will be taking the drug until end of August so a way to go yet. Also I would add she is still managing to study for her A levels and hopefully will get the 3 As that she is predicted – so it can’t be that bad !!

   Hope that helps.

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6. emma

   

   1st Jun, 09
   

   hi all i am on day 7 of my roaccutane treatment and am suffering with the dry lips, cracks at the side of my mouth, huge boils, headaches and tiredness , so was desperately seeking some thing to remind me that this is all worth it as i am sat in the house too self concious to face the world at the min and have a 10 months old baby that is missing out on this heat wave, i have just seen the before and after pics and am a bit morte hopefull now as if it works half as good for me then it is worth it as i have suffered from acne for 14 years and am now 26 roll on the improvements so the bad points are a bit easier to deal with xxxx

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7. worried mum 1

   

   1st Jun, 09
   

   Thanks for your reply Bessie, Iv’e taken in all your advice and now we are just waiting on a dermatology appointment. That could take weeks, but I feel now that Roaccutane is the only answer. I was (and still am) against it in principle. Ive heard horror stories, but after reading peoples experriences on this site, im feeling a bit more positive. She wants to give it a go, and I hope it wont be long now before the appointment.

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8. Nic

   

   1st Jun, 09
   

   Hi Worried Mum 1
   I’m 26 and have 4 weeks left on Roaccutane and know why you are worried. My Mum has also been very worried and was very reluctant about me going on it. But fear not, I have been fine on it, haven’t got depressed and didn’t have a huge breakout. The worse thing for me has been my dry lips and a bit of a rash on my legs and arms but thats been bearable. I’d been putting going on Roaccutane for years as was worried about the affect it will have in me but now I wish I had done it years ago!
   Good luck!

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9. worried mum 1

   

   1st Jun, 09
   

   Thanks to you all. If only this was around in the 70s and 80s. My sister had such severe acne that it totally took her life over. She never went out in her teens and even now at the age of 45 she still suffers from skin problems (even though it is better, the scars and pockmarks are bad) she has spent thousands on peels and facials, but its scarred her mentally. She knows about Roaccutane but as she suffers from terrible depression as it is, she feels it could make her suicidal. Its such a shame to think that bad skin can ruin someones life. It doesnt matter how many times we told her she had a great figure and was lovely looking, nothing else mattered but her skin. Good luck to you all on this product and my daughter hopes to get some soon. If only the appointments with dermatologists didn’t take forever.

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10. pipwilliamson

    

    1st Jun, 09
    

    Am about 1 week into my 3rd course – at 41 I was hoping spots were a thing of the past. Apparently its quite rare for someone as old as me to still be suffering. Anyother oldies on R. out there?

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11. minxypie

    

    4th Jun, 09
    

    Hello All,

    I have just found this site and I thought I would add my experiences. I have been on R for the last 18 weeks and have 2 weeks left to go. I am 34 and wish I had tried it years ago. I know that the side effect can seem a worry but I would still give it ago. If your main worry is the depression, I hope this helps, I have suffered from mild depression for most of my adult life mostly due to looking at the mirror and seeing my horrendous skin. This has not got worst since I have been taking R and the results from taking R have been good.

    I have had loads of side effects but I have coped with them all and they have been all worth it. My derm advised me to use Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment on the dry patches, I had cracked cheeks and lips, which has worked marvelously. My hair is also very dry and seems to be falling out a lot more but not so much as to worry me. The aches and pains were really bad, I was walking like a cripple a few weeks ago but this eases up as you get further into the course. Currently I am suffering from a rash on my arms which I think has been made worse by the warm weather we are having at the moment.

    Keep Smiling.

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12. Louise

    

    6th Jun, 09
    

    Hi all,
    i don’t have very severe acne, but it is wide spread; back, neck, chest and face. I am 1 week into the roaccutane treatment, and i am thinking of stopping, my brother is almost finished his course and his skin looks amazing!so i know it works, but i’v seen the before, during and after, and the acne got a lot worse during the course. i was just wondering how bad i gets during the course, is it different for guys and girls?
    if any one has any advice it would be very welcome!
    thanx

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13. Jennifer

    

    6th Jun, 09
    

    Hey Louise,

    Please don’t stop the R….I’m on week 19 of it and I still have 10 weeks left as my dose had to be reduced cause I was really tired which turned out to be for another reason altogether….I’m on 60mg now until the end of my treatment and I’m ok apart from dry skin, lips, rashes also got sunburned with factor on, so be careful in the sun. Just keep looking at your brothers skin for inspiration…I just looked back on the pics I took before I started R and my skin is much improved….don’t need as much make-up, my confidence has soared and I’m looking forward to finishing the course but when I went to my derm last week and she said I had ONLY 10 weeks left I felt amazed and wondered why I hadn’t tried R sooner…please don’t give up….the initial break out wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be…just think of all the bad stuff coming to the surface and your beautiful skin being revealed. My aim at the end of this is to not have to wear make-up at all after 10 years of bad skin….My sister has been inspired to take the plunge…I know its expensive but worth it…

    Keep it up…your confidence and skin will improve 100%.

    Good Luck.

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14. Louise

    

    7th Jun, 09
    

    Thanks Jennifer! really appreciate it!

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15. Jane

    

    9th Jun, 09
    

    Hi!

    I am about to take roaccutane and didn’t realise there were quite so many side effects! I was just wondering what the different ones were and if your skin gets worse before getting better!

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16. WY

    

    14th Jun, 09
    

    I’m on week 6 of Roaccutane and my skin still looks pretty bad. Got more comments from others:( Really hoping it’ll soon work

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17. Ben O

    

    23rd Jun, 09
    

    hello, i am 14 and im currently on Roaccutane.
    when i first started i had huge boils all over my face shoulders back neck and chest. i couldnt go to school because i was in such agony.
    they were that bad that i didnt want to go out and i stayed in playing my xbox
    i am about 3 months into my treatment and ive noticed an improvement im still in pain.
    but its 10 times better than when i started

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18. Tidkid

    

    26th Jun, 09
    

    i got bacne.

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19. worriedmum1

    

    13th Jul, 09
    

    My daughter has been taking Roaccutane for the past 3 weeks now and her skin is horrendous, she has yellow pustules coming up all over her cheeks and forehead, is this suppose to happen? does it get worse before it gets better? I would appreciate a reply from anyone this is happening to and does it work in the same way for everyone? thanks

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20. Bav

    

    13th Jul, 09
    

    Hey worriedmum1

    I’m 19 and have been taking roaccutane for 8 weeks now. For the first five weeks my skin was horrible because of the roaccutane purging my skin which I know is what you are describing and is commonly referred to as the initial breakout period. It was really painful and inflamed so I had a three week tapered course of corticosteroids (prednisone) in weeks 1-4 to bring down all the inflammation, pain and redness which helped a lot and was prescribed by my GP if u want to consider taking that. Then after about five weeks my skin just started to improve every day and there was less and less pimples until now where I still have a few small ones and marks left which are fading but I assume will just get better because I am less than halfway through my treatment.

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21. Confused 25

    

    14th Jul, 09
    

    Hi all,
    I’ve just been advised to start taking Roaccutane after trying to shift my skin problem for the last 10 years with no luck! i’m 25 now and fed up of my skin and it really has been difficult to be confident, i cant leave the house without my make up on!
    i’m just considering all of the side effects and wondering about it all, I want to go for it – someone please tell me it really is worth all the other side effects that come with it, shall i wait until after the summer before i start it because of the sun exposure problem?
    Any further advise from anyone would really be appreciated! – please help!
    Also, has anyone had NHS referrals and then paid for the Roaccutane themselves? cos you have to be monitored quite regularly dont you? who has done this – private or NHS?
    confused!!

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22. katremy

    

    16th Jul, 09
    

    Confused 25
    I have a similar story – awful skin for over ten years, never quite dared to go for roaccutane. But then I got to age 25 and figured I’d had enough: not only did I feel miserable about my skin, I’d also had ten years of other treatments that half-worked, or didn’t work at all, or gave me side effects anyway.
    Everyone tolerates the side effects of roaccutane differently, but if you’re in the UK they monitor things & usually give you a number to call if you get worried about a side effect. Tests are blood tests (for liver, cholesterol, kidneys & blood count) & for females a urine pregnancy test monthly. I figure in the end you’ve got to weigh up the risks & benefits & decide if you think it’s worth it, but talking to your GP or dermatologist will help. You could always get referred to the dermatologist, chat to them, & then decide not to go for it, but at least you’d have more information.
    I’m now on week 5 (NHS): sure, my lips are cracked & peeling & my arms itch, but I’m actually happy, cos I’m really seeing an improvement in my skin. I figure I can stand the side effects for the 4-5 months treatment lasts.
    Hope some of this helps, & good luck.

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23. nicola25

    

    17th Jul, 09
    

    Hey Kateremy (confused 25 before i had a profile)
    thanks for the advice
    i’m feeling like my skin is getting better on what i’m on, but its just a start on the whole cos i know if i came off it my skin would get bad again. thats what i’ve realised over the years – nothings permanent enough! until…Roacc was suggested and i looked at this site!
    I saw a derm privately as i work for Bupa but as soon as they know you’re being put on Roacc they stop your benefits and you cant claim anymore.
    so my consultation to recommend roacc has been ok but thats it, now deciding whether to self fund or go NHS. feel unsure though cos i know my skin is a bit more mild than some peoples acne and mine is more that my skin has always been bad but it mainly affects my personality and self esteem and i get really depressed all the time from it. so i feel i need help but i dont want to seem selfish going NHS when other people have worse skin. does that make sense?
    Not sure how i’m gonna get the time off work if appointments are every month as well, do the NHS just tell you when the appointments are or can you have blood tests when they’re convenient to you?
    ahhhh.
    thanks for the help so far but still so many questions :(
    Nicola

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24. Sarah84

    

    17th Jul, 09
    

    Hi Nicola25

    I’m going NHS with mine as I can’t afford to go private. I’m prob like you, mines milder than most peoples but the way its been making me feel lately is making me really depressed and I and others around me have noticed my personality has changed. You shouldn’t feel selfish, cos you know how its been making you feel, it effects you emotionally as well as physically xx

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25. worriedmum1

    

    22nd Jul, 09
    

    Im beside myself with worrying about my poor daughters face now, it is so bad with huge pustules of yellow and its all over, just terrible, I have noticed that its really drying out now though and crusting over. I keep telling her these yellow pus spots have to come out and we should steam then gently ease them outk but she says its too painful and wont let me help her She is realkly being brave going into her little job that she does after school, but today a customer came in and in front of the whole shop she said to my girl, have you been burned in a fire or something or have some bad skin disease, my daughter said no ive got spots, the customer wouldnt let it drop and kept humiliating her. She handled it really well but came home crying her eyes out. Why are people so cruel, what if she had been in a fire or some tragedy, i cant believe people can carry on like this. I am so worried about her i cant sleep. Does anyone know what happens after week 5, when they dry out, do they start to improve as i cant bear her suffering like this. thanks

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26. yasmindaniella

    

    25th Jul, 09
    

    Hey all, im 18 and am taking Dianette and a red tablet (cant remember what its called something begining with ‘E’) I have suffered from acne since i was about 11 years old, I now mainly suffer just on my face and neck but do have a few breakouts on my chest and back every now and again. I also have scars from when the acne used to be really bad on my chest and back!!

    I started taking these two medications when i was about 13, (after being on all sorts of other medications to try and help my acne). i did find that Dianette and the red tablet really worked and cleared my face completly.

    However.. Dianette made me put alot of wieght on, going from a size 8-10 to a size 14 and slowly creeping to a 16! So i came off the Dianette and slowly all my spots came back. I am now sick to death of having no confidence and having to wear a thick layer of foundation everyday in order for me to be able to leave the house!! So about 4 months ago i started taking both treatments, yet it just hasnt worked!!

    Im so fed up with how i look, i just cant get my wieght of for being on the pill & i have a face full of zits. i really cant win. Acne must be the worst thing for anyone to have to go through!!

    Ive been trying all sorts, toothpaste, sudicrem, all these skin washes, witchhazel! i really am not looking forward to my holiday which is only two weeks away, the thought of having to wear a bikini and no makeup is my actual worst nightmare. i mean im 18 for crying out loud! i should be loving life. & im not. Its really making me depressed, Sooo this is why im thinking of going on Roaccutane.

    Although the side effects are scaring me, i already suffer with quite dry skin and eyes at the moment… & i just woudnt be able to live with my face getting any worse than it already is, so im thinking about trying to start the medication when im back from my holiday and then hibanating for a good month in my room!!

    I was just wondering if anyone who has taken this drug… after they have finished taking it… do the stops ever come back? or will they be gone for good? as i dont just want to get rid of them temporarily until the course of Roaccutane has finished. i want them GONE FOREVER.

    And i wish you all luck on zapping these horrible zits and hope Roaccutane works for you all.

    xxx Yasmin xxx

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27. bessie

    

    26th Jul, 09
    

    Hi Worried Mum, yes the drying out process is the next step, my daughter reached the time when she could very gently and I really mean very gently exfoliate the dry dead remains of spots she would then put mosituriser on and she used Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream which I think is slightly antispectic and this really helped. Do keep with it she sounds as though this really is the treatment she needed if the drug had not done it work and produced all that pain, that would have been appearing for weeks, maybe months to come and just getting worse and worse, The drug is good, the side effects for most are completely safe, annoying and hard to copy with, but safe, so as a mum just support her, I am doing the same for my daughter and I have started to see confidence she never had before. Encourage your daughter to do something different to her hair or to buy some new clothes try and take her mind off things during this hard time, it will get better = pls stick with it. and sorry to hear you are suffering too.

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28. worried mum 1

    

    27th Jul, 09
    

    Thanks for your help, It is really drying out now and hopefully will start getting better and better. My other daughter (her identical twin) takes oxytetractycline pills and they have worked for her and she has clear skin now, but they dont work on the other one (who is on roaccutane) I keep encouraging and telling her its getting better etc, but obviously its hard for her when you see all these other young girls with beautiul skin. I then remind her what a fantastic figure and height she has and how lucky to have all that. Isnt it hard being a mother seeing them suffer so much. Lets just hope things get even better. Thanks for your help.

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29. jaggysingh

    

    12th Aug, 09
    

    Hi peoples! :) I am 16 years old and i am due to start taking the roaccutane tomorrow… im quite worried actually becuase of the side affects they can have on me :(
    The other comments that ive seen posted on here sound sad to im only 16 and feel depressed already about my acne and its sad to hear about the negative effect its had on older people :(…. however, u shudnt be depressed about them in my opinion it doesnt change who u r as a person and just ignore people who put you down becuase of them :)
    I just wanted to know if this drug is safe for me to use while im at school, will it affect my concentration in classes?
    what are the most likely symptoms im likely to receive from the beginning of the course?
    I have the scars all over my face and a few on my chest and several on my back and shoulders. I feel depressed everytime i look in the mirror! But from looking at these pictures i think its the only thing that is likely to work and eliminate my acne. I tried oxytatracycline for a couple of months but it wasn’t working as my acne is to strong but there was a slight improvement.
    newayz gd luck!
    takeee caree peoples timme for bed :)

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30. worriedmum1

    

    15th Aug, 09
    

    Well my daughter has now been on roaccutane for two months and in that time i have to admit the acne was ten times worse, it has to come out to make it better the everyone agrees. The yellow pustules were completely covering her face, but now she is going through the drying out stage, she is still getting boils and spots coming up but they are all covered in crusts. I feel so sorry for her. we are going back to the dermatologist on monday to decide whether the continue taking roaccutane, but she might give it another two months after seeing some fantastic results from other people who have been on this for six months.

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31. justme

    

    17th Aug, 09
    

    Hello guys, i’ve never joined a site like this before but i felt like i had to because even though this is a horrible thing to go through, it was so comforting to read about people who know exactly how i feel. I havent got acne anywhere near as bad as i know some people have, but mine is bad enough to effect me. I got the odd few spots during school years but nothing too bad. Then at the age of 17, it started to get quite bad, i didnt want to go out anywhere as i was so self concious. Since then, it has got worse, it’s got to the point where i havent worked for a long long time now, and the jobs that i did do, i have walked out of because i just couldnt handle it. I’ve missed out on so many things because my skin has depressed me that much that it’s taken over my life completely. I recently had the microdermabrasion, i actually believed that after that, my skin would be clear, what a fool i was, it didnt help 1 bit, what a waste of money. I really really need my skin to clear up before i go completely insane. Ive read all these posts about R, the thing is, my doctor has said to me that my skin isn’t bad, but that’s a lot to do with the fact that i wear loads of make up to cover my scarring and spots up and plus i only leave the house at times when my skin is clear so he wouldnt be able to see it properly….how am i ever going to get these R tablets if he won’t put me on them, i’m so so depressed and i need help. I can’t live my life like this anymore, someone please help me :-( xxx

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32. sparklypickle

    

    17th Aug, 09
    

    Hey Justme,

    Firstly, are you on any other medications to control your acne? oral antibiotics? dianette? topical antibiotics? topical retinoids?
    secondly, have you asked your GP to refer you to a dermatologist?
    thirdly, have you considered addressing your depression, because obviously your acne is controlling your life if youare unable to leave the house and work. Would clearing your skin totally solve this problem for you or would you still feel depressed do you think?
    fourthly, how honest have you been with your GP, most doctors are fairly sympathetic about conditions which really affect people’s confidence and abiity to lead a normal life.

    You will only be able to get roaccutane if a) you have persistent or svere acne, b) you have tried many of the above, preferably multiple different oral antibiotics, c) if you are referred to a dermatologist because a GP cannot prescribe this drug and d) if the dermatologist believes that you are not at high risk for developing depression.

    unfortunately you are going to have to show your doctor your skin hwen it is bad, and maybe take makeup off in the office then reapply afterwards. If your GP in unhelpful, then ask for a second opinion on your skin, you are perfectly entitked to do this.

    I hope that helped a bit.

    Sparks x

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33. justme

    

    17th Aug, 09
    

    Hiya Sparks….thanks a lot for the reply that’s really nice of you. I have tried Dianette, and i am currently on Tetralysal, none of them have helped and i’ve been taking them for ages so they have had long enough to kick in and take effect but still nothing. I have been on another couple of tablets but i really can’t remember what they are called sorry. I’ve tried face washes also, like medicated ones for acne…nothing, changed my diet and drink loads of water and fruit every day, still nothing.
    As for the depression, i know i would definatly feel much better because my skin is the only thing stopping me from goin out. And yea, u are right, mayb i should go to my GP again and take some face wipes with and let him see the underneath of it, see if i go to a dermatologist, do you think they would have any other solutions for my skin, like other than R tablets and dermabrasion, as u know i have already had that treatment and didn’t work. Aahhh god i just don’t know what to do?! I know i don’t have really severe ( cnt spell that haha ) acne, and therefore i doubt im ever going to get on R, but i really feel like want to find a way to get on them because i’ve had enough, i really really have. x

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34. sparklypickle

    

    17th Aug, 09
    

    well, in that case I would think mentioning topical retinoids like differin or retin-A to your GP is a good idea because I dont think GPs commonly prescribe these though they are pretty good actually, especially in combination with oral antibiotics. These retinoids (Ris also a retinoid) work like roaccutane but from the outside and take a bit longer to work, but it is definately worth a shot – right?? I found oxytetracycline a good antibiotic for quite a while but I was on it for YEARS after it stopped doing much goof, tetralysal worked well for a few months then was no good, and my derm was gonna give me minocyclin with differin cream if I chose not to take roaccutane, and expected my acne to be totally clear by about 12 months (compared to 6 months for roac) so this is probably something like what you would be offered. Dermabrasion is not usually recommended for skin with active acne because it can aggrevate it more, same for chemical peels. I say go nag your GP for some topical retinoids, but be careful applying it because if you get it too close to your eyes or other very thin-skinned areas you get luuurvely chemical burns…say that you want to see a dermatologist, and would like to try a topical retinoid, see what they say…explain how debilitating your acne is and they should then take you seriously even if your acne isnt what would be considered severe. I dont think my acne was severe but I still got given Roac!

    S x

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35. justme

    

    17th Aug, 09
    

    So u have taken Roaccutane then u mean?? If so how did u find it, has it cleared your skin up?? Ok thanks i’m going to write that down and ask him, im ringin the doctors up tomorrow and goin to book an appointment in with him, see the thing is, i’ve been in quite a few times to see him, and every time i’ve just broken down, so he can see how badly it’s effecting me, and yet all he says is carry on with tablets but he’s never mentioned anythin about those that you said so i will be sure to ask him and im definalty goin to get him to refer me to a dermatologist aswell. If you say those retinoids work like roac then it’s definalty worth a shot yes, do they have the same side effects or not so bad?? Sorry for all these qutions, i do appreciate you helping me very much. x

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36. sparklypickle

    

    17th Aug, 09
    

    No problem,

    yeah, I got a derm referal six months ago, you can checkout my roaccutane diary on this site. You will see that my acne is cleared now thanks to roacc but differin gave me a head start!! yay!! you do not really get side effects from differin or retin-A like with roacc, just dry skin and a bit of itching because they are topical creams/gels. the retinoids take a while to work but they stop your pores from getting blocked in the first place, so therefore, eventually no spots. they dont work for everyone though…, It is worth mentioning to your GP who MUST already know, that bacteria get resistant to antibiotics after a few months anyway, so if it has been more than five or six months then you aren’t going to see any further improvement! he could at least switch your antibiotic!! it is so frustrating how doctors fob people off!! Try not to use too many harsh medicated producs on your skin, because they can aggrevate your skin to produce more sebum, try using just mild products like the ’simple’ range. good luck with that, less us know how you get on.

    S x

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37. justme

    

    17th Aug, 09
    

    Thanks a lot, ok well i will be sure to ask him for these, yea i know what you mean, they think it’s not a big deal because they don;t understand how important it is to us. Thanks a lot for your help, i will check out ur profile now…thanks again :-) x

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38. worriedmum1

    

    27th Aug, 09
    

    Hi Just thought I would write an update of my daughters skin condition, well she has been on Roaccutane for just over two months now and I honestly cant believe how terrible it has been for her. I have never seen acne so bad, pustules all over her face and the scarring is horrendous. She and her twin sister were asked to join a top model agency before this happened, there is no chance now. I feel so sorry for her, but have to just keep supporting her. The roaccutane really brought them out and they are still coming up all the time. She went back to the dermatologist last week who has put her on a course of antibiotics and a course of steroids, so she is on 7 pills a day. Its the scarring i worry about. She is going to start rubbing vitamin E oil to some of the worst scarring to see what happens. The thing is she does cry over it but she still goes to her saturday job and has to endure the stares and people asking her what has happened to her face. I really appreciate everyone is different justme, but you should never let this condition stop you from working or going out. If you could see my daughters face you would think she had real strength of character to go out like that, especially as her twin has totally clear skin. I really hope these antibiotics and other pills will eventually give her a breakthrough. The derm said she has to keep on taking R because it really is the only treatment that they have. I understand how everyone feels because i had acne as a teenager but not nearly as bad as my sister who stayed in the whole of her teenage life and still suffers from scarring at the age of 48.

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39. justme

    

    29th Aug, 09
    

    Worriedmum1…I’m really sorry to hear about your daughters skin, that’s awful to know these tablets are making it worse, and to still go to her job, well she’s very brave for sure. I wish i had the courage she does, but unfortunatly i just don’t. I’m even sat at home crying now for yet another weekend when all my mates are going to creamfields and wembly ect, it’s just horrible. Im also, well…WAS a model, but my skin has stopped me from doing that also. My dream is to do the modelling and i can’t do it. I’ve really tried. Anyway, i hope your daughters skin gets better, i really do.

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40. fedupwithacne

    

    3rd Sep, 09
    

    i’m 18 and i’ve just started roaccutane after years of different (and useless) spot remedies, and was so grateful to see this website as i’m currently a recluse …i feel so tired all the time and my skin is flaking off, though by the sounds of it these are completely normal symptoms one week in which makes me feel so much better! the most irritating side effect are my eyes though, they’re red and puffy and dry, can anyone recommend anything to help please? i’m hoping that the side effects die down a bit over the next few weeks as i’m on a gap year and desperately need to find a job, but currently don’t want to go out – am i being naive when i say this? these pictures are so great though, really inspirational thanks! its so nice to be able to share the experiences here, i really hope everyone gets the results they want from this treatment!

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41. bessie

    

    4th Sep, 09
    

    Hi Fedup – My daughters eyes suffered whilst on Roaccutane and she used eye drops they are called – spelt as it sounds – Hypomellose. They were wonderful and moisturised her eyes really well.

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42. bessie

    

    4th Sep, 09
    

    Dear Worriedmum – what can I say – you poor thing and your daughter sounds the bravest girl in the world. Lets hope 6 months down the line you will just be breathing a huge sigh of relief – as I am now -with my daughter. It does sound as though you are doing eveything you can, it has to get better. Remember that whilst on Roaccutane the skin is so much redder than normal. Also, as I have said to my daugher, lets get rid of the spots and if you need help with scarring we can do that as well. There are so many clinics that offer help with scarring. Try and stay strong don’t think too far ahead and I am sure things will start to improve now you have additional tablets, etc.. Pls. let us know how things are – perhaps next week ? I will be thinking of you both.

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43. justme

    

    7th Sep, 09
    

    Hey FedUp…i just read your blog, please don’t think you’re being naive. I’m exactly the same, i don’t go out the house, it’s horrible. It would be nice if you could keep us up 2 date on how your roaccutane helps your skin, as my doctor said that i will prob have to try that out soon and i like to hear as much feedback on it as possible….thanks

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44. worriedmum1

    

    9th Sep, 09
    

    Hello everyone, well I took my daughter on holiday for a week abroad for a break from it all, I know they say stay out of the sun, but to be honest I think sunshine is the best treatment of all. She did sunbathe and it has helped a bit, the pustules dried out somewhat although they did still keep coming up, and then it just flaked and flaked and she itched and picked. God I cant stop worrying about it. She went out to a few clubs with her sisters and she really enjoyed herself and got as much attention from boys as her sisters. I do keep telling her it will go, hang on, be strong, compliments etc etc, I do everything, but she does cry over it occasionally, though is really strong most of the time. Now back at 6th form, she told me everyone keeps staring at her, ive noticed people do double takes (why are people so cruel) if it was me, I admit I wouldnt be able to go out, neither would her twin, so we think shes marvelous. I just hope that in a couple of months it will go completely (pray) then we can deal with the scarring which is dreadful. It might need lasering. I feel so sorry for everyone going through this, as I said my sister had it terrible back in the 80s and there was no roaccutane then, she just stayed in. Dont let it hold you back, you only have one young life, enjoy it.

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45. bessie

    

    9th Sep, 09
    

    Hi Worried Mum, Sounds like the holiday was a FAB idea. We went on holiday and Hannah’s skin coped marvellously she is now nearing the end of a 6 month course, just 1 week left. She has over the past month had a couple of spots – but they were tiny in comparison to what she had. The redness is definitely starting to go and the marks, (little indentations) don’t seem as bad as they were some 6 weeks ago. She still does have red marks on her cheeks but now the spots have cleared the redness is not as bad as it looked then. I am 3 months on from you and feel 100 times better than I did 3 months ago. Keep looking at the brilliant stories on here and keep strong. Try and find something else to worry about – money, Christmas….etc, only joking but might help. Keep in touch.

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46. justme

    

    10th Sep, 09
    

    The thing is WorriedMum, it DOES hold u back, and it does ruin ur life. Just like it did for your sister, and u just admitted that u wouldnt go out the house if it was u. It’s so easy to say get on with your life, but doing it, is a completely different matter. Your daughter is really brave for working and goin on holiday and clubbing ect, i wish i had the bottle to do that but i just don’t, like many other acne sufferers. By the way, im not having a go at you it may sound as though im coming across harsh to you, im really not so im sorry if it appears that way, im just really frustrated and fed up of having no life, it’s a gorjus day and im sat at home crying once again while all my mates are off out enjoying themselves at the pub. And i guess i just needed to write on here because it’s the only way to let everything out, i don’t really have any1 to talk to that understands, that’s why its so nice to come on here, let everything out to people who do understand. Can i just ask, your daughter is on Roaccutane isn’t she? Could you tell me how she is finding it in herself, as my doctor has said that i may have to go on it and im just debating wether to try it or not as of all the side effects, but if it’s not too bad and it’s going to stop my breakouts, im willing to risk it and deal with the side effects. Thanks

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47. worriedmum1

    

    18th Sep, 09
    

    I understand justme, i really do and I sympathise, its ok i know you are not being harsh. My daughter has been on roaccutane for over 2 months now, and I have to be honest, at first it brought out the most terrible breakouts, huge pustules and redness, dreadful it was. if you look at my posts you will see what i reported about it. It had to get worse before it got better. The derm put her on steroids for 2 weeks and a course of antibiotics. Now I can say for the last 2 weeks, ive noticed a real improvement, the redness has gone right down and her forehead is looking good, even though she has bad scars, the actual acne is definitely clearing. She is still having the odd breakout but nothing as bad as it was. I feel that within the next month she will see even better improvements. I cant tell you how glad I feel about this. One of her friends was on R for a year, and her skin is like airbrushed now, beautiful, so it obviously works, but you have to suffer the initial stages and go through all this to get to the end results. If your skin is really bad maybe you should consider trying roaccutane. it wasnt around in my sisters time, maybe her life would have been a lot better if it was. I know it holds you back, I truly do understand, you feel like your the only one and all your friends are perfect, well they are not. I hope your mum or someone is helping you. I really wish you well and think you should consider trying R. Let us know how you get on, will be thinking of you. p.s. my own mum had no sympathy for my sister and me with our bad skin, and thats why i try to help my girls.

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48. justme

    

    21st Sep, 09
    

    That’s really nice, and it’s so nice to see how worried you are, well i will rephrase, it’s not a nice thing…but u know what i mean haha. My mum has nagged at me a lot to get a job, which makes me worse, but now she realises its my skin thats the problem, she understands more now and doesn’t push me, so it’s a good thing because she always sticks by me. And thanks for the reply, well i went to my doctors again about 2 weeks ago, and he put me on Differin cream, he said if this doesnt work then he will consider puttin me on R, but i wud have 2 be referred by Dermatologist, and he said he’s not sure if they will put me on it as mine isnt severe, thing is tho, even when i go the docs, i only go when my skin has a couple days clear and also i pile the make up on 2 hide it so they dont actually see how bad it gets. But anyway, im gona go back asap and jst beg them 2 put me on R, coz this Differin takes 3 months 2 work and even then i cnt see it clearin my skin up[, i cant wait another 3 months, ive waited 3 and a half years, and in all that time, ive missed out on my life. So, im definatly goin to have 2 be prepared for the side effects, its goin 2 be hell, but, if it clears my skin, its all worthit, im really glad 2 hear your daughters skin is gettin better, i hope everythin works out for her x

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49. paulap

    

    22nd Sep, 09
    

    Hi Guys
    I’m new to this site and I just found out about it. I’m 24 yrs old have been suffering from acne alonggggg time now. Some things would work but then after awhile it comes back. One of my friends was put on Roaccutane and I rememebered her face before now and it was TERRIBLE!!! and she has finished her 6 months treatment and her face is unbelievable beautiful, flawless! I mean all the spots the bumps, the blemishes the scars alll gone and all she took was R.
    It wasnt until I saw her face that I was moved to try it. The doctor was very hestitant in putting me on it too because I’m anemic and Roaccutane can actually increase your cholesterol and cause you to have Diabetes and too I’m asthmatic and it can give you Bronchitis and the psychiatric side effects too was also a concern of his .
    But after trying alot of stuff:(minocycline, differin, neutrogena, Pro-active, tetracyline and others) he was then forced to recommend Roaccutane.
    But I’m keeping my fingers cross as I did my blood test today to test my (Liver, Cholesterol, Kidney and Blood count) and I’m due to start the medication on Friday coming.
    But I will keep pictures with me of how my face is now and hopefully how it will get better. I know I can bear the dry eyes and the lips and I don’t think I would have many break outs for the first stages because I was on minocycline and many of the acne I have now was caused by it.

    Well each week I’ll keep posting my updates here and provide pictures if I can and hopefully at my christmas family re-union in December I will have a face for others to envy.

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50. abi

    

    22nd Sep, 09
    

    Hope the treatment goes well for you paula :-)

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51. worriedmum1

    

    25th Sep, 09
    

    Hi everyone, just an update on daughters Roaccutane treatment, well she has been on it for almost 3 months now and we are at last beginning to see an improvement. The redness has gone right down and not so many spots are coming up now. The scars are still bad, but that will have to be sorted once the acne has completely gone. She can at last wear some make up, before it was so painful and there was no way to hide it, the pustules were huge. Justme, maybe your doctor doesnt think your acne severe enough for Roaccutane, they normally take one look at you and decide there and then, have you tried oxytetracyline? my other daughter was on that and it cleared her skin up. You might not need R. If you do get it though, be prepared for the initial terrible outbreak, I couldnt believe what it does, and to be honest, I wonder if knowing that would happen, my daughter would have gone on it in the first place, but then again if this clears them up for good, its worth it. But will it? I wonder what will happen when she stops taking them.

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52. justme

    

    29th Sep, 09
    

    Well, my skin isn’t as bad as a lot of other people’s but its definatly getting worse. I have tried all the tablets and creams and nothin has made even a slight improvement. So thats why my doctor has said Im prob going 2 have 2 go on it as nothing els has worked. I know u prob think i should stop going on because ur daughters will be worse, but end of the day, this has effected my life and it isnt just a few spots, it is acne and quite bad. I will let u know anyway if i do end up going on it, but..i definatly want 2 because ive had enough otherwise i dont want 2 live my life anymore. I shall let u know anyway what happens, and congrats that ur daughter’s is getting better

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53. tigergirl

    

    5th Oct, 09
    

    I have a soya allergy (supposedly) and it’s been 2 months since i said i would go on the treatment. My mum phoned up today and they said i have to have another blood test, and then i can start treatment as i’ve never had any symptoms of the allergy (they only discovered it when i had to have the initial blood test, when they asked for another tube because i have a quite severe- secondary touch-peanut allergy) …lucky me.. I really hope this works though, having spots for about 6 years now, i just want them to GO. Especially in the last year, my self-confidence has dropped by a lot. However i reckon, that when my spots clear, i will feel great, i just hope i get good results.

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54. justme

    

    6th Oct, 09
    

    Hope the treatment goes well for you Tigergirl, good luck

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55. tonyk

    

    8th Oct, 09
    

    Its good to see some positive results on here – I have been diagnosed with acne rosacea after suffering for about 10 years and being told by my GP its just ‘adult acne’. Seen a Dermatologist who has prescribed roaccautane and I am now on day 8, taking 40mg per day. I have a nasty flare up this first week and my face at the moment is quite unbearable (for me) to look at. Just hope it settles down as soon as possible. Only side effect I have currently is dry and chapped lips which I treat with Bepanthan and that works for me. Reading the other threads here it seems that most of us suffered a number of years before finally getting to see a derm and then getting what is hopefully the correct treatment.

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56. worriedmum1

    

    15th Oct, 09
    

    Hi everyone, well I have some good news to report, daughters skin is really improving. She has been on R since June and has another two months to go. The derm said to keep at the same dose. Her back is still bad, but her face is really clearing. No more pustules or blisters although her lips are really cracked still. The scarring is bad, but we have even noticed some of them becoming softer and gong away!! I only hope it doesnt come back once these two months are up, she’ll just have to go back on it if that happens.I have noticed the pills have changed her personality though, even she admits this, not depression, but uncaring and unfeeling about anything. I hope she changes back to normal after the course is finished. Justme, I dont think you should stop going on at all, I understand how you feel, would you believe ive just broken out in boils all over my chin at (51) it seems if you suffer from the bad skin gene, it reappears over the course of your life. Mine were terrible as a teen and as I told you before my sisters horrendous. Anyway, I hope it works for you because even though the initial breakout is terrible, im just glad its starting to clear now and hope it continues to do so, she can even wear make up at last!!!

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57. worriedmum1

    

    15th Oct, 09
    

    I forgot to say to Tonyk. if you have rosacea on your nose, have you tried Metrogel? you get it from the doctor and it works like magic. Any redness and lumps go away overnight.

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58. bessie

    

    15th Oct, 09
    

    Hi Worried Mum, lovely to hear your better news so very glad for you and your daughter. Hannah finished her tablets 3 weeks ago, she had taken a 6 month course for severe acne – she looks fantastic and the red marks are definitely starting to fade, so keep positive it only gets better. x

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59. kidd19

    

    27th Oct, 09
    

    Has any one took this drug for your body… I dont know if it will work for my upper half of my body as well as my face all other drugs havent…. they just kinda control my facial acne and dont do anything to my back chest and arms which I want rid of the most =[

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60. mamaroo

    

    28th Oct, 09
    

    Hello there everyone,

    the before and after pictures look amazing! Im 23 and have suffered with severe acne for 10 years. Im getting to the point where i have tried everything and am considering Roaccutane. Obviously im conserned about the side effects. I suffered with PND after having my daughter and worry that the drug might bring the depression back, possible worse than it was before. Has anyone else taken this drug who has previously had PND?

    Any comments would be appreciated
    :)

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61. worriedmum1

    

    11th Nov, 09
    

    Hi . Thought I would give an update on daughters progress, well its almost 6 months now since she has been taking R and although it has helped clear up a lot of her facial acne, her back is still bad, she went to the derm on monday and they have said she can stop taking it after the last two packs, now though she has come up in abcesses on her body, legs, back, etc, I just dont know what else to do. I might tell her to give it until christmas then stop taking it, and see what happens. I thought by now she would be flawless, but no. I will report what else happens over the next couple of months, but although it has helped a lot, the initial breakout was so bad, im wondering if the whole thing was worth it. It obviously works better on some than others, and the longer you take it etc. I was so pleased that her face was clearing up but now these abcesses have set her back.

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62. samm1993

    

    15th Nov, 09
    

    wow, girls you look fantastic, extremely jealous.
    i hate wearing concealer/foundation – especially cuz i’m a guy! and gay or not, i don’t want to feel the need to wear make-up.
    i have an appointment with my GP this month
    and after 4/5 years of trying various topical & oral treatments with little result, i’m asking about roaccutane.

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63. justme

    

    18th Nov, 09
    

    Hi WorriedMum…Haven’t been on here for a while!! Anyway just read your posts and i’m really glad to hear your daughter is clearing up, not so good about you comin up in boils eh,! hope that has cleared up for you now! I have an appointment on the 4th Dec to see a Derm, it’s the earliest i could get i hate waiting longer ggrrr. So i think they are going to do blood tests on me then hopefully start R, fingers crossed coz i really want it i’ve thought about it loads, in fact it’s all i ever think about lol. So can i just ask somethin, u say your daughters personality has changed, did u mean she has become like not as feeling depressed or more happier as in not really letting things bother her? Just wondering coz i got confused lol i’ve just got up!! Anyway i shall wait to hear from you, thanks

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64. worriedmum1

    

    4th Dec, 09
    

    Hi everyone and justme, ive been so busy lately that I havent had a chance to get on here, but have a few things to report. Im even more of a worried mum at the moment, as just when daughters face has stopped breaking out so much, the rest of her body is still the same, and when she went to the hospital to collect her prescription of R, she caught a virus, its some sort of mrsa, apparently lots of doctors and nurses and people who are in contact with hospitals catch it, and it isnt harmful unless you are already ill. Well, she is well but its not nice for all these things to keep happening to her, I wonder if the R is to blame, then I realise my sister who is 49 and still has bad acne also caught this virus, the doctor told me people who are suceptible to boils are spots are more prone to catch it. It clears up in a week with antibiotics, but then that gives you thrush etc etc, the poor thing. On top of that the scars are still bad, dents in her face and her back is terrible. At least she can wear make up at last though. The derm was really suprised that after 6th months she is still getting boils on her back, so derm has put her on another course., maybe it will take her a year to be fully clear, I dont know. Good luck to everyone else, and you justme, hope it goes well. About my daughters personality change, im wondering if it is to do with R, its not depression, she doesnt get that, although her twin with good skin suffers from it. strange that. Her personality is a lot harder than she used to be, though i hope that changes as she gets older. I will let you know what else happens.

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65. kate28

    

    7th Dec, 09
    

    Hi Worriedmum1

    Hope your daughter is hanging in there. I took R for just under 8 months, so I know what a long course is like. My firend was on it a couple of years ago, she had hardly any acne on her face, but really bad on her back, and she was on it a long time on a dose of 75mg a day (I was only on 40). The derm did tell her that back’s were particularly tricky to treat, which is maybe why your daughter’s face has cleared sooner.

    Sounds like she’s been through the mill a bit, I really hope it works for her xxx

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66. justme

    

    8th Dec, 09
    

    Hey worriedmum, thats ok glad to hear from u, not so good news about your daughter tho i hope that all works out and she can eventually have it cleared up. I had my appointment with the dermatologist yesterday and they suggested R for me, wuhoo so i’m really pleased at the minute i am so so excited. I can’t start until feb tho unfort, because i have an op on thursday and another 1 in Jan, so have 2 get those out the way first it’s so annoying. But yea at least i can now look forward knowing that i’m going to get it sorted once and for all, and hopefully be able 2 live a happy life like i’ve always wanted. I shall pop back on here sometime soon and see how your daughter is getting on. Thanks, take care

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67. worriedmum1

    

    14th Dec, 09
    

    Hello again, just had to report that we went to see the derm again today and they said she will have to stay on R for another two months, then see what happens, and continue until it clears up. It could take 18 months. She is on a low dose as the side effects are so bad, they cant risk putting it higher, dry skin etc. She has just finished that course of antibiotics for mrsa, and now has to have another blood test to make sure its all gone. The derm told me its quite normal to catch it, but it can go away just as quickly. Anyway my daughters twin is now starting to get spots again, she had lovely skin and was on oxytetracyline for months, maybe becoming immune to it. Justme, Im so glad you are going to get your skin sorted out, but whatever you do, dont give up if you get an initial bad outbreak, just carry on through it, hard though it is, and you will see results at the other end. I pormise you, nothing I have seen has been as bad as my daughters, and now there is a big improvement although its been hard going. Good luck

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68. justme

    

    19th Dec, 09
    

    Oh that’s not good about your other daughter, i hope her’s doesn’t get too bad for her, and definatly glad to hear that your daughter’s skin is getting better!! Chuffed for her. And i sure won’t give up, i hope i don’t get a break out too bad lol, but if i do i won;’t give up. Thanks a lot, keep posted!! :-)

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69. Louise

    

    31st Dec, 09
    

    Hello everyone, just an update on daughters skin, well I have to say it is looking great!!! even though she has scars, they can be covered and last night when she came in her skin looked flawless. I cant tell you how happy she is that at last there is an improvement. She is going out with all her friends tonight, no tears, all happy and looking forward to getting dressed up, her back is still coming up but nothing as bad as it was. I have to say that R really does make the skin look luminous after you have been on it for a while. Her twins skin has now cleared up too, but she doesnt suffer anything like the other one. Anyway she will stay on R for a while yet, see what the derm says in feb, then I will tell you what happens, I hope it doesnt come back. So Happy new year to everyone and justme, dont forget to keep going even if the initial outbreak is bad. There is light at the end of the tunnel. My daughter said to me, mum I can hardly remember how bad it was 7 months ago until I look at pics, how did I stand it, I said she had a really strong character. I will say though that she got asked out on a lot of dates even when her skin was at its worst, which proves that, thats not all that matters, although when you are young you think its the end of the world. My sister at 49 has still got adult acne, it runs in the family. So bye for now, and good luck to you all.

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70. zelda

    

    14th Jan, 10
    

    Hi everyone, there seems to be lots of youngsters out there with problems :( Im 45 and for the past year and a half have been suffering from Rosacia). I didnt really suffer before then apart form the odd teenage spots and then all of a sudden out of the blue, there I was with a face fully of extremely painful boil like spots! I got to the point where I was embarassed to go to work as I was worried what people would think. During this time, I tried three different types of antibiotics and then was referred to a Dermatologist at a hospital not too far away. Im on day 8 of taking the pills and have to go to the hospital every week for bloods and every other week to see the specialist. I feel reassured theyre keeping an eye on me but still worry about the scary side effects! I was really surprised to find this place and really pleased as I need all the support I can get!!!! I read today that this tablet has been withdrawn from the States due to it being connected to bowel disease which worried me!

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71. Worried mum1

    

    16th Jan, 10
    

    Im glad Zelda has written here, because although my daughters face is clearing up, shes had a lot of problems with bowels and bleeding since taking R. She finishes the course this month, and I dont want her taking any more, this has decided me.

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72. lanesra69

    

    23rd Jan, 10
    

    Hi everyone

    I am a new member and a really worried mum who has a 14 year old son who has really really bad acne, he has it all over his neck, back and face and I am forever changing his bedding due to the blood on his pillow every morning. He has been seeing a dermatologist for a while and we have had all sorts of antibiotics the best one being trimethapine, that stopped it and took the redness away but as soon as he came off it they all came back. The dermatologist really wants to put him on this medication but I am really scared as I have read all the stories and side effects and I truly wonder is it worth it, looking at the pictures it looks great but the side effects scare me more but that maybe because I am his mum…. but thank you all for your posts as it has made me realise I am not alone.

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73. Mark

    

    24th Jan, 10
    

    I talked to my dermatologist when I first got prescribed Acutane, and asked how often he has seen patients with any kind of serious problems. Problems like depression and – which are reported very often in the US with people taking the drug companies to court. He said he has very rarely seen anyone reporting psychological effects from the drug.

    I think this particular forum is a very good benchmark for what most peoples experiences are. Although the process of going through it seems to be quite painful, with very bad spots at the beginning, and a few side effects – generally there’s nothing too alarming in MOST peoples experiences, as far as I can see.

    Make your own decision. Your son sounds like he has a very serious acne problem, and that may have to be treated sooner or later with Acutane. You choice may be really whether he does it now or later.

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74. Worried mum1

    

    25th Jan, 10
    

    Hi again everyone, My daughter has decided to stay on R until she has been on it a full year. Her face is very scarred but the spots and boils dont come up anymore. The biggest problem though is that she is breaking out in abcesses on her back, they break and all this sticky stuff comes out, is this never ending for her. Im sure she has caught that mrsa again from the hospital where she picks up her pills. Another round of blood tests will have to be done then, antoibiotics. I still wonder if all this was worth it, would they have come up so bad had she not taken R, but then at least its a lot better than when she first started. The scars and dents are a problem. Her twin has started getting spots again now. I hope this is the last year of it. My son who is 20 had bad skin too from the age of 14 but has joined the forces and the amount of exercise and fresh air he gets has cleared his skin up completely. I would def recommend lots of fresh air and walking. I know teens dont believe this but it does work.

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75. justme

    

    26th Jan, 10
    

    Hi Louise, thanks a lot for that…Im starting it tomorrow im so excited but nervous haha, and don’t worry i won’t give up…thanks :-)

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76. 25ruinu

    

    28th Jan, 10
    

    hi yall

    i found this website today, i hadnt thought about keeping a diary but i shall start

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77. worriedmum1

    

    3rd Feb, 10
    

    Hello all

    Just an update, had to rush daughter to docs last night as her abcesses burst and it was pretty bad, they wanted to take swabs of the poison that came out, so had to do it immediately. Then her eyes have come right up in styes and now shes on another round of really strong antibiotics. I know that R is great for acne, but in daughters case it seems to have brought her a whole round of other skin problems. Her nose is still all dried up, but she insists on taking R until she been on it a year. I dont think she should, as the side effects (for her) are terrible. I cant tell her anything as shes nearly 18 and doesnt listen, so I just have to be there when its really bad. Her actual facial skin is cleared of acne, but the scars are bad. She thinks that once shes off R they will all come back. That is a chance everyone takes, but if she gives it a whole year, then at least shes tried. Good luck justme, I hope you get through it all ok. p.s. her personality has really hardened since shes been on this, i dont think its just teenage behaviuor.

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