Reclaim Your Skin

Hi Emma

Thanks it helps to know its not all doom and gloom with Roaccutane, the Dermatologist scared the life out me.

Crosses fingers and hopes this works good luck with your course

Rach

October 18th, 2007 at 1:18 pm

Hi Rachel,

I finished a course of Roaccutane in April. I began the course at the beginning of December last year and I’m pleased to say that I don’t regret it one bit. Of course, the drug will work differently on different people and like you I was cautious when I first heard of the side effects…..I mean for goodness sake ’suicide’ is one of the side effects!

Anyway, I was just so delighted to be starting a medication that may actually work on acne. I’d taken all sorts of antibiotics since the age of 13/14 and nothing had ever really worked. I’m ashamed to say that my acne wasn’t really that severe, but it was enough to affect my confidence and resulted in me wearing thick ghastly make-up that only served to irritate my skin.

There were a few things I noticed, whilst on the drug. My lips became very dry (as you are probably now experiencing), but I found that Blistex applied at least 5 times a day kept this under control. My face and hands would come out in a rash every once in a while, so I used a light vaseline moisturizer. I also noticed that my back and knees would ache, but it was so insignificant that I didn’t even put it down to the drug initially. To be honest, the side effects were so much easier to deal with, than I’d originally anticipated, that when I now look back on it, I struggle to recall what side effects I actually had.

I still get the odd spot now and again, but I’m pleased to say that I can now go out without wearing foundation and my skin feels so much more comfortable.

I hope your treatment goes well and also to the other Emma who replied. Keep me up to date with how you get on……I’m sure it will work for you too.

October 23rd, 2007 at 3:15 pm

Hi all,

I was on Roaccutane in the late 90’s. I am now 34 and still suffering from acne, which has affected my confidence imeasureably. I have also had severe depression, which I am thankful to say is now under control, and so like you I worry about the drug affecting my mood if I do another course. I have tried numerous lotions/pills and nothing really knocks it on the head - the only thing which really helped was the pill, but that then gave me Melasma! (any feedback/tips on this would also be appreciated) so, I had to stop taking it. I have to make the decision asap as I have a follow-up Specialist’s appointment next week. I remember the drug causing terrible!!! dry lips which would split at the corners if I yawned - not a nice memory! and muscle aches/stiffness in my heels. I am also in a new relationship (a miracle seeing as I am SO selfconscious about my spots). My spots btw are on my chin (always infected no matter what I do or don’t do) and a few here and there on my chest, my T-zone is always greasy. So, all in all still undecided and very hesitant. Help !

October 29th, 2007 at 3:50 pm