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Isotretinoin or roacutane users. Did it work for you? If not what did?

3 replies

Sp3849 · 30/08/2019 06:13

Currently 32 years old. Have had horrific acne since 11. Mostly large boils and would have atleast 7 at a time on my face my face was often swollen and very painful. I would also have them on my chest and back. Finally got too see a dermatologist at 24 who was horrified I had been left like it for so long. After years of GPS telling me I would outgrow it. It was hormones. Teenage years etc. Started isotretinoin it wasn't as effective as they hoped so they gave me maximum doseage over a longer period 6 moths of it and my acne had gone and two years later it came back. With a vengeance Did another round another 6 months maximum dose age and two years later it returned again. It was not anywhere near as bad though. I can manage it now with duac gel and have done for the past two years. I had the implant fitted 6 months ago and that has drastically improved it again which surprised me as. Acne has ruled my life. I was wondering if anyone else's experiences and what has helped you? Maybe other people with this problem can gain some information from this thread.

OP posts:
mightypinkdms · 30/08/2019 06:39

I had isotretonin about 5 years ago, and it worked for me. Like you, they were horrified it was left so long. I still have bouts of hormonal acne, but I keep all make up/face treatments oil free as advised by the dermatologist, I always clean my face morning and evening, and try to eat lots of fruit if veg (7-10 portions) and lots of water. Just had third baby, and my diet isn’t as great, so trying to up intake of good food before I start suffering again!

B00kworm86 · 30/08/2019 06:47

Sorry to hear about your skin OP, it's awful isn't it? I've suffered with hormonal cystic acne for about 20 years! I finally got fed up and went to the GP about 8 weeks ago, after my lovely nephew asked me if I had chicken pox! Bless him!

She prescribed Lymecycline tablets and Epiduo. I must say, it's is working, but I'm still getting one or two cystic lumps, som guessing I need to give it longer to fully kick in!

GP was really understanding and said if the combination above doesn't work, she would look at referring me to Dermatology for a Roaccutane prescription. I'm hoping the antibiotics need a little longer to work properly so I'm persevering!

BlueberryFool123 · 30/08/2019 07:03

@Sp3849 I have had acne since I was 13. Went on pill till 28 which cleared it up. Was off it for having kids (acne was bad during pregnancy).
GP prescribed topicals and then antibiotics did not cure.

Went to see dermatologist (I went privately it was £250). Dermatologist was brilliant. He discussed all options. He said because my acne was hormonal he wouldn’t advise roaccutane as it could come back after. He’s prescribed me spirolactane, which is a common treatment in USA. Only been on for a week so early days.

I would definitely go see a dermatologist. I just went on local private hospital website and cour self refer.

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