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Original poster

Roaccutane

14 replies

TreaclePlum · 05/02/2022 09:02

I'm a 32 year old still with severe acne.

Started as a teen. Went on the pill at 16 which controlled it. Came off at 27. Bad nasty acne. Got pregnant it went. Stopped breast feeding and it came back.

Anyone been on roaccutane? I saw a dermo about some questionable moles and he said it would treat acne in that it'll be gone in a few months...

OP posts:
Sunsetred · 05/02/2022 09:10

Hi, I went on it many years ago. I had a relatively short course, I think 3-6 months and after I finished the course I never had a spot again! Good luck!

Greentomatoes21 · 05/02/2022 09:19

I went on it in my early 20s. It wasn't the easiest few months - it totally dries your skin out, my lips in particular were a mess. However, the dryness was my only side effect and I've had great skin ever since. Totally worth a few months being a bit uncomfortable. One other thing is that you absolutely aren't allowed to get pregnant while on it as it can cause harm to the developing baby. So it is worth getting some robust birth control on the go! Good luck

FrecklesMalone · 05/02/2022 09:21

It made my nextdoor neighbour really really depressed.

Chimchar · 05/02/2022 09:24

My ds used it in his late teens after years of terrible skin.
It worked really well for him, and years later, his skin is still clear.

Like a pp, it did dry out his skin and had quite a sore scalp and dandruff, cracked lips etc while he was on the medication, but it was worth it for him.

Newcarday · 05/02/2022 09:31

I think everyone reacts to this very differently and there are a lot of factors to consider before beginning a course. My brother was early 20s and was really badly affected mentally with thoughts of suicide. My 15 year old sister was absolutely fine other than the dryness that a PP mentioned. Please discuss with your GP, particularly if your mental health is in any way vulnerable.

Bagelsandbrie · 05/02/2022 09:33

My dd took it aged 16 and it was the best thing she ever did (so she says, now aged 19). She had minimal side effects - just dry lips- and it completely cleared up her acne and it hasn’t come back. Her acne was very severe, and painful and she’d tried everything else. I was nervous after reading so many negative things but we saw a private specialist who started her on a low dose and then increased it over 6 months and she had blood tests every month to check she was okay. No mood issues at all - her mood improved as the acne went away!

Qova · 05/02/2022 09:50

I needed two rounds but it was the best thing I ever did. My mental health and low self esteem were due my acne, which was persistent since I was 14. Two rounds in my 30s and I’ve never felt better about myself.

LovelaceBiggWither · 05/02/2022 09:55

It affected my kid's mental health very badly and he was suicidal. He never should have been given it in the first place as he is bipolar and was not particularly stable when it was prescribed.

It seems like a miracle drug for some people though.

MrsBungle · 05/02/2022 09:58

Best thing I ever did. The only side effect I had was that I didn’t have to wash my hair every day as it wasn’t nearly so greasy. Cleared my skin within around 6 weeks and it’s been clear ever since (the past 20 years). Take the advice of your dermatologist.

Original poster
TreaclePlum · 05/02/2022 10:38

Thank you all so much. I'll speak to GP about it.

My main regret is not sorting this out when i had medical insurance with my old job haha.

I am just so fed up of painful cheeks and back and having to wear makeup all the timmmme

OP posts:
thethoughtfox · 05/02/2022 11:13

I had the horrific dry lips ( use Aquaphor) and got night blindness. I couldn't see my baby in her cot when the light was off and couldn't drive at night. This is a common side affect. Acne never came back but do still get hormonal spots each month.

thethoughtfox · 05/02/2022 11:16

@TreaclePlum

Thank you all so much. I'll speak to GP about it.

My main regret is not sorting this out when i had medical insurance with my old job haha.

I am just so fed up of painful cheeks and back and having to wear makeup all the timmmme

They will want you to have tried lots of things first like topical treatments and different prescribed antibiotics. Mention any scarring. Mine were reasonably quick to refer me to the hospital for this because my skin is so pale and they could see the red marks being left. Go with no make up on on take pictures on your phone to show them.
thethoughtfox · 05/02/2022 11:17

My hair is usually quiet oily so it looked amazing while I was on it!

thethoughtfox · 05/02/2022 11:18

There are Youtubers who chart their journey on it. Taylor Wynn is one.

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