Isotretinoin

[Punxsutawney]

Any found that acne relapsed after taking this?
Ds started having issues with acne 5 years ago. Spent 3 years on oral antibiotics and finally got referred to dermatology. Spent a year on 20mg daily of isotretinoin and was discharged from dermatology last summer with completely clear skin. Unfortunately his spots returned within 2 weeks of the discharge appointment and now they are more cyst like and very uncomfortable.

Ds has additional needs and the year on isotretinoin was difficult, but he did tolerate it. Just had issues like dry lips, nose bleeds etc.

When he was discharged from dermatology we were told he had open access for a year. Unfortunately they won't see him again until he's done the whole topical creams and oral antibiotics from the GP. They did prescribe a cream after a chat with the dermatology nurse but that's doing nothing. We have a GP appointment for 3 weeks time . But he's very fed up.

Has anyone had more than one course of isotretinoin? And did it work second time around? Or does it just not work for some people?
We were told that Ds's skin would be re-set after the medication but it doesn't seem that way at all.

I did two courses of isotretioin and still get some spots. I use the topical cream which did make me break out initially but skin is clear now. I do also combine with the contraceptive pill though which helps with my spots. A second course would help your son if he can cope

My son had it when he was around 16/17 and now getting recurrence- he is 22 now.

Thanks very much. The consultant suggested that for 80% of patients there are never any other issues. But I guess there often is. He was on a relatively low dose, but they worked out he had his cumulative amount. His skin was amazingly clear when he finished it, well for a couple of weeks anyway!

I think Ds could manage a few smaller pimples but he's also got quite painful large, cyst like spots. He has sensory issues and will pick his skin.

Sorry to hear of others having had reoccurrence. Looks like he may well need another course if nothing else ends up helping.