Acne - Isotretinoin

[Jim H]

Hello folks, any advice would be welcome.

Since my mid-teens, to present day I’ve suffered from Acne - I’m 50 now.

Not all the time, but regularly a monthly outbreak, sometimes severe. It’s mainly on the face, but also shoulders and back.

It’s the face that bothers me the most as it has, over the decades led to scarring. I’ve always been told it (Acne) would disappear with age however this I now consider unlikely.

I’ve tried all types of medication (oral and application) to varying results (ocytetracyclene / benzoyl peroxide etc)

I asked for a referral from my GP to a Dermatologist a few years ago, however that support ground to a halt during Covid. This process with the Dermatologist recently commenced again and following consultation, a course of Isotretinoin is being advised following blood tests and face to face consultation in a week.

This really is a last chance option which it appears that medical professionals are willing to advocate as the medication comes with possible side-effects which I’ve considered.

Has anyone else tried this? I’m in a bit of a catch 22 situation, I’m mindful of the side-effects and a little concerned - however I’m willing to try anything which may alleviate a condition that has had a profound negative effect on most of my adult life.

Thanks in advance Jim.

[GregK2]

Yes I took this in my early/ mid-twenties when nothing else was working. It is very effective, the only real side effect I had was the one I think you are guaranteed which is quite severe dry lips, but it's well worth it for the results.

I had to do 2 courses in the end, I can't remember how far apart between, maybe 18months ish, but then have been completely clear since.

I would recommend it.

[mcelliott]

was on Roaccutane which I'm guessing is the same thing, for a 3 month spell in my early 20s, tried everything from the age of 15 and none of them worked, did have side effects but nothing too bad, one thing though if you start your coarse in the summer watch your sun exposure, anyway it worked for me and my acne never came back.

[Pflanzgarten]

mcelliott said:

Roaccutane

That stuff changed my life, I have no idea what was in it (and there was talk of some bad side effects some years ago) but whatever it was-it changed the course of my life for the better as far as I'm aware.

[StevieBee]

I had exactly the same symptoms and tried pretty much the same mix of medications as well as experimenting with diet. The medications were those advised by my GP when I was in my early 40s.

When I was 50, I was diagnosed with Rosacea.

Rosacea can manifest in several ways, one of which mimics the effect of Acne.

For me, this was apparent along my hairline, around my nose, behind me ears and around the back of my kneck; spots, pustules and blemishes.

I was prescribed a six-week course of antibiotics which cleared it up. It never goes away fully but I have a tube of Rozex which I apply if I get a little flare up and hasn't really bothered me for the past few years.

I also passed my Rosacea on to my daughter (28). She tried similar treatments without success but several years ago jumped on the Vegan bandwagon. This has solved the issue completely; she has perfect skin. Personally, I'd put with the odd spot for a steak!

[Jim H]

Morning, and thank you all for replies.

Following a lot of consultations with Dermatologists, I’m informed my condition is a bit of a mix between Acne and Folliculitis.

It’s not a problem permanently, some weeks I can go with hardly a blemish, others when I have a break out - I don’t even want to leave the house.

I’ve tried everything, different diets, the lot. One GP once told me that what you eat really doesn’t make much difference - if you have bad skin. You have bad skin.

My late father was blighted most of his life with psoriasis. Luckily I’ve not been affected, but I’m sure genetics play a big part in this

My worst months of the year are January / February when there is little sunlight.

I holiday regularly in Spain and it always clears up completely when I’m out there.

My skin was perfect when I returned from Spain a few weeks ago, but last week my face resembled a Pizza.
Mind you, I’ve been under a bit of stress and that always had a contributing affect.

I had blood samples taken yesterday for kidney function allied with new treatment, and I have the Consultation with the Dermatologist in a week.

I’m just willing to try anything now.

Antibiotics and creams do keep it at bay to a certain extent, but I’ve bounced off a few antibiotics and the body tends to get ‘used’ to them and they become less effective.

Thanks again.