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Dermatologist question

  • 27-05-2008 2:27pm
    #1
    LegacyUser
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭


    Background : Ive had mild-moderate acne since I was about 13. I'm 24 now. Compared to some people, It really isnt very bad but it doesn't seem to show any signs of going away.

    Ive been on two courses of minocin and also a course of trimethoprim. Neither helped. Ive changed my diet, cutting out sugar, white bread etc. I drink lots of water, I get lots of exercise, I get as much sun as I can & I get 8 hours of sleep a night. Ive tried different supplements (zinc etc) and I wash my face twice a day. Basically, nothing is helping.

    I currently use the regime on acne.org which involves benzilon peroxide and it does help but doesnt stop it coming back.

    I asked my doctor to refer me to a dermatologist in February. He asked if there was anyone in particular that Id like to go to and I said 'Dr Kirby' as I had read on boards that people had good experiences with him.

    The referral starts with 'Dear Dr.Kirby...'

    My questions:

    1) Do I have to go to Dr.Kirby or can I use that referral for another dermatologist ?

    2) Can anyone recommend another dermatologist that would be most likely to proscribe me roaccutane...taking into account that my acne isn't THAT bad. Ive decided that I want to take accutane to get rid of it for good. I know some dermatologists wont proscribe it unless you have really serious acne.

    3) Is there a time limit on when I can use the referral ? Ive had it for 2 months and I haven't been to the dermatologist.

    Sorry for the length of the post. Thanks for your help!


Comments

  • #2
    MysticalSoul
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,266 ✭✭✭MysticalSoul


    Not sure regarding a Dermatologist, however when I was about your age, I got awful acne, and by the time I was 25/26 it miraculously disappeared. My boss at the time, after mine had died down (she never mentioned it before, as she knew I was self-conscious about it) told me that she too got awful acne in her early-mid 20's which settled down after a year or two. I think it has to do with the hormonal changes going on in your body during that period.


  • #3
    Marz66
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 367 ✭✭Marz66


    I'm the exact same as you. I've been referred to a dermotologist and just waiting on the appointment day now. I imagine if the letter starts with Dear Dr Kirby, thats the only doctor who could act on the letter. Maybe you could ask your GP for another referral letter? I've been referred to a Dr. Mary Garvey who is based in Co. Galway and is meant to be good. I'm not sure if a dermotologist would prescribe Roaccutane in a non severe case. In my case, I have seen people with worse acne than me (mostly male) but my GP still described me as having severe acne and recommended Roaccutane so maybe its worth your while visiting a dermotologist to check it out.


  • #4
    StormWarrior
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,577 ✭✭✭StormWarrior


    Have you thought about buying a lightbox?
    http://www.ciao.co.uk/Dr_Kern_s_Beauty_Skin_Light_Box__Review_5583636
    I have one, after a few months you really can notice an improvement. No side effects either.

    Alternatively you could try this diet and supplements regime:
    http://www.acneyoda.com/buy_now.html

    btw taking antibiotics for acne makes it worse in the long run as it adversely affects your gut flora. Have you tried isotrexin gel? I found that to be great, and didn't get any side effects. You can get it prescribed by your dermatologist but it doesn't get rid of the root cause of acne.

    What are you washing your face with? Something too harsh can make it worse.


  • #5
    Buzz Buzz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 170 ✭✭Buzz Buzz


    I met the founder of this company while I was working in Melbourne...

    http://www.skinb5.com/about.asp

    Although I did'nt meet him while his skin was bad, I can testify his skin looked fantastic when I did met him, nice guy too. And just before I left Melbourne, he had signed a €50million distribution deal in Asia and some other deal with Harrod's in London, so claimed anyway.


  • #6
    Delphi91
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,501 ✭✭✭Delphi91


    Help please ? wrote: »
    1) Do I have to go to Dr.Kirby or can I use that referral for another dermatologist ?

    Your GP gave you the referral? Doesn't the GP normally write to the consultant, etc and he/she contacts you separately to arrange an appointment. That's what has happened in my case (not dermatologists) when I've been referred to three different specialists over time.
    2) Can anyone recommend another dermatologist that would be most likely to proscribe me roaccutane...taking into account that my acne isn't THAT bad. Ive decided that I want to take accutane to get rid of it for good. I know some dermatologists wont proscribe it unless you have really serious acne.

    Surely it's up to the dermatologist to decide what medication (if any) is best for you given your circumstances?
    3) Is there a time limit on when I can use the referral ? Ive had it for 2 months and I haven't been to the dermatologist.

    See answer to 1) above.

    Mike


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  • #7
    LegacyUser
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    Thanks for your advice guys. I dont want to appear rude but to be honest, Im not looking for alternative treatments. Theres lot of things out there that may help but the only thing that seems to cure it for good is roaccutane unfortunately.

    Ive been struggling with this for 11 years now so am fed up with trying every treatment under the sun and really want to get the drug prescribed.


  • #8
    ebbnflow
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6 ✭ebbnflow


    usually the GP writes directly to the dermatologist and you make the appointment yourself.. the derm will then have the letter in his/her files when you go for the appointment.

    i won't do this publicly but if you want to know of a dermatologist i really wouldn't reccomend you see you can p'm me if you like..


  • #9
    StormWarrior
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,577 ✭✭✭StormWarrior


    Help please ? wrote: »
    Thanks for your advice guys. I dont want to appear rude but to be honest, Im not looking for alternative treatments. Theres lot of things out there that may help but the only thing that seems to cure it for good is roaccutane unfortunately.

    Ive been struggling with this for 11 years now so am fed up with trying every treatment under the sun and really want to get the drug prescribed.

    Roaccutane does not always cure acne for good. I know several people who have taken 2 or 3 courses of roaccutane and still the acne comes back. The side effects can be awful, even life threatening if you consider how many people have committed suicide because of this drug. Make very sure you think it's worth trying. btw the isotrexin gel I mentioned is roaccutane but in a gel form instead of pills so you don't get the side effects. Maybe you should try that first.

    http://www.xsorbit1.com/users/davec//index.cgi?board=8


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