Acne Issues

irishbarb

I've been suffering with acne since my early teens, I'm now nearly 20 and thought at this stage I'd have started to grow out of it but it's actually worse then ever. I've tried every lotion and potion in chemists and have decided I just need to go to the doctor and get on something to clear it up. I'm female by the way and was just wondering if any of you have suffered with acne and what medications there are available in Ireland? I know the pill is commonly prescribed, but I have a fear of gaining lots of weight on it as my sister did.

rustynutz

Hi, I suffered with acne all through my early teens and early twenties, go to your doctor who will probably refer you to a dermatologist who can prescribe roacutane. I eventually went on this at 21 and acne was completely gone within a year, only wished I had done it sooner as it would have saved a lot of scarring( not to mention my confidence )
The side effects can be harsh but well worth it imo, let me know if you need any more info.

GarIT

I was on a few different medicines because I refused to take roacutane after a friend who was fine became suicidal after some time on it, he was grand again within a few weeks of coming off it. I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot poll, the other medicines have helped though.

gregers85

rustynutz wrote: »

Hi, I suffered with acne all through my early teens and early twenties, go to your doctor who will probably refer you to a dermatologist who can prescribe roacutane. I eventually went on this at 21 and acne was completely gone within a year, only wished I had done it sooner as it would have saved a lot of scarring( not to mention my confidence )
The side effects can be harsh but well worth it imo, let me know if you need any more info.

+1 for this, I had bad acne as a teen as well, went to a dermatologist when I was about 19 and he prescribed roacutane! worked wonders I've never had to look back Only thing with it is you cant drink while your taking it! I was sober for a whole year but worth it in the end!

Underpaid Mike

Did roaccutane also when i was about 23, had to do 2 rounds and it also worked wonders
Still have some intermittant pimples (rather than acne) but you learn to live with that
I find exercise and red hot showers work wonders (30 years old now)

Clearlier

Yes, your doctor can prescribe medicines that are not available over the counter. When I had acne you went through a whole load of topical and oral medicines before you went on to Roaccutane. Roaccutane did get rid of my acne but I still have side effects 17 (seventeen) years later and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

There's a lot on the internet about Roaccutane and if your doctor does suggest it then I would encourage you to research it before making a decision. I was told that the side effects would be mild and short lived. They were reasonably severe and obviously very long lived. Some people seem to get through it with minimal side effects, others with lots including as mentioned before suicidal ideation. I don't believe you can tell in advance how you will react.

Underpaid Mike

Sorry to pry but can I ask what side effects clearlier ?
Have heard of the side effects etc but thankfully mine were the bleeding lips and dry hair variety

gregers85

Here's a link from the NHS website about it!! however I had absolutely no side affects from it what so ever

http://www.nhs.uk/medicine-guides/pages/MedicineSideEffects.aspx?condition=Acne&medicine=roaccutane&preparation=Roaccutane%2010mg%20capsules

Clearlier

Underpaid Mike wrote: »

Sorry to pry but can I ask what side effects clearlier ?
Have heard of the side effects etc but thankfully mine were the bleeding lips and dry hair variety

Sure, dryness is the main one. I continue to have dry skin including lips and eyes. I have learned to manage the issues better over the years and I think that the effects have diminished a bit too so although I still keep eye drops handy I rarely use them now whereas I needed them several times daily for c. 10 years (single use preservative free drops were by far the best in my experience even if expensive). I still can't use contact lenses though. I have small dry patches of skin around my body but the main impact is on my face. If I don't use moisturiser every time that I wash my face my skin gets very tight and my jaws start aching from the effort to make facial expressions within an hour or two.

P.S. If I were able to talk to my 18 year old self I would examine my diet. I'm well aware that any GP will tell you that there is no link between diet and acne but I have noticed that if I eat rubbish I start getting spots again. I'd be extremely wary about advocating this route given our society but it is what I would do if I had my time again.

witchgirl26

irishbarb wrote: »

I've been suffering with acne since my early teens, I'm now nearly 20 and thought at this stage I'd have started to grow out of it but it's actually worse then ever. I've tried every lotion and potion in chemists and have decided I just need to go to the doctor and get on something to clear it up. I'm female by the way and was just wondering if any of you have suffered with acne and what medications there are available in Ireland? I know the pill is commonly prescribed, but I have a fear of gaining lots of weight on it as my sister did.

Heya. Hate to say this but you can suffer even though not a teenager. I'm in my mid-late 20's now & still get breakouts. The pill definately did help my skin. Just because your sister gained weight on it doesn't mean you will. It all depends on what pill you're prescribed and your own metabolism. I'm a lot smaller than my sister and the pill has not made a difference to that.
I'd say sit down and have a proper chat to your doctor. Understand the side-effects of all the medications suggested and make an informed decision.
Also add that the NHS website is good for giving facts about different medications without scare-mongering or singing praises.