Roaccutane.

[LimeSlice]

I am wondering if anyone else has used Roaccutane and had their condition return later after successful use initially?

I have (had) acute cystic acne, from my waist to my neck and my elbows to my shoulders, very little on my face. It began in my very early teens and persisted through every treatment I could throw at it, until finally at 18 I was put on Roaccutane. The most amazing thing known to man! LOL
It worked wonders, and within 6 months my skin was completely clear. I finished the course and that was that. I was so so happy, seriously, the acne had completely devastated my teens it was horrific.

Anyway, all has been fine for 10 years. Now it seems not. My back is *covered* in acne. I haven't seen it this bad since I was 17. It is all around the back of my neck and onto my jawline.

I haven't had any major hormonal stuff going on - I am still BF DD2 and that hasn't changed, I have been pregnant and/or breastfeeding for almost 6 years and no issues.
Is it possible simple stress could have done this?

So wondering if anyone else who has had a successful treatment with Roaccutane has had their acne return later on in life? Guess I need to go and see my dermatologist again.

[Three Graces]

Sorry - I'm not able to help, but just replying to bump it up again and hopefully somebody else may be able to assist.

Just quickly - have you been feeling stressed lately? I was stressed at work once and my eye started playing up. Saw a specialist and there was nothing wrong. Just stress. I think it can do really weird things to our bodies. Especially if you have just started to relax AFTER a stressful time in your life. Just as an aside - we adopted a kitten from a shelter once and a week or two after we had him home, he came down with cat flu. Took him back to the shelter as they covered vet stuff for a period of time after adoption and they said that it was really common for the animals to come down with stuff once they were out of the shelter and really stressful environment and feeling a bit safer again. bang. THey then got sick, so just wondering if something similar was happening for you?

I'm also a big believer in the body coming out in symptoms when we are ignoring other things in our life, something out of kilter, or staying in a job or r/ship for too long that makes us miserable, not speaking up for myself (I ALWAYS get sore throats when I don't speak up for myself) etc.
I'm not sure if you've ever tried acupuncture before? Might be worth a go.
Anyway, I hope it clears up for you soon

[Three Graces]

Still no other bites. Have you booked in with your dermatologist again?

[angelmumma]

I haven't been on it personally (though I probably should have been in my teenage years as I had horrible horrible pimples, to this day I still have bad skin.) My brother's GF has been on it though, and she was telling me that there are more than one dose that some people have to take. You can be on it from 6 months to 2 years I think, do maybe go back and see the dermatologist and ask for another dose? That might be all your body needs to fend it off again.

[Lenny]

Oh, just noticed this LS.
I took Roaccutane in my very late teens. I was terrified, especially because of sun damage, but it really worked. Afterwards I just got the occasional spot, but it never affected my confidence and clothing choices etc again.

Until now. I now have to swim with a rashie on because it looks disgusting, and i'm too embarrassed on hot days to wear singlet tops or beautiful sundresses like normal people.

So yes, successful treament half my life ago - and now it's back.

[LimeSlice]

Thanks TG. No, I haven't booked yet - he will be on holidays anyway i suspect! LOL Will sort it out in the new year. It seems 2013 will be year of my health issues.

I was on it for 12 months, Angelmumma. It is a very, very full on treatment, I really want to try and avoid going back on it as it is really not pleasant.

Lenny! It sucks balls, doesn't it? I'm glad I am not the only one who understands how I feel though. I'm going back on the pill shortly, so hoping that that might have more of an impact now than it did when I was 15. :/ I'll let you know how I get on anyway. x

[shellbell3]

I went thru 2 treatments but not as big a gap as yours, mine was maybe year to year and half between then no probs since.
Hopefully you can get answers why a flare up after so many years.
I found the side effects of it lasted many years, the dry eyes esp I was needing drops for that for up to 6 years after.

[Beatrix]

I have tried all the topical treatments inc. the anti biotics, creams, etc and nothing has worked.

My next step is taking this but since I was planning on TTC within a year or two when we ran out of other options the dr did not want me on it and I didnt want to take it either so its the step we will be taking after I have had bubs and finished breast feeding.

I HATE my skin. I can not go out without make up on because of cystic acne. It comes on my back but not as bad but when I get a few they are very painful lumps so because they I have cystic acne the Dr will prescribe it for me (he does have to ring and get a special number for it to write the script but I dont need to see a anyone but my GP who has been my family GP for 15 years)

Im am very scared of the side affects though... but I hate being a grown women with horrible skin.

On the plus side its not to bad atm because pg helps my skin

[Lenny]

Sucks aye. I don't wish it on any of us, but it's nice to know i'm not the only one. I do sometimes feel a bit of a freak

Hope the pill works for you LS. Are you going to take a special pill, or just a regular one and see if that has some effect on the hormones? Good luck xx

[LimeSlice]

Well, I'm still BF DD2, so will start with the mini-pill. DD2 is 2 in February though, so I'm not too stressed about my milk from that POV, would really like her to self-wean like DD1 did. Will see how we go. If the derm doesn't think it will help, I won't bother. but have noticed an increase in my lip hair too, so maybe it is hormonal?

Hating my body at the moment all round.

[Lenny]

Yep. It's like a huge kick when you are down. I've actually just been googling a bit. (Didn't have google when i was in my teens ). Sounds like a visit to the derm is the only way forward.