This is not about Accutane, but
Posted By: here's my story . . . on 2006-04-14
In Reply to: Comments on Accutane? - acne mom
I have, for as long as I can remember, had what I believe to be acne inversa (i.e. hydradenitis suppurativa). I have seen several dermatologists and family physicians, taken antibiotics and a variety of other medications, washed my entire body with Hibiclens, and did have one dermatologist who was going to start me on Accutane. Luckily I did not do that at the time because I did get pregnant shortly after that, but it is something that I have still considered as an option, but it scares me and I am not sure.
Anyway, I just thought that I would share what worked for me, and I was very surprised since nothing had ever worked. It is also risky. Several years ago I got a part-time job at a tanning salon and began tanning daily. My skin cleared up like never before . . . it was amazing. After a short time, I only needed to tan about once or twice a week to maintain (both the tan and the clear skin . . . LOL). This too scares me, and I have not tanned in about five years now.
I'm sure you have heard about radiation being used many years ago to treat skin conditions such as acne, and is still used in some cases.
Just something to consider.
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Accutane can and does cause.....sm
Please read about Accutane. MDs always want to know when a patient has a past history of Accutane usage....and not just for the pregnant women - they want to know about any pt who has a past hx of Accutane use.
http://accutane.poweradvocates.com/dear_pharm_accutane.html
http://www.adrugrecall.com/newsletter/nov04/accutane-restrictions.html
Accutane
I used Accutane about 25 years ago (in my mid-20's)when it first came out. Had to have two separate treatments but it worked. I had very severe cystic acne face and back. I have since had a healthy pregnancy and no health problems. The severe cystic acne never came back although I still have acne/rosacea problems and even at age 50 am on Minocycline and topicals but these keep it under good control now. Using Accutane made a huge difference for me, I knew the risks but was willing to use it and it paid off for me. I didn't have a big problem with blackheads/whiteheads though, just the deep cystic acne. Hope this helps a little.
Pro-Accutane
As a testimonial, here is my sister's brief results. She is in mid-30s and has suffered with deep cystic acne for at least 8-10 years. She thought nothing could be done. However, after finally getting an informed and aggressive dermatologist, who FULLY informed her of all the pros and cons, she decided to shell out the money and go with the regimen.
Her results have been borderline miraculous! Nearly ALL of her cystic acne is gone, and the residual that she does get is very mild compared to prior outbreaks. She could not be happier and would recommend it to anyone in her situation. Please, mom, give it a try. Nothing beats a son's ear-to-ear grin!
Accutane
Hi: My almost 23 year old son used Accutane for 6 months. He had cystic acne and during the winter his face turned bright red and the kids called him pizza face. Tried over the counter meds, and all kinds of dermatology recommended prescription drugs to no avail. The last resort was the Accutane. I am so glad he tried it, because it worked. He had to have his LFTs checked ever few weeks and I had to watch for signs of depression, but it cleared his face up completely and he is so handsome (was handsome before) but now his self-esteem is where it should be. Like every drug you have to be careful, watch the liver functions and depression. My son had neither problem and it was well worth the tests and depression check. Good Luck. I know as a mom my heart ached for him and was glad I made the decision to let him try the Accutane.
PRO-ACCUTANE
I will be on Accutane for the rest of my life and cannot believe this recent assault on my life through iPLEDGE! If we were "inconvenienced" before, our lives are comepltely negatively impacted now. I will be starting a PRO-ACCUTANE website complete with lobbying information so that we can put an end to this red-tape nightmare and obtain the drug we need.
The least this iPLEDGE system could do is provide you with a live operator, but instead offers an automated system. Do I sound angry and resentful? I hope so! Absolutely no other drug has requirements like that of Accutane. The story of the teenager who flew a plane into a building while supposedly taking Accutane that started this entire debacle has been so sensationalized it has evaded our liberties and must come to an immediate end. Should I have to continue to bear the scars of acne for the rest of my life due to this ridiculous iPLEDGE program, flying a plane into a building to make a point may seem like a plan.
Comments on Accutane?
My son's acne started when he is 12. He's 16-1/2 now and it's as bad or worse than ever. Started off trying various over the counter things; didn't work. Tried Proactive; didn't work. Went to a dermatologist who tried Retin A, antibiotic capules, antibiotic cream, steroid injections to inflamed zits, etc. Basically no change. We kept going back but it never got better and finally son refused to go again. The doctor had mentioned possibly using Accutane. The dermatologist said he had never seen so many blackheads on one person (said that in front of my son too, which I think was kind of poor judgment). But I was thinking my god - if he's the worst a DERMATOLOGIST has ever seen - geez!
Anyway, he has blackheads, whiteheads and bumps deep under the skin. The bumps you don't notice so much until he is in the light - sunlight or for instance the spotlight the dentist shines into your mouth - and then holy cow - they are everywhere, hundreds of them, each probably the size of a BB. The bumps are only on his face but he also has very bad blackheads, whiteheads and pimples on not only his face but his neck, shoulders, back and upper arms.
My son doesn't ever act like it bothers him at all but I'm sure it must bother him and I'm sure kids must say something about it. He seems to pretend they aren't there. My husband thinks he is just overwhelmed by the sheer number of them and the fact that nothing has worked so just ignores it.
I know Accutane can have very bad side effects but I'm wondering if in a case like his if we should try it anyway. I think I will make an appointment with another dermatologist although I KNOW it will be over my son's protest. He will try to refuse to go. He is the one who decided he wasn't going to the other dermatologist anymore. I think maybe I will try to find one that specializes in acne, if there is such a thing.
Has anyone here used Accutane or had a child who did?
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