I took accutane about 5 years ago. Since then I have had constant mucus in my eyes. I also have extremely uncomfortable skin on my arms, armpits, chest, back of knees, and inner thighs. The severity of these issues fluctuates day to day, ranging from bothersome to depression inducing, but is always present. My skin is slightly discolored in these areas. I have been to 2 eye doctors, a dermatologist, 2 primary care doctors, 2 allergists, and a neurologist, to no avail. I currently use moisturizer on my skin, and Pataday for my eyes, which help to a very very small degree. What has not worked: Protopic, eletone, Hydro 35 foam, cortisone cream, fluticasone cream, epiceram cream.
The only thing I ever hear from my doctors is use eye drops and that I have eczema (which I highly doubt). Is it possible that accutane caused these problems, and if so, is there anything I can do?
I've never heard of Tane causing those types of side effects. I've taken it twice, once at 16, and again at 28. I've heard of it causing (or people stating it caused) IBS, ulcerative colitis, depression, etc.
In terms of your skin, perhaps you are sensitive to some type of ingredient or preservative in products you are using. (Maybe the cause of your eye issues too).
I would start eliminating ingredients in the products you're using to see if one of them is the problem.
I cannot speak on the skin problems you've been experiencing post-accutane but I will share my experience with the drug. I have been on accutane twice in my life. Once at 16 and once at 20. The drug worked miracles on my skin. At the time it improved my confidence and gave me a new outlook on life. I didn't suffer from anything outside of the normal side-effects.
Fast fowarding to 2 years after my second treatment, my mental condition started on a serious decline. Feelings of extreme hopeless and sometimes, suicidal thoughts. Nothing had changed in my life and my skin was clear.. I shouldve been happy. I started engaging in extremely destructive behavior.
I am not writing this to scare anyone on accutane but simply trying to shed some light on it. This drug works, but at what cost? I recommend anyone thinking about taking this drug to consider the risk of this drug. Is it worth the long term effects it may bring on?
I know you've got a phalax on medical professionals on the job, so all I can really say is hang in there! When was the last time you were actually in to see one of your doctors? And what kind of tests have they performed? It certainly seems like your quality of life is suffering, so I truly hope you find some relief.
