accutane :[ - Share Your Acne Story Message Board

chrissyx23 · 06-20-2008, 08:29 AM

i'm 16. and since i was literally in about sixth grade i've had acne. it started with a litte on my chin so at a young age i started wearing cover up and alot of makeup now years later i have it severly with alot of scars all round my chin and cheeks. it seems none of my friends struggle with acne like i do. i cry over my acne at least once a week and i know its pathetic to care about what other people think about me. but it makes me feel so insecure. now i'm in the summer before my junior year in highschool and i'm on my fourth day of accutane. so far all i've done is cried. and gained extremely unbearable dry skin. i have a few questions so anyone out there that can help i'd appreciate it. ok so, does the dryness stay this way through the whole five month treatment? and also i am starting to get coldsore things around my lips and the corners o my mouth is that common?, what type of mostruizer will work the best for my dry skin on my face? is there a certain type of soap or tips that can reduce the dryness, i cant really move my mouth. and other girls, can accutane affect your period? because i'm not having sex. i'm on birth control. and i am taking the pills that cause me to get my period right now and i am not getting it? i'm very confused and if anyone could answer those questions it might help thank youuu.

bailey04 · 07-23-2008, 01:38 PM

I am getting on accutane and though I don't have any personal experience on the medication, I have read a lot about it. The dryness is a normal symptom and though it is horrible now, it will be worth it in the long run if this clears your skin. I am 28 years old and suffered from acne for eleven years. I wish I tried accutane earlier. I know how hard it is to feel so ugly on the outside, but try to stay positive. Hopefully in 6 months you will have clear skin and have all the confidence in the world! Good luck!

Marieh83 · 08-11-2009, 10:55 AM

it's not pathetic to worry about what other people think, in fact if you're like me its how you feel about yourself that gets you most down. i can't bare to look in the mirror at the moment.

sawbuck44 · 08-11-2009, 01:30 PM

My son is 17 and on week two of accutane. The end of week one he had what you'd call an "initial breakout." He got acne on his face (which was just about clear) and some on his back (which is extremely bad and that's why he's on accutane). For two or three days, he said his face hurt. He couldn't open his mouth to talk normally. The corners of his lips were very chapped. The skin would come off in layers and he picked at it and ripped into his lip, which I told him in the beginning not to do.

That all has improved and his shoulders are beginning to clear. There is a board out there of just accutane users. All of them tell you to "hang in there!" There are also the ones that did not have a good experience. You just have to remain aware of the side effects and monitor yourself closely - as well as your derm watching you.

bailey04 · 08-12-2009, 01:50 PM

I know how you feel. I struggled with acne all my life and I am now 29. I used to use accutane and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I have been off it for about 6 months and I am completely acne free! I know the dryness is tough, but it will be all worth it when u are done and your face is cleared up. I used clinique oil free gel lotion, which I still used and it helped. Aquaphor is the best product you can buy for your chapped lips! The accutane is shrinking your oil glands and that is what causes dryness. I am not sure about your questions pertaining to your period and if you do not get it you should ask your doctor about that one. Good luck and hang in there! It will all be worth it! I wish I tried it when i was 16!