My son's derm said the "A" word

[mitpatsmom]

We've been treating his acne agressively with Triaz, benzaclin and an oral antibiotic, but it's not working anymore. We are trying something else for a few months, but the next step is Accutane.

I had heard about the mental side effects, but I was shocked when the doctor opened a book and showed me 2 pages (small print) of possible physical effects. One of the techs said that she was on it and didn't have any problems.

So I want to take a poll: If you've ever been on accutane, please answer these questions:

Did you have any side effects?
If so, what did you do to aleviate them?
Was it worth it?

Also, if you didn't have any side effects, let me know that too. I really want to know if it's worth the risk.

[kwitter]

How old is he? How is his mental state....if he's depressed right now...that's the one side effect I would keep close eye on or maybe not even risk it.

I've heard great things....alot of people swear by it and say the side effects are worth it. But then there are those who don't like it or had a bad experience and will tell you not to do it and how bad the side effects can be.

You also might want to check if your insurance covers it....cuz it can be VERY spendy if not.

Aquafor (there are many other choices as well) has a great ointment for the dry lips and I called Aquafor the company and they said Accutane users, or anyone for that manner are safe to use the ointment on the face if needed for dryness and it will not clog pores. You will need something like this or similar and he will need to moisturize EVERY day probably his whole body....he will become dry.

If he is dry in the first place he may experience more drying side effects or cracking....than say someone who is extremely oily. Yes they will dry out too, just monitor it closely and he will have to keep some sort of lip balm with him at all times.....the derms are pretty good at keeping close eye and running test (if you have a good one - derm)....you also have to monitor.

Hope some of that helps. I too am comtiplating going on Accutane....my cystic acne is clear now.....just I have EXTREMELY oily skin and still have breakouts on my upper back, upper arms and chest area.....so this is my last attempt before accutane (an antibiotic and some creams and a bp wash in the shower).

[kwitter]

Oh and if you decide for him to try Accutane....be sure also to have him drink tons of water to help with his drying (it won't take the drying away, but it will help ALOT compared to if he doesn't drink much water).

[mitpatsmom]

Thanks for answering so fast.

My son is 16-years-old, and not depressed in any way. He is very laid back and lazy. I've had to constantly ride him in the past about taking the medication (and brushing his teeth, and changing his clothes, etc.) and he doesn't seem to be bothered by the acne at all. I've asked him if anyone ever says anything about it and he says no.

His skin is oily, but his lips are always dry. He doesn't really like to drink a lot of water, but he knows all that needs to change if he goes on accutane.

[kwitter]

Oh and (sorry so many posts....I keep thinking of things as I walk away from the computer....) I know he's a male, but has he ever tried masks?

The one I love (and I've used MANY, let me tell ya) is an Azulene Cucumber Ice Sorbet mask. Do a search on it. It is Aloe based and you use it 2-3 times a week....it is soooooo soothing and very gentle, but very effective for me. (it was recommended by my esthetitian and soooo many other esthetitians love this one and it ingrediants).

This is what the item is described as:

"Cucumber Ice Sorbet Masque is a very gentle facial Cooling Gel. It is recommended as a calming and soothing regimen for all skin types (including sensitive skin). A natural synergy of herbal extracts (Cucumber, Chamomile, and Aloe Vera) provides an anti-irritant effect and helps to reduce redness and inflamation associated with in-salon treatments or environmental pollutants .Use of this cooling Gel Masque at home (2-3 times a week) helps to prevent blemish flair ups and promotes hydration.

Directions: For immediate result apply a thick layer to face and neck. Leave on for 10-15 minutes. Remove with tepid water, and follow with moisturizer.

This can be used with almost any regiman anyone is on....(ask though if he should use it with Accutane....), but I would atleast try it now before Accutane....

As for the lazyness...hmmm. Also do you know that he should wash his bedding or atleast pillow case every week. And anything else that comes in contact with his face. Also make sure when he does wash his face his hands are clean or the wash cloth is clean....do not use the same wash cloth for day and night....always use a new clean one (bacteria can grow so fast and as we know, bacteria is our enemy with acne). Oh and never use a scrub (granules) on active acne, this can cause it to be worse sometimes.