Posted by Vic on October 16, 2002 at 16:27:49:
In Reply to: Acne scarring,self esteem and Roaccutane!!....Does it make us unattractive to girls? posted by Darren on July 23, 2002 at 14:37:53:
Hi, I am a 23 year old female who has suffered with acne since I was in primary school. I have spent hundreds of pounds in the past on lotions, potions and any new fad on the market. I was eventually referred to a Dermatologist at the beginning of this year after lots of pleading with my GP. I was put on a 6 month course of roaccutane - apart from the side effects (the usual - dry lips/mouth/skin etc) the results were fantastic - my life for a few months was completely different I could look people in the eye when having a conversaton and hold my head up outside in natural light, but sadly a couple of months after the end of the treatment, it has all returned and I am back in square one.
I too have thought about suicide, but I havn't got the guts to do it, instead if I am having a really bad day feeling extra ugly and extra spotty I will call in sick at work or if it is a weekend I won't leave the house. I find I get very ratty with my friends and family who don't understand why I have moodswings as I can't/don't discuss the problem with any one. I guess as a female I can/try to cover as much as possible up with makeup, which takes me about half an hour each day to put on as it is like 'dot to dot' with the concealer (by the way I have found a very good concealer that you have to order from a Pharmacy counter called keramask (it is used to cover port wine stains/birthmarks etc) but the problem lies with my boyfriend - yes I surprisingly do have one but he has NEVER seen me without my make up on and if he comes around too early in the morning to see me I refuse to let him in the house until I have covered my spots up with makeup as I feel he will get a very horrible surprise if he sees me without it!
On a positive note, I do have another appointment with the dermatologist next week and I have just ordered a Dermalux lamp which is supposed to reduce acne??????? I will let you know how I get on.
Remember, we have so much more to consider/put up with in life than most - so it can only make us stronger/better/more sympathetic people.
Vic