Acne Sufferers' Discussion Board

Message archive to 3rd July 02

These are the edited messages by threads, starting with the most recent. As it is just one HTML file you can use the 'save as' command in your browser to read them offline - David.

the acne storm commeth

Posted by ben (213.206.5.5) on July 02, 2002 at 09:13:30:

Hello all!

...just stumbled upon this site... great stuff...

...i'm seeking a few words of advice/acne wisdom...

i'm 24 and have had acne since i was 14. i went through the whole spectrum of treatments... from antibiotics (oxytetra-, erythro- and mino-cycline), topicals (skinoren, dalacin, benzemycin, topical isotret) through to a course of roaccutane when i was 18. the roaccutane seemed to do the trick, with my sebum levels at rock bottom for a few years afterwards, and spots at a level easily coped with by over-the-counter oxy10 or benzemycin gel on prescription. For the record, at the same time as my acne was developing in my teenage years i developed serious misgivings about my body, self-esteem and self-confidence - and i put this down to my 'relationship' with my skin ('acne skin' - something which you come to know intimately, knowing its every fluctuation and mood, its dislikes and tempers...)... but unfortunately this led to the development of bulemia/depression which i have now had for four and a half years for which i have received counselling and CBT.

But back to the problem... the acne is back... the acne from hell hath begguneth arrivingeth upon my faceth.... the downward spiral has begun as i begin to close myself off from as much of the world as possible (and become increasingly frustrated and exasperated that this is just not possible) etc etc... And every doctor i have visited tells me i don't need retenoid treatment as my acne is not bad enough yet...and so puts me on something much tamer which has no effect (currently skinoren)... i was even told that sufferers are not allowed to take a second course of roaccutane!!! is this right? is there anything i can do? can i go straight to a dermatologist or do i need referral? i feel that i know my skin inside out and know the spiral that i am currently undergoing - i've been there before - does my acne have to be fully pizza-faced to warrent a referral to a dermatologist? can i get a private referral? etc etc etc

sorry to drone on, but can anyone pllllleeeeeeeeeaaaaaassssssseeeee help?! ...suggestions / tips / advice welcome

thanks, ben x

ps good luck & best wishes to everyone suffering from acne out there

Posted by anita (205.157.90.6) on July 02, 2002 at 12:57:24:

In Reply to: the acne storm commeth... posted by ben on July 02, 2002 at 09:13:30:

hey there, i'l make this short. acne is oftem times cause by the skin not getting the minerals and nutrients it needs to function. without that the skin will pretty much get irritated with anything you put on it. i had really bad acne when i was younger i was also anorexia. my acne drove me to depression and sometime i got extremely suicidal, i can say the only thing that got me through it was the love of god and his strength. anyways like i said i had so many eating disorders and no one ever told me that causes acne. a few years ago i developed a digestive problem and my doctor had recommended BETAIN HYDROCHLORIDE AND PAPAYA ENZYME. i had posted this below. anyways he had told me also so that that may very well be the cause of my acne and sure enough my face cleared up. i had tried so many differrent thing and spent so much money it shocked me that i was the only causing the problem. what i'm saying is when you consult your doctor you need to let him know whether you have any eating disorders. this bulemia may very well be whats causing you to breakout so much. anyways i hope this helps honey and if you have any questoins let me know.

Posted by David Collins (62.64.231.188) on July 02, 2002 at 19:03:53:

In Reply to: Re: the acne storm commeth... posted by anita on July 02, 2002 at 12:57:24:

Yes, having acne does your self-esteem no good at all.

You can have another course of roaccutane: its total bs for someone to say you can't. In the uK you have to be referred to a dermatologist for it. But you can go private, which will be quicker than waiting for the dear old NHS, though it is expensive. I don't agree with the previous post: although there is something of a connection with diet, the major problem is hormonal which is why accutane/roaccutane gets to it in some way we're not quite sure about. Virtually all other treatments are palliatives IMO.

Posted by emi (195.96.144.43) on June 23, 2002 at 07:15:30:

Hi,
I'm 25 years old and I'm suffering from acne for 9 years,
last time that I went to DR ,she put me on a roaccutane,but now after two weeks my face got worse,
plaese tell me what I can do case my wedding ceremoney is in a mounth,
thnks

Posted by anita (205.157.90.6) on June 25, 2002 at 12:44:46:

In Reply to: roaccutane dosn't work!! posted by emi on June 23, 2002 at 07:15:30:

hey, i don't know if this might work for you but it did for me. my doctor had recommended some over the counter digestive aids for me cause acne can also be caused by your body not digesting and distributing the protiens well. what i'm taking is BETAINE HYDROCHLORIDE 600MG WITH PEPSIN FROM COUNTRY LIFE AND PAPAYA ENZYME FROM AMERICAN HEALTH. now dont worry cause these pills are completely natural and have no side effects. all they do is aid the digesting and distribution of minerals throughtout the body. i had started taking it and after 1 week (no kidding) my face cleared up. they can be bought at any health food store. hope it helps.

Posted by David Collins (62.64.201.1) on June 29, 2002 at 14:40:01:

In Reply to: Re: roaccutane dosn't work!! posted by anita on June 25, 2002 at 12:44:46:

You've had a breakout. This is a well-known phenomenon for accutane. I'm surprised your doctor didn't warn you. In some people it gets worse before it gets better. If you persevere with the treatment the acne most probably will improve. Your doc can give you antibiotics to control the breakout. You have to give the accutane enough time to do its stuff: which may be months of slow improvement.

Posted by PRISSY (205.157.90.6) on June 18, 2002 at 21:12:14:

hi, i'm currently on dianette for acne. i was wondering if anyone here has tried this and for how long before you saw results. it just seems to make me break out more and i dont know if i should get off or if this is normal. i've been on it for 2 months.

Posted by Pam (12.90.165.6) on June 13, 2002 at 05:20:06:

ACIDOPHILUS, a "friendly" organism of the digestive system and intestines is nature's cure to treat and prevent acne. It can be found in yogurt or bought as a dietary supplement.

I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS. I've suffered w/ acne for 9 yrs. While on a diet I snacked on yogurt often and my skin cleared for 2 yrs. Then i stopped eating yogurt and my acne reappeared. A week ago I remember that it was when I stopped eating yogurt that my skin started breaking out again. I ran to the store to buy ACIDOPHILUS and w/in a week my skin is the clearest it's been all year.

PLEASE TRY be4 wasting anymore money on useless products and medications.

PAM

Posted by Dr David Jones (195.93.34.172) on June 17, 2002 at 16:44:10:

In Reply to: TRULY EFFECTIVE posted by Pam on June 13, 2002 at 05:20:06:

You are right in saying that eating yogurt can help to clear up some forms of acne because of the active immuno bacteria. But it is always best to consult a dermotologist if you have suvere acne to see what they think is best.

Posted by Emma (195.92.194.16) on June 11, 2002 at 21:35:05:

I have had mild acne for about 7 years now, I have taken many drugs which get rid of the spots but then about 6-8 months later come back again.
The main area where i suffer is on my jew line and sides of my neck by my glands.
If anyone has any suggestions please e- mail me.
I,m sick of doctors who dont have any answers and as a Beauty Therapist I do know alot about the skin.
How can I stop Picking!!!!!!!

Posted by Mark (195.93.34.172) on June 17, 2002 at 16:46:35:

In Reply to: spots at 26! posted by Emma on June 11, 2002 at 21:36:13:

You have got to stop picking at them as that is probaly causing your acne to get worse, try to force yourself not to touch your face at all as this spreads bacteria and picking causes bacteria

Posted by steph (62.7.76.37) on June 02, 2002 at 08:02:57:

does any1 know if there r any home remidies for getting rid of any kind of spots. creams and t.v creams does nothing for my skin and spots. toothpaste? havent tried but i want to get rid of them compleatly.
steph

Posted by Trent (210.50.30.6) on June 26, 2002 at 11:14:29:

In Reply to: home remidies posted by steph on June 02, 2002 at 08:02:57:

Toothpaste doesnt work, i put some on my zits and the tooth paste dried so hard that i had to pick it off, making my face even worse!
Im trying Zinc, with vitamin b plus chamomile tea!

Posted by prissy (205.157.90.6) on June 27, 2002 at 12:49:44:

In Reply to: home remidies posted by steph on June 02, 2002 at 08:02:57:

well i've recently been using this face mask. its call mint julip by queen helene. i bought it at an eckerds store. i was on birthcontrol but i decided to get off cause it was making my face worse but i've been using this topical treatment and also they have and egg yolk and oatmeal mask that really dries out the pimples over night.

Enlarged pores

Posted by Rick O. (32.103.254.252) on May 30, 2002 at 04:17:11:

I have had acne since I was 17 years old-I am now 48.
It's had a real negative effect on my life, affecting every single aspect from my career to my social life.
But enough of that... The big problem that I have now is those enlarged pores around my nose accompanied by
thick, shiny skin. I have tried everything including
facial peels, creams, 70% glycolic acid etc. to minimize the pores. I just ordered a real strong peel
containing phenol that seems to be getting rave reviews.I will let you all know how it works. I've
considered a microdermabrasion and will try that next.
Someone told me that accutane in low doses will resolve
this problem in a jiffy but it will be tough to convince a dermatalogist to prescribe it for this problem Does anyone know any online medical sites that
will sell it to me?

Posted by Mark (195.93.34.172) on June 17, 2002 at 16:52:44:

In Reply to: Enlarged pores posted by Rick O. on May 30, 2002 at 04:17:11:

Accutane is a strong pescription drug so it is very unlikely that any website will sell it to you, its also illegal to sell pescription drugs on the internet. Get an appoinment with a dermotologist and see what they think is best for you, you never know they might pescrip Accutane

Posted by Sheryl (64.40.60.244) on June 29, 2002 at 06:18:46:

In Reply to: Enlarged pores posted by Rick O. on May 30, 2002 at 04:17:11:

I don't have your answer but I share your same problem of enlarged pores. I've been the Queen of Acne for way too many years now. I met a woman working at a department store makeup counter with radiant skin. She looked at me and advised me to ask my dermatologist to put me on Acutane, as hers had. Being a female, doctors REQUIRE you to be on the pill before they will consider prescribing Acutane. The pill has proven way too harsh for me so I'm back to square one. But...good luck to you!

Posted by Jamie (203.48.125.162) on May 30, 2002 at 02:49:18:

DOES N E 1 NO IF HAIR GEL OR WAX HAV AN EFFECT ON ACNE??
DOES IT MAKE IT WORSE???

Posted by anita (205.157.90.6) on June 25, 2002 at 12:47:26:

In Reply to: dus gel or n e thing hav an affect on acne posted by Jamie on May 30, 2002 at 02:49:18:

well , i've heard if you use really oily stuff in your hair and it hangs near or touching your face that can irritate the exsisting pimples and form new ones.

Posted by Sally (195.92.67.75) on May 26, 2002 at 08:39:04:

Hi, I'm Sally. I've had spots since i was 9 and i've had bad acne since i was 13. I am now 16 and been on treatment from the doctors for 2 years but nothing seems to be working!! Its getting to the stage where it is really getting me down now.
If anyone has any solutions please email them to me.

Posted by John Michael Kerr (62.252.128.6) on May 27, 2002 at 21:01:10:

In Reply to: Acne posted by Sally on May 26, 2002 at 08:39:04:

Hi, I'm John. My advice to you would be to go to your doctor and demand that he refer you to a dermatologist. Quite often, i feel that doctors just think ' its just acne, try this for 6 months and see how you go'. In fact as you know it does get you down. At least if you get to see a dermatologist, you are talking to someone who knows how you feel.

Posted by Steve (62.252.128.6) on May 27, 2002 at 21:06:32:

In Reply to: Acne posted by Sally on May 26, 2002 at 08:39:04:

ask to be refered to a dermatologist, don't waste your time on antibiotics

Posted by Dr David Jones (195.93.34.172) on June 17, 2002 at 16:56:22:

In Reply to: Re: Acne posted by John Michael Kerr on May 27, 2002 at 21:01:10:

John, The reason doctors seem to 'just think' its acne is because they have a series of different drugs they have to hve given the patient to try before they can refer they patient to a dermotologist. This is to save Dermotologists time so that they only treat the patients with severe problems.

Posted by stephanie (217.36.11.3) on May 20, 2002 at 15:31:55:

Hi,
I also have had acne since I was 13. I am now the reverse...31. I have been on Accutane twice now. Once when I was 15 (very low dose 10mg day for 3 months). It came back month later and no doctor for years would put me on it again full strength...the whole girl/pregnancy issue. I had a doctor in LA who was lovely and had me on a maintenance dose after an initial one month dose to clear up my back, face, and chest. With blood samples each 6 month, just three 10mg pills a week kept me clear for three years. Blood looked better than ever, and, I was soooooooo healthy...compared to antibiotics wearing me down. I got the best job of my life at that time, had dates and got up courage to do things I had never thought about before. Unfortunately, that doctor died of sudden breast cancer. Then, three years ago, when I came to graduate school in England, the doctor put me on Roaccutane straight away. 60mg a day for five months, I weigh 125 lbs. Unfortunatly, the acne came back on month later. I am to start again, 60mg for two more months, but, I am discouraged. I guess I just feel like it won't ever cure me...but, I am hoping and praying. One thing though...it is important for all who take Accutane...eat with food. There is a study on the Accutane site that said the pills are 4 times more effective on a full stomach...go look at it. Good luck to all...I know it works for some...my cousin was cured by Accutane fifteen years ago...he was on a monster high course for six months...now his skin is beautiful. The same doctor wouldn't do the same for me because he feared lawsuits regarding pregnancy. Shame!

Posted by James (195.93.34.172) on June 17, 2002 at 16:49:37:

In Reply to: Roaccutane again posted by stephanie on May 20, 2002 at 15:31:55:

Your doctor should have told you to take the tablets after a meal anyway

Posted by Nick (212.1.137.121) on May 14, 2002 at 21:12:09:

Hi, I have today been prescribed roaccutane, the thing is I love sitting in the sun and I only work part-time (local authority - officially full time) I also would like a summer holiday, but he wants me on four months treatment. Should I ask him to delay the treatment until after the summer? I know the 'general risks' of the sun but I'l practically miss the whole summer if I start the course now.

Posted by Sandra (194.247.79.69) on May 16, 2002 at 12:10:19:

In Reply to: Roaccutane and Sunbathing posted by Nick on May 14, 2002 at 21:12:09:

I have taken roaccutane before and had no problems in the sun. I also went on holiday while i was on the drug and providing you take sensible measures ie. wear a high factor suncream you shouldn't have too much of a problem. You won't miss the summer, just be careful in the sun. Don't delay your treatment, you will see the benefits and be so glad that you took the course of treatment.

Posted by Dr Dvaid Jones (195.93.34.172) on June 17, 2002 at 16:59:15:

In Reply to: Re: Roaccutane and Sunbathing posted by Sandra on May 16, 2002 at 12:10:19:

Hi Nick you do obviously need to be careful in the sun but as long as you follow normal sunbathing recomendations always use a moderate to high factor sun cream. But in smallish amounts sunshine can be goos for the skin, the uv rays help the skin to regenerate.

Posted by Emma (62.254.128.6) on April 28, 2002 at 10:57:25:

Hi, im emma...im 15 and i have acne on my chest and back! ive had it for 2 years and it is really getting me down! ive tryed almost everything but nothing seems to work!!!!!

Posted by claire (213.122.146.246) on April 25, 2002 at 14:22:43:

how can i help my spots to go away, i have whiteheads on my chin ,
kind regards
claire

Posted by nikki (213.122.146.246) on April 25, 2002 at 14:21:36:

i have heard that puting toothpaste before you go to your bed at nightdries up the spot, can help it clear up, is this a pssible solution, thnak you
i would be grateful if you could email 2 my email address any suggestions to help as it really gets me down, thank you once again

Posted by Becky (62.254.64.7) on June 06, 2002 at 16:27:57:

In Reply to: how do i get rid of spots ? posted by nikki on April 25, 2002 at 14:21:36:

Toothpaste does work on some people, but not everyone. I am a student nurse and I have been working in a GPs office and have seen a lot of people coming in with bad acne. When talking to them they tell me they have tried everything. I tell everyone to go and ask your doctor about Retin-A. It's the best medication there is. The cream comes in three different types, cream, lotion and gel. The gel is good if you have dry skin. Retin-A treats acne, blackheads,whiteheads and even veins in the face. It takes normally 8 weeks to start to work. But it could take up to 4 months.It brings out all your spots at first so dont worry if it happens.
I used this cream because I had blackheads and a few spots. I didn't have acne, so I was given the low dose. But you can get any dose depending on your condition. It took about 7 weeks to work and it was great. Everyone I knew used it and it worked for them. I see people in town and they thank me for telling me about it. It does work for 95% of people. What ever you do is not over dose on it because it does not work like that. It takes time to absorb. It could also damage your skin.
Retin-A has other uses. It is used as an anti- aging cream. I'm told its excellent. When using it it can store in your face for up to ten years. Good news for old people and also young people because you wont suddenly break out in spots. It is also used in hair loss. So it's a wonderful cream. For now do not wash your face more than twice daily and use a soap free gentle wash. Talk to your doctor about your problem. You can get more information on it just type in Retin- A and you will get lots of info on it. I hope this helps and if you do use it I hope it works for you. But you might have to try different doses. But remember not everyone is the same and it might not work on you. It's pass rate is very impressive. One more tip is to use an egg it's packed with vitamin a and that's what the skin needs and also drink pleanty of water. I hope you get better soon and dont worry it's a common problem. Remember stress and depression makes it worse.

bye. BECKY HILLTON

Posted by Shuhela Akhtar (213.122.161.253) on June 12, 2002 at 17:42:07:

In Reply to: how do i get rid of spots ? posted by nikki on April 25, 2002 at 14:21:36:

: i would be grateful if you could email 2 my email address any suggestions on how to get rid of spots.
Thank You!

Posted by David Collins (62.64.211.8) on April 15, 2002 at 19:25:57:

Hi,

Welcome to our new bulletin board. Please feel free to post any questions or share any information about the problems of acne