The Student Room Group

Acne

I am absolutely sick of it. Yet there is nothing else I can do..or so I think anyway.

I have had it since I was 12 years old (I am now nearly 17). I was on (forgive me for the awful spelling here) erithomycin for about a year, from when I was 13-14. Erithomycin helped this a bit, although I did have odd spots all over my face still. I then came off Erithomycin-as recommended by my doctor-as they had no effect. I then tried Oxytet.

Again, I was on this until 2 months ago.

At first, it helped my skin, but then it had little/no effect. Please note I was taking it at the required times, etcetc. I am now currently on lymecycline, which has no effect. I have also tried topical medicines too.

At certain times in the month my skin is mega greasy and literally covered and spots (the worse it has ever been), and at other times my skin is as dry as anything, but still retains the "pigmentation" of the red spots that were there a few weeks back. But the process then begins again...as it starts to get greasy. These red pigments take about 4 months to go down, so it looks as if my skin is getting worse.

The doctor now suggests dianette.

I don't want to go on this much..as I am worried about the weight gain. I am 5 foor 8, 10 1/2 stone, and a size 8/10/12. I am really happy with my body, and i don't want to put on weight..as I could be fat and spotty.

I've heard about roaccutane, but i haven't *yet* asked my doctor about it. DO people have any thoughts/feelings on roaccutane?? How BAD does your skin have to be??

Also, what do people think about dianette? Did you gain weight/did it help you etcetc.

Also, is anyone in the same situation as me?

My skin si really getting me down. I'm not an ugly person I don't think..but I constantly have to wear lots of make-up to cover over my awful skin. (I know it's bad...but it lifts my confidence!). I desperately wanted to start my new sixth form in september spotless...but that it not an option now. WHat can I do? It's really getting me down. I have tried EVERYTHING. You name it--i've tried it. Help.
i cannot stress enough how good roaccutanne is. My acne was pretty severe and after 2 courses of different antibiotics which didnt work, the dermatologist suggested this. I was on it for four months and since i stopped taking it(about 4 months ago now) ive not had a single spot and my skin is a 1000 times less greasy. The only side effects i had was dry skin and lips and a couple of nose bleeds but dont be put off by these. I just wish i had been put on it at the beginning as i wouldnt have all the scars that are left. Taking roaccutane was the best thing i ever did.
Anonymous
i cannot stress enough how good roaccutanne is. My acne was pretty severe and after 2 courses of different antibiotics which didnt work, the dermatologist suggested this. I was on it for four months and since i stopped taking it(about 4 months ago now) ive not had a single spot and my skin is a 1000 times less greasy. The only side effects i had was dry skin and lips and a couple of nose bleeds but dont be put off by these. I just wish i had been put on it at the beginning as i wouldnt have all the scars that are left. Taking roaccutane was the best thing i ever did.


I also took roaccutane, but at a great cost. I thought it would make me happier (no spots), but it gave me bad depression as a side-effect. THe warnings really are true.
Reply 3
drink lots of water!! apply toner and tea tree oil every day, and also ive heard panoxyl cream is also very good.

drinking lots of water is teh best way tho and avoid greasy food
Reply 4
roaccutanne is awesome, i was also on it for four months and it worked wonders, if you go on it get some blistex lip moisturiser, as dry lips and nose were what i got. the doc also said as a sportsman i may get a bit of joint pain while on the tablets, but i didnt. Id go for it.
Reply 5
masfeo
drink lots of water!! apply toner and tea tree oil every day, and also ive heard panoxyl cream is also very good.

drinking lots of water is teh best way tho and avoid greasy food


Wrong Wrong Wrong! Eating greasy food does not give you spots and drinking water may help a little but not much.
Reply 6
Don't you find it annoying when people say to you..

"DOn't eat chocolate" or "Wash your face more!!" It is the most annoying thing in the world, well to me anyway.
Reply 7
Diet and lifestyle effects spots a bit, but genetics is what really does it. me and my sister both play sport to a high level, have reasonably good diets, wash daily etc, but both our parents suffered with spots in their teens so it was gonna be inevitable really.