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Acne - Especially of the Cystic Sort
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Message 1.Ìý
Posted by LoopyLobes (U14384399) on Sunday, 17th July 2011
I searched around to see if there was already a thread about acne, but couldn't find one.
I am very worried about the state of a certain young chap's skin. He is 14 and started with acne about 18 months ago. He doesn't have many spots, but what he does have are HUGE cysts that really swell up and take forever to go. The GP prescribed antibiotics, which worked very well for a few months, but then the cysts came back with a vengeance and at the moment they are very painful and nasty. The last time we saw the GP she mentioned Roaccutane, but I've heard scary reports about it and we decided to carry on with anti-Bs and topical creams. I'd really like a dermatologist to see him, but the GP says if we're not willing to consider Roaccutane there's no point, as that's what the dermatologist will prescribe. I wonder if that's actually true...
I would be grateful for any helpful comments or even to hear of other people's experiences with acne. -
Message 2
Posted by Dunlurkin NL (U2675855) on Sunday, 17th July 2011
Bad luck to that young chap. Being 14 isn't always a barrel of laughs anyway and acne sure ain't gonna help.
There was this thread recently but it's not quite what you're looking for.
I was only thinking recently that you don't see nearly as many young people with horrendous spots as you did in my day, or even more recently than that, so there must be superior products around.
I certainly don't think it's up to your GP to second-guess what a specialist would say. I think you should insist on a referral to a dermatologist. I'm not sure how things work in the UK - can you make an appointment yourself or do you have to be referred by a GP?
Dunlurkin -
Message 3
Posted by savannahlady (U2362903) on Sunday, 17th July 2011
My DD had a problem with acne around her lower jaw when she was young - not much but bad enough and it spoiled an otherwise pretty face (yeah, OK I'm biased) Anyway we persuaded her to see a dermatologist who prescribed Roaccutane and it cleared the problem for ever - this was getting on for 20 years ago and her complexion has remained clear ever since. If memory serves correctly it was the female gender which attracted most of the scary stories - problems with having Roaccutane treatment close to pregnancies and such like and the side effects were more of an issue with high doses of the medication.
All I can say is that it worked beautifully for DD and I know they are very careful in its use and in monitoring its effects. I wish the young man well if he goes down this route - it must be so damaging to the confidence of youngsters to have the problem of severe acne.
Savvie -
Message 4
Posted by LoopyLobes (U14384399) on Sunday, 17th July 2011
Thank you both so much, I was convinced this thread would sink without trace!
Dunlurkin, I do believe we have to be referred to the dermatologist by the GP. We've an appointment to see her the week after next, but the way things are looking I reckon I'll have to take him in earlier. I will ask for a referral.
Savannahlady, that's very heartening to hear. I'm glad Roaccutane worked so well for your daughter. I know that it causes terrible problems for unborn babies, which won't be an issue in our case, but there are the links (rare, I believe) with depression (even suicidal thoughts), which scare the bejaysus out of me.
Fortunately the young fella in question is full of beans and not too worried about his looks at the moment, it hasn't affected his social life at all, but he has a gorgeous face (again, I'm biased, but it's true!) and I hate to see it distorted by these lumps. At the moment both sides of his nose are all swollen and red, it looks so sore : ( -
Message 5
Posted by Dunlurkin NL (U2675855) on Sunday, 17th July 2011
LL, the holiday season approaches. Any chance you might get an appointment with a different GP while yours is away? Or could you see someone else in the practice? Prime your young chap to complain a bit louder.
A cunning plan perhaps?
Good luck.
Dunlurkin -
Message 6
Posted by mistresslucy (U9471573) on Monday, 18th July 2011
I was plagued by acne from when I was a teenager,as were three of my four siblings.
I was almost thirty when I was referred to a dematologist and prescribed Roaccutane. It did the trick and even improved my greasy hair!
I was iniatially worried about the side effects (esp the hair loss) but I was on the lowest dose.
I don't have any scarring,my acne wasnt too bad at that stage but I was getting fed up of the continual spots and was also getting grey hair and thought it most unfair that I hadnt grown out of the acne at what I thought wa middle age!!!
All of my siblings affected by acne also took Roaccutane.
My sister started to take it as a teenager and has no scarring,her acne was'nt too bad.
Brother also took it as a teenager but still has ongoing acne at thirty eight,he was on a high dose as his acne was very bad.
Other brother also took it in his early twenties and has some scarring,
his acne was also very bad. -
Message 7
Posted by The Flea (U14601609) on Monday, 18th July 2011
Well I know what I would do - lie to the GP, say that we were prepared to try Roaccutane - then when you get to see the Dermatologist you can grill him/her with all your concerns. Nobody can force you to fulfil the prescription.
I'd be inclined to give it a go - the cystic acne can leave ice pick scars - best avoided if possible.
Good luck. -
Message 8
Posted by the_shellgrottolady (U2395646) on Monday, 18th July 2011
Hi there Loopy
I write a lot about acne and acne products for a website so was interested in what you said.
As other posters have said the best thing to do is visit your GP and get a referrel for the dermatologist. There are side effects to Isotretonin (probably spelt that wrong without spell checker) - it can cause birth defects but that isn't going to affect a 14 year old boy and the medical profession is very careful in prescribing it.
Better to do it now than wait until later because nodularcystic acne does not usually go away on its own and the longer you leave it, the greater the chances of permanent scarring.
Are you treating it with anything at the moment?
Shell -
Message 9
Posted by LoopyLobes (U14384399) on Monday, 18th July 2011
Thank you, all of you.
Yes, he's been on antibiotics since early last year, they worked well to start with. He also uses Panoxyl.
His poor face looked so sore this morning I decided he needed to see the doc a lot sooner than next Wednesday so he's going tonight and as luck would have it he's seeing a different doctor. I have decided (with your help) that we are willing to consider Roaccutane and therefore we'd like a referral to the dermatologist. I wonder how long this will take.
In the meantime I just hope they can give him an antibiotic that will get to work quickly on the lumps he's got at the moment, poor lad. I can hear him singing away upstairs - I'm so glad he's not letting this get him down! That's one of my main worries with the Roaccutane - the risk of depression. But we can talk that over with the specialist once we see him. -
Message 10
Posted by the_shellgrottolady (U2395646) on Monday, 18th July 2011
Ahh your dear boy, bless him...hope you get this sorted out for him and do let us know how you get on.
shell -
Message 11
Posted by Katy Tulip (U2239809) on Monday, 18th July 2011
Hi Loopylobes, only just spotted this thread.
Bulb 2 (just 16) has had dreadful acne for well over a year, various treatments, including antibiotics, didn't help at all. He's been taking Roaccutane for 3 months now, with really excellent results remarkably soon after starting the treatment.
Our GP was most reluctant to precribe this at first because of the potential side-effects, but decided to after both his face and shoulders became completely covered in infected cysts - poor lad, his shoulders were so bad he couldn't even carry his backpack-satchel to school, and his face made him so self-conscious, despite his more than understanding friends....
Anyway, the only side effect we've noticed to date is extremely dry, even chapped, lips (we were warned about this), so he gets through industrial quantities of lipsalve (I got him a make specific for chaps, natch), he always carries a stick with him and applies it copiously throughout the day. On the positive side, his hair which was so greasy it needed washing daily is now much much better!
He was also prescribed Fucidin 2% cream at first to apply externally to the worst cysts, he uses it now for the occasional (rare) flare-up, it is very effective.
I must add though that he is being very carefully followed up by our GP, he had monthly bloodtests for liver and kidney functions at first to see how they were reacting to the medicine, the results were so good the tests are now bi-monthly - goes for another one tomorrow, in fact. Our GP said that at the first sign of bad effects on liver and/or kidneys, he would stop the treatment immediately. I'll post an update on the results.
It's best to avoid chocolate and alcohol also, btw.
I've asked Bulb 2 (he's watching me type this), and he also mentioned that your skin can feel rather tender, so you have to dry it very gently and carefully after showering/bathing. He hasn't felt in any way depressed, but you do have to be a bit patient while waiting for the treatment to take effect, about 1 week later harldy any new cysts start to form, after that they all start to disappear.
Hth, and do ask any more questions etc. if necessary.
Good luck,
Katy -
Message 12
Posted by LoopyLobes (U14384399) on Monday, 18th July 2011
Katie, that's really interesting, thank you. I'm so glad your lad's had such great results.
We're just back from seeing the (different) doctor, who has prescribed a different antibiotic. He said that if we see no improvement within the month we should go back. If things get worse in the meantime, or if we're worried at all we must of course see a doctor sooner, but he will be gone as he's retiring.
So... I've cancelled the appointment that we had for next week (with the original doctor) and re-arranged it for a month's time. Hoping to goodness that these new tablets kick in quickly, but I reckon we'll push for the referral anyway after reading all the helpful feedback on here.
Thank you all again so much for posting on this thread - it's comforting to hear from other people who've been through it. I've been so worried! -
Message 13
Posted by metro-mouse (U3068238) on Tuesday, 19th July 2011
From what I remember my young person was given oxytetracycline with some initial short-lived improvement, then changed to doxycycline, ditto then referred to dermatologist and given Roaccutane carefully monitored by the hospital just as Katie says though done by GPs where she lives. This produced a vast improvement but a relapse when the course was finished (three months IIRC) so the young person had a second course which did the trick.
So... I've cancelled the appointment that we had for next week (with the original doctor) and re-arranged it for a month's time. Hoping to goodness that these new tablets kick in quickly, but I reckon we'll push for the referral anyway after reading all the helpful feedback on here.
Thank you all again so much for posting on this thread - it's comforting to hear from other people who've been through it. I've been so worried!
Ìý
I would insist on a referral now, the dermatology appointment took some six months to come through.
There were scary reports of depression and suicide when the drug was new but I suspect that had more to do with being an unhappy teen with facial disfigurement and whoever produced these statements seemed to have no sympathy for the plight of those with acne. There was nothing but unbridled joy from my young person as the blemishes disappeared.
Go for it and good luck. mm -
Message 14
Posted by Katy Tulip (U2239809) on Wednesday, 20th July 2011
Bulb 2's blood results were excellent, so the treatment has been extended for another three months at least. :D
There was nothing but unbridled joy from my young person as the blemishes disappeared.Ìý
HEAR HEAR!
Bulb 2 said he doesn't feel in any way depressed now while on the medicine, but was really really miserable before...
Katy -
Message 15
Posted by strawberrysunrise (U10452397) on Wednesday, 20th July 2011
my ex suffered from extreme acne throughout his teens, he had every treatment going,
when he got to his twenties it got worse, eventually he gave up wheat it improved a bit, but was still there,
then it was discovered he had a yeast intolerance, he now avoids all yeast and has beautiful clear skin,
just a thought.
once he got the hang of avoiding yeast he found it complete changed his life, but he can only drink cider as an alcoholic drink as it's brewed on it's own yeast.
he was quite annoyed that yeast intolerance had not been mentioned earlier, as apparently it is quite a common cause, it could of saved him years of misery. -
Message 16
Posted by LoopyLobes (U14384399) on Wednesday, 20th July 2011
Glad to hear your good news, Katy! How long is the Roaccutane treatment usualy given for?
MM, 6 months is a horrendously long time to wait for an appointment - is that normal? Thanks for the warning!
Re the worries about depression, I did wonder what state of mind these people were in before they started the treatment, poor souls.
Strawberrysunrise, yeast, eh? That's interesting. Cutting out sugar has been suggested, along with drinking loads of water. Thanks, I will give it some thought. -
Message 17
Posted by strawberrysunrise (U10452397) on Thursday, 21st July 2011
it took a little while for the avoiding yeast thing to kick in but when it did, it really worked, if he now has even a slightest bit it comes back,
He paid quite a bit of money to see a specialist abroad to find this out, he thinks it was worth every penny, as when the horrendous acne cleared up, he realised how much it had been affecting him.
He's very careful not to come into contact with yeast now, he had the testing done at the beginning of his thirties and wishes he had done so sooner,
the last person I told about this who brother was near suicidal(in his twenties never had a girlfriend) told her brother, within six months he had lost all his acne, misses the beer and wine but said it was worth it, he said the only time he has been caught out was eating sauce that had been thickened with flour rather than reducing. He avoids wheat and yeast as does the ex.
they must do the testing on the NHS if you push hard enough. it trying to convince them to find the cause rather than treat the symptoms, the NHS don't volunteer to do this you have to insist and be persistent -
Message 18
Posted by Katy Tulip (U2239809) on Thursday, 21st July 2011
Treatment is planned for 6 mothns to start with Loopy, but may well take longer.
Thanks for all that info, strawberrysunrise, I'll bear that in mind!
Katy -
Message 19
Posted by metro-mouse (U3068238) on Thursday, 21st July 2011
MM, 6 months is a horrendously long time to wait for an appointment - is that normal? Thanks for the warning!
Cutting out sugar has been suggested, along with drinking loads of water. Thanks, I will give it some thought.
Ìý Yes it is, this was ten years ago, it might be different now, perhaps the surgery will be able to tell you.
The GP was quite clear that change in diet or drinking more water would not make any difference BTW. mm -
Message 20
Posted by montymorency (U3586042) on Thursday, 21st July 2011
Glad to hear your good news, Katy! How long is the Roaccutane treatment usualy given for?
MM, 6 months is a horrendously long time to wait for an appointment - is that normal? Thanks for the warning!
Re the worries about depression, I did wonder what state of mind these people were in before they started the treatment, poor souls.
Strawberrysunrise, yeast, eh? That's interesting. Cutting out sugar has been suggested, along with drinking loads of water. Thanks, I will give it some thought.
Ìý LoopLobes, sadly a 6 month wait seems to be the norm. Stepson who previously lived in France was prescribed Roaccutane no problem when in his teens. Now in early twenties and living with us in UK he is on a waiting list of at least 6 months to see consultant, apparently GP is not allowed to prescribe it. In the meantime he grows progressively depressed - presumably to end up on another waiting list for psychiatry............ -
Message 21
Posted by LoopyLobes (U14384399) on Thursday, 21st July 2011
Oh, I'm sorry to hear that Monty. It makes no sense, does it? Years ago I remember waiting over 2 years to see a plastic surgeon about a little growth I needed removing. In the meantime I happened to see a locum doctor for something else and he thought it outrageous that "an attractive young woman" like me was having to wait so long with this thing on my face (it was a skin taggy type thing on my nose, looked like a bogey). Thanks to him I was seen within the month - they froze it off at the local hospital. I'd forgotten all about it by the time the appointment came through to see the plastic surgeon! I thought the waiting list situation was supposed to have improved greatly since then, but it sounds like it's only slightly better : (
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Message 22
Posted by LoopyLobes (U14384399) on Tuesday, 2nd August 2011
Quick update. Took my young man back to the doctor today as his existing lumps are getting worse rather than better even after 2 and a half weeks on the new anti-biotic. The doctor (the original one whose seen him from the start) agreed things aren't great, but pointed out that the other doctor had prescribed one tablet twice a day when the full dose is actually twice that, so we are increasing that from now.
She's a lovely lady and asked Middle Loop how he is feeling about the situation (he's remarkably upbeat, but understandably starting to worry that these things are just going to grow and grow) and she asked if he would like to be referred to the dermatologist whilst explaining what that would probably entail. I was worried for a minute that he'd say no! We have been told that as long as another doc at the surgery agrees, we should expect to get a letter in the post within the week and an appointment within 4 - 6 weeks. Fingers crossed, eh?
Hope everyone else is ok! -
Message 23
Posted by LoopyLobes (U14384399) on Tuesday, 2nd August 2011
*who's not whose.
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Message 24
Posted by Katy Tulip (U2239809) on Tuesday, 2nd August 2011
Fingers crossed indeed!
Katy -
Message 25
Posted by LoopyLobes (U14384399) on Monday, 12th September 2011
Thought I'd come back and up date this thread. Seems that we'll be going down the Roaccutane route as long as blood tests are ok. I still have mixed feelings about this. I'm heartened by the good reports on here, but scared after reading all the side effects listed in the info the doc gave us. Is it true that my son will have to stop exercising? He's sport mad and in various teams so that's going to hit him hard. Will things get worse before they get better? Oh lumme!
Whatever. Two years (at least) on antibiotics has got him nowhere, so we have to try this. -
Message 26
Posted by savannahlady (U2362903) on Monday, 12th September 2011
Is it true that my son will have to stop exercising? He's sport mad and in various teams so that's going to hit him hard. Will things get worse before they get better? Oh lumme!Ìý
Hi Loopy - pleased to hear that DS has been prescribed Roaccutane for his acne. It should knock it on the head for him once and for all. I have not heard of the giving up sports business and I would have remembered that from DD's time on it as she to was, and indeed still is, a sports fanatic. I looked it up on Net doctor and this is what I found:
No mention of giving up sports that I can see. Close supervision by a dermatologist is important and I do remember DD dropping in to see hers on a very regular basis (2 weekly perhaps?) Dry eyes and dry lips are easily remedied with drops and lip balm and I don't recall her having any other problems of any note.
So I would put your fears to one side and focus on DS getting the clear skin that he deserves - it will give him so much more confidence. I do recall you saying that he is generally a confident boy - but it cannot be easy for him and success will take away any stress he might have as a result of maintaining a cheerful disposition despite his skin problem.
I wish him lots of luck with this and hope all goes well.
Savvie -
Message 27
Posted by the_shellgrottolady (U2395646) on Monday, 12th September 2011
Hi Loopy
good to hear your update . I've never heard about the exercising thing although you do have to be careful with body acne and make sure you change clothes adter exercise, not get too hot and sweaty...you know what boys are like!
They seem to think acne can be a sort of major food intolerence. Typically milk or wheat or hypoglycemic foods can make it worse. There's no set cause because everyone is different. might be worth looking into after the treatment is over?
Also a natural skin care product that contains tea tree oil rather than benzoyl peroxide will get better results. Benzoyl peroxide dries the skin too much and can cause the oil producing glands to over produce. Tea tree oil is just as effective but takes a bit longer to work.
I guess he will still have to treat the existing spots once the treatment gets going so I definately would ask the dermotologist about tea tree oil based washes and products .
Hope that helps a bit.
All the best
shell -
Message 28
Posted by LoopyLobes (U14384399) on Monday, 12th September 2011
Thank you, both of you. I know about the benefits of tea tree oil having used it myself for infected chicken pox, so that makes sense. I'm really hoping for good results - firstly from the blood tests and then from the Roaccutane. I'll keep you posted.
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Message 29
Posted by mistle_thrush (U3279940) on Monday, 12th September 2011
Yes fingers crossed Loopy.
Could I ask the assorted experts on here how long antibiotics should take to work, if they're going to? I have moderate acne (face/back/occasionally on chest), can't use benzoyl peroxide as have eczema and react horribly to it.
Tried a topical antibiotic for about 5-6 months. It made my spots less painful but didn't stop them appearing. Now on oral tetracyclines, minimal / no change after about 6 weeks. How long do you think I should persist before pressing to try a step up?
Needless to say I have been following instructions religiously - want this to go away (I'm late 20s and think I should be too old for this!)
Any thoughts gratefully accepted! -
Message 30
Posted by savannahlady (U2362903) on Monday, 12th September 2011
I think DD was about 27/28 when she went over to Roaccuatane, which means she had been on antibiotics on and off for a good while - 10 years?? She didn't take them all the time and she didn't need to as the acne came and went and wasn't really dreadful when it did come. It was when she moved in with her b/f (who became her husband when she was 30) that she decided to try Roaccutane at the suggestion of her dermatologist (she had BUPA cover through her employer). It worked like a charm and she has never seen hide nor hair of it since and, as I said, she is now 43.5 years old.
Sorry to hear about your recent health problems - m-t - do hope you are able to come through them soon and get back into your career - it's a pretty demanding one as I know very well having been CEO at one of the medical Royal Colleges before my retirement. We ask a lot of our young doctors.
All the very best
Savvie -
Message 31
Posted by mistle_thrush (U3279940) on Tuesday, 13th September 2011
Thank you, Savvie. I was comparatively lucky as until a couple of years ago I had never had skin problems (apart from dryness/occasional eczema) - I think acne is much more difficult for teens to cope with.
However it does feel a bit "unfair" that it's a problem now when the perception is that it's a teenage problem that you grow out of!
Savvie, I had no idea you'd been CEO at one of the medical RCs. Wow. I am very touched by your support, and am certainly hoping to get back on track when I can - even if the track does now lead to somewhere else from where I thought it would, who knows. People are being very supportive and my new psychologist seems helpful, so I'm lucky. It has made me realise how widespread mental health problems are in general and amongst the medical profession, and how silent everyone is about them. Ooh while we're here - sorry to hijack the thread briefly but could I ask your advice about how to find a humanist marriage celebrant? (for a friend.) It's lovely to 'see' you and I hope you're well.
m_t -
Message 32
Posted by metro-mouse (U3068238) on Tuesday, 13th September 2011
I still have mixed feelings about this. I'm heartened by the good reports on here, but scared after reading all the side effects listed in the info the doc gave us. Is it true that my son will have to stop exercising? He's sport mad and in various teams so that's going to hit him hard. Will things get worse before they get better? Oh lumme!
Whatever. Two years (at least) on antibiotics has got him nowhere, so we have to try this.Ìý
There seem to be pages of potential side effects with every medication these days. My experience is from a while ago as I have said. I think alcohol and sunshine (ie sunbathing) had to be avoided but there was no mention of reducing exercise. I don't think it got worse before getting better. I was anxious as well at the time but really cannot think why in retrospect. Good luck. mm -
Message 33
Posted by Friend of Moose (U14307683) on Tuesday, 13th September 2011
My brother did experience severe depression as a young man taking Roaccutane. It may be that he just was very depresssed at that time because of things to do with family history, and also to do with external circumstances. It does seem as if only a small minority of people who get very depressed - and there may be no causal link. But I'd want to ask any doctor seeking to prescribe this drug, about what to look out for in terms of possible mood changes, and how often the treatment got reviewed. And I would want to be very sure that these questions were fully answered.
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Message 34
Posted by savannahlady (U2362903) on Tuesday, 13th September 2011
Hi Mistle thrush - glad to hear that you feel you are being supported well (or better) through your difficulties. As I said I do know how difficult medical training is to get through and the pressures on junior docs in hospitals is not helped by a lot the greybeards saying 'Well I had to go through all this and it didn't do me any harm' though I think there is much less of that these days - certainly hope so!
Wedding celebrant: to find one of 'ours' (that is the British Humanist Association trained and accredited) go to the website: www.humanism.org.uk and then click on Ceremonies on the top tab. When that page comes up, simply put Weddings and your friend's post code in the search boxes and it will tell you who serves that area. Do let me know if I can help further - several posters have my home email address and I would be happy for you to have it so can tell Taylor as well to pass it on if you wish.
Keep smiling
love
Savvie
x -
Message 35
Posted by LoopyLobes (U14384399) on Tuesday, 13th September 2011
Thanks again, everyone. I believe the sports advice is to do with the drying up effect of Roaccutane - apparently it can dry up the synovial fluid in the joints, which can cause arthritic pain. Muscle pain was mentioned too. The depression, or "low mood and suicidal thoughts" were mentioned by the consultant, but I suppose that in any group of people taking any medication, some are going to be depressed no matter what. I will be looking out for signs of change in my happy-go-lucky young fella's mood. Other things I've been worried about are the worsening of symptoms before they get better - reddening of the skin has been mentioned and very sore, dry eyes, lips and throat . But I guess we'll just have to see how it goes and yes, he will be closely monitored by the consultant. As it happens I'll be talking to the nurse tomorrow about the blood results and I have a long list of questions to ask her.
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Message 36
Posted by LoopyLobes (U14384399) on Tuesday, 13th September 2011
mistle_thrush, sorry, I meant to say that with regards to the antibiotics, my lad took 2 or 3 months to show any real improvement. I hope that you get results very soon. Good luck!
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Message 37
This posting has been hidden during moderation because it broke the in some way.
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Message 38
Posted by LoopyLobes (U14384399) on Wednesday, 14th September 2011
Well, I didn't expect to see anything removed from this thread! What's been going on?
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Message 39
Posted by savannahlady (U2362903) on Wednesday, 14th September 2011
I catpeed myself Loopy as I had posted a direct link for mystle-thrush in which I inadvertently included personal data. Because I am a frequent user of the BHA Celebrant site, it automatically picks up my sign in when I go to it and I had forgotten that when I posted. So I catpeed and changed my BHA Login so all is well now. I just have to remember in future when posting links to the BHA!
Savvie -
Message 40
Posted by LoopyLobes (U14384399) on Wednesday, 14th September 2011
Aha! Thanks for clearing that up, I'm glad it was nothing horrible.
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Message 41
Posted by mistle_thrush (U3279940) on Wednesday, 14th September 2011
Yes I was puzzled too Loopy!
Thank you so much, Savvie. I will pass the info on to my friends and if they decide to pursue it further and need any extra help I will get in touch with you as you suggest. Much appreciated.
Back on topic, I had my first facial yesterday (half price offer). Not convinced it'll actually help with the acne but it felt very nice. -
Message 42
Posted by LoopyLobes (U14384399) on Monday, 19th September 2011
Well, we are 6 days into the Roaccutane treatment (30mg per day) and my poor lad's face is getting worse and worse, he has a headache and sore throat and gritty eyes and although I'm trying to keep his spirits up and telling him that this will all soon pass, inside I'm worried sick. He doesn't deserve all this, he really doesn't. Did any of you go through this? What dose were you/your offspring on?
To combat the bad effects he's drinking lots of water and using lip salve, I bought him eye drops too, but he hasn't wanted to use them yet. He hasn't needed to use moisturiser yet either as his skin is still greasy at the moment. -
Message 43
Posted by mistresslucy (U9471573) on Monday, 19th September 2011
Hi LoopyLobes,
I'm not going to be much help as I didn't seem to have many adverse reactions. mainly a dry irritated nose.
I know I was on the lowest dose, tho' I can't remember what that was. Hope he feels better soon,and it will be worth it in the end.
I'm forty eight now and went on the meds when I was thirty for six months and just the odd spot since! Lucy -
Message 44
Posted by LoopyLobes (U14384399) on Monday, 19th September 2011
Thanks Lucy, it's good to know you had such great results. My son is supposed to be on this for 16 weeks, but of course that could change. He's going to have 4 weekly checks with the consultant.
Oh, another thing - when he went for his blood test before starting treatment, the first attempt went wrong and he felt burning pain all up and down that arm then they got another lady to try the other arm and he ended up passing out and was sick. So now we have a young man who dreads blood tests whereas before he was fine. Any tips on helping him through this new problem apart from what I've already told him - to relax, look the other way and thing of lovely things? -
Message 45
Posted by Friend of Moose (U14307683) on Monday, 19th September 2011
Have you seen this?
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Message 46
Posted by LoopyLobes (U14384399) on Monday, 19th September 2011
*think
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Message 47
Posted by mistle_thrush (U3279940) on Monday, 19th September 2011
Oh Loopy, the poor boy.
Would add to make sure he eats normal breakfast or whatever and drinks enough before the next blood test - less likely to faint. Also let them know he had a difficult time before & they may well have a couch he can lie on to have the next test done. No shame in that, plenty of people do it!
Also if both you and he are ok with it, and you're not too squeamish, it can help to have someone else around to talk calmly with the person to keep their eyes and attention off the procedure.
Failing that maybe try playing music he likes through earphones? But I think having a hand to hold is better.
Good luck - it shouldn't be so bad as a rule.. -
Message 48
Posted by LoopyLobes (U14384399) on Monday, 19th September 2011
Thanks mistle-thrush, unfortunately these are fasting blood tests so nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours before. I agree though that the lack of food added to an hour sitting in the waiting room didn't help matters! Next time we'll make sure they know he had a bad time last time and maybe they'll take extra care. I'm not squeamish at all and neither was he before this, but I actually saw all the colour drain from his face, even his lips looked white.
-
Message 49
Posted by savannahlady (U2362903) on Monday, 19th September 2011
Loopy - it does get worse before it gets better in many cases and you should have been told that, but as you are nearly a week in now, it should not be long before you start to see an improvement. Just be patient and be calm and do your best to keep him calm and thinking positive as I am sure you are doing. If he has gritty eyes then he should be using the eye drops now. Suck on some Werners or similar to help the throat.
Lots of young men have this reaction to blood tests and he may very well grow out of it. Looking away is the right thing to tell him to do.
Once the improvement starts he will feel so much better. Hang in there. and all the best to you both.
Savvie -
Message 50
Posted by LoopyLobes (U14384399) on Monday, 19th September 2011
Thanks Savvie, thanks everyone. It helps just to be able to talk about it on here. I'm very much playing it down in real life, if you see what I mean.
Friend of Moose, I am SO sorry I completely missed your post with that extremely useful link in it. I've read so much about this drug, but I hadn't seen that one before at all and it's really helpful the way it goes through the symptoms and effects month by month.
The consultant didn't really say a lot to us, he had 2 third year medical students in with him and he was asking them what they could see on my lad's face, he referred me to the nurse with the questions I asked and by the time we got out to her I had other things to think about. I rang her the next day and asked her some things and she was helpful.
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