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*Treatment results may vary
3 months post and acne seems to be coming back
I'm so discouraged right now. This past week I developed a cluster of new pimples in one of the spots where I always had recurring breakouts (so I'm sure this will result in even deeper ice pick scarring in that area). Two of them are cysts. I'm not sure what to do since I know I can't go back on zenatane or Claravis for another 3 or 4 months. I also was hoping I wouldn't have to given how expensive it is. I'm 48 years old, I can't believe I'm still having to deal with this. I just want to crawl under a rock. Worst thing is that I had an internal job interview at my company yesterday and I had a huge cyst with a white head on it. This just kills my confidence.
Ready to start my 5th Month
I made it through most of month four without much issue. I did get two pimples - one near the corner of my mouth that went away on the 3rd day and another on my cheek that is still lingering. Because of the slowness to heal it's been more difficult to cover with makeup. But overall I'm still pleased with my results.
I have noticed some hair loss but nothing terrible at this point. The more irritating side effect I've had this past month is the joint pain. If I sit anywhere for more than 15 minutes I struggle like an old woman to get up (which is rough since I work at a computer all day). I've even noticed joint achiness in my feet. I had been attributing much of this to the fact I work out a lot, but I'm pretty sure this is due to the Claravis. My eyes have been dry and red - between allergies and taking this medication, I am needing to use eye drops a few times a day. I also have scaliness on my arms. It gets better with lotion, but it almost looks like eczema. I also feel like the dryness makes me look older - I moisturize my skin but there is still a subtle difference (could be that I am overdue for fillers too).
My doctor said I will complete 6 months of the drug - so two more to go! It's strange seeing my skin so pale these days. I had often gone tanning as a means to lessen the visible effects of the acne (terrible, I know). Now that I need to avoid getting tan/burnt my skin seems so ghostly white to me. This summer will be a challenge since I am outside a lot.
Even with the new and not so pleasant sides - I'm still glad I've done this. In the past, even when my skin was "good" there were always little pimples at my hairline, or behind my ear, and I was so oily in my t-zone! Not always having to worry that a little bump or red spot is going to sprout into a gigantic cyst is truly wonderful. I'm just hoping that I stay clear once I've stopped the medication.
I have noticed some hair loss but nothing terrible at this point. The more irritating side effect I've had this past month is the joint pain. If I sit anywhere for more than 15 minutes I struggle like an old woman to get up (which is rough since I work at a computer all day). I've even noticed joint achiness in my feet. I had been attributing much of this to the fact I work out a lot, but I'm pretty sure this is due to the Claravis. My eyes have been dry and red - between allergies and taking this medication, I am needing to use eye drops a few times a day. I also have scaliness on my arms. It gets better with lotion, but it almost looks like eczema. I also feel like the dryness makes me look older - I moisturize my skin but there is still a subtle difference (could be that I am overdue for fillers too).
My doctor said I will complete 6 months of the drug - so two more to go! It's strange seeing my skin so pale these days. I had often gone tanning as a means to lessen the visible effects of the acne (terrible, I know). Now that I need to avoid getting tan/burnt my skin seems so ghostly white to me. This summer will be a challenge since I am outside a lot.
Even with the new and not so pleasant sides - I'm still glad I've done this. In the past, even when my skin was "good" there were always little pimples at my hairline, or behind my ear, and I was so oily in my t-zone! Not always having to worry that a little bump or red spot is going to sprout into a gigantic cyst is truly wonderful. I'm just hoping that I stay clear once I've stopped the medication.
Almost through month 3
So it has been awhile since I posted since things sort of seem to normalize. I'm used to dry eyes and chapped lips. I'm sure it will be weird once this is over, when I don't always have to always make sure I have lip balm with me. I still haven't had any of the really negative side effects (hair loss, muscle or joint pain), and I'm really enjoying not having to fight with oily skin. I've had a couple of pimples here and there, but nothing major. The skin healing seems to be more normal these days too.
I even went in for Botox (I could not wait until end of summer-I felt like my face was melting) and there were no marks. I was a little worried because my derm for the accutane would not inject me because they said it was a keloid scar risk. I read all the reviews and posts from patients and doctors here on RS and decided to go ahead with it. I'm glad I did.
I put together a before and after of my skin when I started and my skin now. Still not perfect, but much better as far as pore size and active acne. I feel like I'm in the home stretch and I'm so happy I started treatment!
I even went in for Botox (I could not wait until end of summer-I felt like my face was melting) and there were no marks. I was a little worried because my derm for the accutane would not inject me because they said it was a keloid scar risk. I read all the reviews and posts from patients and doctors here on RS and decided to go ahead with it. I'm glad I did.
I put together a before and after of my skin when I started and my skin now. Still not perfect, but much better as far as pore size and active acne. I feel like I'm in the home stretch and I'm so happy I started treatment!