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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Acutane
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Acutane
by jennifer, Oct 12, 2000 12:00AM
I've had "lumpy" acne for years now. I've been to five dermatologists in the past three years. Last year I was recomended Acutane, but I declined because I didn't know that much about it. After I learned that it would probably be the only drug that would help me, I asked for it. Now no dermatologist will prescribe it for me because they say my skin is not bad enough. I work very hard to keep this fixable trait under control. I wake up each morning covered in pimples. Then I go and steam my face for about an hour to open up my pours. If it's sunny i go and sit out to clear up my face. I can't go more then 1 hour of wearing make up with out suffering immense negative effects. I go to bed with about 1/4 of acne medication on my face. The cycle is everyday. I can't let anybody touch my face or myself for that matter. I have to make sure I don't let my face touch the pillow, or else i break out. I can't live like this. All I want is one day without this. Please help me find a way to get this medicine.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Oct 12, 2000 12:00AM
, Oct 12, 2000 12:00AM
Jennifer:
There's a whole lot going on here besides acne. When someone spends an hour a day steming the face and reports terrible side-effects from an hour of makeup and the sense that no one can touch the face -- symptoms which do not occur in common acne, I'm concerned that worry about appearance has reached the point of obsession. If I were you, I would consult both a dermatologist and a psychological counselor. Accuate is a good drug, but does not guarantee a lifelong cure. If the acne looks half as bad as you imply, I can't imagine that a dermatologist would refuse to prescribe it unless they, like me, are worried that there is more than meets the dermatologic eye.
Good luck.
Dr. Rockoff
There's a whole lot going on here besides acne. When someone spends an hour a day steming the face and reports terrible side-effects from an hour of makeup and the sense that no one can touch the face -- symptoms which do not occur in common acne, I'm concerned that worry about appearance has reached the point of obsession. If I were you, I would consult both a dermatologist and a psychological counselor. Accuate is a good drug, but does not guarantee a lifelong cure. If the acne looks half as bad as you imply, I can't imagine that a dermatologist would refuse to prescribe it unless they, like me, are worried that there is more than meets the dermatologic eye.
Good luck.
Dr. Rockoff
For now :) Martin
For now :) Martin