Oral Medications for Acne

[pandora76]

Originally posted by ponine
It seems that my dermatologist always prescribe Roaccutane to just about anyone who comes in with acne problem. The only difference is in the dosage i think becoz i *forever* see the nurse gives the same pills :roll:

Is there any dermatologist around *** use external products to treat skin with clogges pores and acne problem?

You're right, Roaccutane has a lot of undesirable side effects but it's most commonly prescribed for severe acne because it's still one of the most effective solutions around and also cost-effective.

There are some topical treatments but they are very very expensive. Eg. there's a machine which uses UV rays to kill the bacteria on the skin's surface, and after thrice-weekly sessions over a month or two, you are supposed to see an improvement. This costs a bomb though, that's why it's not popular, and especially when you consider that the typical acne sufferer is a teenager (ie. little or no money to afford such costly treatments). Of course, there are adult acne sufferers as well, but by and large, acne patients are usually teenagers, so this treatment is ruled out for them.

Some lasers can also be effective for treating acne. Also, some products help to clear up acne too, but these should be prescribed by an experienced dermatologist. The wrong strength of acne solution can cause more problems for your skin.

From what I understand, Roaccutane should only be used as a last resort, when all else has failed. Even before R is considered for treatment, there are also various alternatives (oral medication), such as antibiotics (your minocycline, doxycycline, what have you) and even the contraceptive pill (my friend was on Diane-35 and her skin looked amazing).

[Medusa]

No one brought me to a derm when I had severe acne in late primary school. Only when everything calmed down on its own and left huge craters, and I got older in late secondary, that I went on my own accord, to National Skin Centre. Only to be told I didn't have acne already, only pit scars that they could not help in. Very frustrating.

After that went to see my GP and he prescribed retin-a for clogged pores (very effective but I feel like a shedding snake, unless I use it long enough for side effects to disappear). I had no idea what the Differin was supposed to do for me so I tossed it after some usage (no improvement, just redness). Vit C supposed to help with scars.

Was never on oral medication.

Now if someone had brought me to a derm much earlier than throwing me into the hands of beauticians who did nothing but injure and hurt my skin and self esteem? And if I had discovered retin-a earlier, which was cheap and effective for me. :burning:

[raebelasian]

Originally posted by angeldiane
i went to my dermatologist 4 times in the past couple years

first time..he prescribed me phisohex for a cleanser, T-Stat Solutions for my pimples & antibiotics (tetracyclin i think)..it did clear up all my pimples..i have gross pics of my old acne days

Oh no no...Tetracycline is bad for teeth. My dentist told me that this actually stains your teeth. I was on tetracycline for 6 months and was never told warned about that :burning: :burning:

[clpersonal]

Anybody making a trip down to msia? Retin-a, differin, topical antibiotics etc can be bought there WITHOUT a prescription and at a much lower price!....anybody can CP?

[esabelle]

Originally posted by clpersonal
I went to a GP before and he prescribed minocycline. But it didnt work, and i didnt like the idea of having to take long term antibiotics. I didnt want my body to be dependent on it, further more, there are side effects.

i used to have really severe acne problem when i reached the last year of my secondary school. I went to a GP and he gave me anti-biotic. Luckily enough, it did not cause any side effects for me. But i did recmmend it to my friend and she stopped taking it because she had really dry lips and felt dehydrated after the antibiotics. So i guess anti biotics will react on different people. It costs me abt S$30 per consultant and the medication for a mth is only abt $30. But that was many years back. So they may have increased the prices. I remember the clinic is always full and i had to see the doctor in the afternoon when i get a number in the morning. Its situated at kreta Ayer near chinatown.

[clammy]

can get that in GNC...
hmm...forgot to update u on this...i actually bought the Multidophilus..(similar to acidophilus, just that the concentration is stronger...) this is taken out from the fridge in the retail shop, and the bottle has to be kept 24/7 in the frigde...to preserve the bacteria...


so if u purchse this, the SA will actually place your bottle in a styrofoam box.....so if u are out shopping that day, make this buy the last thing on your journey, just before u head for home!

[clpersonal]

What are the topical antibiotics available besides clindamycin and erythromycin?

[chibi]

doxycycline
but it caused gastric pains for some...
for a weaker stomach, my GP recommended Doryx..

[baobei]

My Ex went on Roaccutance for 6 months, and continue with Tar Soap when he was in JC or something.

His clear and smooth skin will be the envy of many girls.

on the side note: He was such a vainpot. takes an hour to get ready for school while I'll wake up 10 mins b4 school then. Buahahaha

[latte]

Originally posted by PiiinkPixie
aww thanx Summer27! this is such a great place! =)

yikes that sounds scary! does it kinda function like PC's bha's do then? but harsher?

I got all these information from my retin-a leaflet and the net.
Retin-a, differin and similar products function differently 'cos they don't exfoliate the external skin surface like BHA/aha does. They go much deeper than the skin levels and improve the skin cell formation. Plus purging the stuff out. Hence, initial exarberation of zits maybe expected.

I'm not too sure to use back retin-a 'cos I'm now down with several zits :pissed:
Those who are using such retinoid stuff, do you apply the whole face or just the concerned areas?

[Summer27]

Originally posted by PiiinkPixie
aww thanx Summer27! this is such a great place! =)

yikes that sounds scary!

I think it really have to depend on your skin.. But personally i think the peel-off part is quite alright for me at the moment as when skin peels off, it can actually help me to peel off the acne scar marks too.. hence, lighten abit..

[PiiinkPixie]

are they all prescription drugs? =)

[latte]

Originally posted by PiiinkPixie
are they all prescription drugs? =)

You need prescription in Sg, but can buy from counter in Malaysia.

[hjmsb]

hi all this is my first post

have seen a few dermatologists.
thus far only Roaccutane has worked for me.
but it had horrendous side effects.
dry chapped lips was awful
i also had frequent nose bleeds and awful headache.
also had depression.
finally i decided i wasnt gg to throw away my mental and physical (liver) health for clear skin.
anyway the acne came back after i stoppped the meds.
now just trying to use external medication.

strongly discourage Roaccutane :shout:

[Joce7878]

Originally posted by hjmsb
hi all this is my first post

have seen a few dermatologists.
thus far only Roaccutane has worked for me.
but it had horrendous side effects.
dry chapped lips was awful
i also had frequent nose bleeds and awful headache.
also had depression.
finally i decided i wasnt gg to throw away my mental and physical (liver) health for clear skin.
anyway the acne came back after i stoppped the meds.
now just trying to use external medication.

strongly discourage Roaccutane :shout:

Not bad for a first post girl! Already making full use of our smileys I see.

Yah... Roaccutane has adverse effects on the liver if taken for too long a time... and can affect some badly.

Anyway... dun give up on treating the skin from inside... just spot treatment from outside is not a long term solution.... and may not work for some. If problem persists, seek help.

:wave: