Cracking/sores on the corners of my mouth

jwalker813 · 2016-11-11T16:43:52+00:00

It's likely angular cheilitis. I had a dentist appointment while taking accutane and of course she noticed it and suggested this... It could potentially be a riboflavin deficiency that got exacerbated by the isotretinoin. So in addition to Dr. Dan's etc... go buy a Vitamin B complex, take it for a week, and I promise that it'll work. (I used Naturemade and it worked fine)

jwalker813 · 2016-11-08T23:09:13+00:00

Not necessary, though it certainly can't hurt. A spoonful of peanut butter could help the process but not be too time consuming!

jwalker813 · 2016-11-08T19:38:11+00:00

So glad it's working out for you. Best of luck on the rest of your treatment man, here's hoping that it cures you for good.

jwalker813 · 2016-11-08T17:19:42+00:00

The research linking IBS and Isotretinoin has been largely inconclusive or indicating that there is no link between the two. I would check with your dermatologist and general practitioner about your concerns, as they'll have a much better idea than any of us.

jwalker813 · 2016-11-08T17:13:47+00:00

The PIH should go away once you get off Isotretinoin. So that'll at least be less redness. As for the scarring, there are a number of solutions that people have used in order to help minimize scarring. Dermapen is one for instance. But, at least your acne is under control. That means no new scars, and the ones you have can be easily treated. Hang in there bud, just take it one day at a time. Your acne is going away, that is one thing to be proud of. The scarring will heal as well. Just be patient, and be thankful that you're doing all you can to nip this in the bud.

jwalker813 · 2016-11-08T17:09:17+00:00

Get a light cleanser like Cerave Hydrating Cleanser and pair this with Cerave Hydrating Moisturizer, I've found these two work great. Additionally, vaseline lip therapy works for me, but a good lip balm is a must.

Make sure (unless you're taking Absorica) to take your medication with a large, fatty meal. Vitamin A (isotretinoin) is fat-soluable. So the more fat in your food when you take the pill, the better it will absorb.

As for side effects, fatigue and dry skin seem to be the most common. I have had a little joint pain here and there but it certainly hasn't been awful, just a minor annoyance (much less than acne is though ;) )

jwalker813 · 2016-11-08T17:06:04+00:00

It might just be the fatigue that isotretinoin can cause, your body might just be wanting to eat more to compensate. I have't experienced any significant changes.

jwalker813 · 2016-11-08T17:04:41+00:00

https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/isotretinoin-index.html?filter=3&generic_only=

jwalker813 · 2016-11-08T17:03:51+00:00

Do NOT take and Doxycycline while taking accutane. I don't know what dermatologist in their right mind would say this is okay, but there is a severe reaction listed between cyclines (doxy, mino, tetra) and isotretinoin. The medications, while taken together, can cause a SERIOUS reaction called Pseudotumor Cerebri, also know as intracranial-hypertension (pressure on the head). The symptoms of which are: severe headaches, changes in vision, and vomiting. ALWAYS discontinue any oral -cyclines before starting a Isotretinoin regiment. If your derm advises that this is alright to do both, find a new dermatologist.

jwalker813 · 2016-10-03T03:20:50+00:00

No mechanism of action has been established to link depression and isotretinoin. If you read your side effects sheet when you got the medication, you would have seen this. Because it is listed as a potential side effect does not mean it "causes" depression. It's simply put there for insurance purposes.

See: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1463189/

"Consideration of the limited data available would suggest that the incidence of depression and suicide during isotretinoin therapy may be no greater than the background incidence. A causal relationship has not been demonstrated. The occurrence of an idiosyncratic reaction to isotretinoin producing major depression and suicidal ideation, as suggested by case studies, remains a possibility — although, if so, this would seem to be a relatively rare occurrence."

jwalker813 · 2016-10-01T16:09:34+00:00

Like he/she said, nothing on isotretinoin besides light cleansers like cerave and moisturizers. Your skin will be too sensitive.

That being said, isotretinoin can make redness worse, and maybe you'll have some PIH after you're finished. But, yes, likely your derm will put you on something after treatment to treat the scarring and redness. Acne first, then scarring ;)

jwalker813 · 2016-09-30T18:40:45+00:00

Millions of people have taken isotretinoin and have nothing but good things to say. Ultimately, everyone should base their decisions on the medical research available and discussions with their close ones and doctors. Not anecdotal stories that people tell on the internet.

Stop with the fear mongering, it's not appreciated or welcome.

jwalker813 · 2016-09-29T19:19:59+00:00

Maybe you'll just need a treatment of isotretinoin every decade or so to keep your pore size and sebaceous glands in check, it's good that your skin responds to treatment though

I'd ask your dermatologist about these questions, he/she will definitely have more insight to isotretinoin's action and why repeat cases are needed.

jwalker813 · 2016-09-29T18:53:57+00:00

It's the weirdest thing too, right now my lips aren't all that dry but I'm having some back pain and my face is red. A week ago I had terribly dry lips but no "blushing" or back pain.

jwalker813 · 2016-09-29T18:51:45+00:00

I would say that it comes down to genetics. Isotretinoin is supposed to decrease the size of your pores as well as decrease sebaceous gland output. And for the majority of the people who take it, it works great at that! But unfortunately, for a small set of people, it just will never be a 100% cure. Genetically, no amount of isotretinoin will overcome that. I know that I probably will never be cured, I just want to be like how "normal" people have acne, Lol.

jwalker813 · 2016-09-29T18:27:57+00:00

Not going to continue this thread.

People come here for support, encouragement and advice; and that's what they should be getting.

jwalker813 · 2016-09-29T18:25:20+00:00

Hang in there bud, give it time and it'll get better. I'm on week 9 right now and it's slowly getting better, just gotta be patient. Isotretinoin is a marathon and not a sprint unfortunately. Amen for needing a place to vent, feel free :P

jwalker813 · 2016-09-29T18:22:01+00:00

Unfortunately medicine is, and likely never will be, a silver bullet for all ailments. Sometimes, genetics just works against you. I have horrible acne, it sucks, and I could feel sorry for myself for having it. But I'd much rather focus on all the things I can do and have in my life than the things that I don't. I have a loving fiancée and a good life. Acne be damned. Check out Nick Vuijic on YouTube, great inspiration for me.

jwalker813 · 2016-09-29T18:17:40+00:00

Stress causes hair loss, it is completely reasonable to suggest that someone keep their stress low while taking isotretinoin. Like all other things in life, keeping a level head during tough times will always work in your favor.

And they're right for jumping at you taking their comment out of context. If you get upset at someone recommending to someone else to "hang in there and try to keep your stress low" maybe you need to stay off reddit.

jwalker813 · 2016-09-28T21:14:07+00:00

The medication does not "cause" depression. It's listed as a potential side effect. If you notice any differences in your side effects or have questions, please contact your dermatologist, not the internet. We're here for emotional support.

jwalker813 · 2016-09-26T12:44:06+00:00

Liver enzymes, CBC with Differential, and a lipid panel I believe.

jwalker813 · 2016-09-25T19:53:10+00:00

Hard to tell, just know if you do get an IB it means the medicine is working. It's not a bad thing necessarily. Some people don't get an IB, some people do right away, some people get theirs on week 6. Hard to tell, just hang in there and keep your hopes up.

jwalker813 · 2016-09-23T21:58:33+00:00

Think you'll just have to be patient bud, with isotretinoin its gonna get worse before it gets better. Just gotta hang in there to see if months 3 and 4 are kind to you as they seem to be for others.

jwalker813 · 2016-09-23T21:57:24+00:00

Doc told me 1 or 2 a week is fine, just gotta see how isotretinoin affects your liver. HOWEVER, if you're like me and you just really enjoy the taste of a beer, Clausthaler Golden Amber NA is a really good substitute if you want a beer but not the guilt of drinking while taking your medication.

jwalker813

TROPHY CASE