so after spending countless hours on this website and just generally looking into accutane, ive finally been prescribed accutane for my severe acne! yaaay x_x
one of my main concerns with it is the initial breakout how bad does it get? since im a college student and if my acne gets any worse i don’t know how i’ll be able to go in for lessons. i already dont have the confidence to look people in the face 
id love to hear some advice on how anyone dealt with the initial breakout and how bad it was?
i know ive just got to be patient but the thought of it getting worse before it gets better puts me down so much wehhhh :’( still determined to get through these 6 months so wish me luck guys and any advice on this journey ahead would be much appreciated x
Hey!
I’ve just completed week 20 – everyone seems to be different but for me my worse breakouts were around week 4. The main thing was, the spots I got were just so much different to what I was used to, in different places (on and around my jaw, under my chin, my lower back) and they were a lot bigger and slow moving.
In the first few weeks I just remember all the spots that I had drying up and flaking off. I also got a patch of rapidly appearing and fading whiteheads but this didn’t bother me too much.
Fingers crossed your initial breakout isnt too bad, and your course goes well. xx
- Becky on January 29, 2013 at 5:54 pm
hey thanks for the help
yep i can definitely see the existing spots drying up and flaking off
hopefully when my skin breaks out i’ll have the week off for Easter hols if im lucky xx
- abs20 on January 31, 2013 at 2:17 pm
Hi Abs,
Welcome to the board. Have you had a look at the before and after photo’s on this board? I hope you have as they are a great source of motivation, especially when you are feeling down and your skin maybe worse than when you started R. Also, look at post from people who have photo’s up, it’s interesting to see when they had their break outs.
My dermatologist said that from 8 weeks you should start seeing improvement. Patience is very much a virtue on this medication. I do know people who’s skin has improved then got a break out near the end. Hang in there though, it’s your skin getting all the rubbish to the surface.
I know it’s really hard, especially at college as I remember how I felt at high school and college and my skin effected my confidence so much. I’m just glad you are doing this now and not waiting until you are 36, like me.
Just think when you are having a bad day at least you are on medication that is going to one day clear you of acne for good. You have hope, which on bad days previously, you didn’t (sorry if that sounds harsh).
Hold your head up high, it’s 6 months and you will get there. I’ve only got 5 weeks to go and it’s flown by. Keep coming on here for a good old moan or for anything really. This board has been great, it’s good to swap stories about how we are coping with the side effects etc.
Keep in touch and wishing you the best of luck xx
- Vanessa on January 30, 2013 at 11:48 am
Hi Vanessa
yeah i had a look at the photos it definitely encourages you to look at the brighter side of R. ive just been trying to not think about how long ive got to go. thanks for you advice its especially great hearing from people who are further along their treatment
hope the remaining weeks of your course treat you well xx
- abs20 on January 31, 2013 at 2:26 pm
Hey Abs! I promise it will all be worth it in the end. I had a breakout about week 3 & again at about week 7/8. They’re not horrific. Keep your skin hydrated & drink plenty throughout the day. Good luck! xx
- Hannah on January 30, 2013 at 4:05 pm
if my skins going to break out then yh hope its at 3 weeks since i’ll be on a one week break from college
thank you xx
- abs20 on January 31, 2013 at 2:36 pm