I saw my dermatologist this morning and he bumped me up to 60mg a day, which I’m extremely pleased about 
I have to finish off my first prescription first though, so I’m still on 40mg up until the 8th of March (Which will be two months exactly).
So this past week I’ve actually noticed some improvement believe or not, all the blackheads that I’ve had on my nose for the best part of 4 years have disappeared, seemingly overnight! I just looked in the mirror one morning and was like “woooaahh!” I guess this stuff is slowly kicking in 
Also the initial breakout thing has definitely stopped now – I just seem to be getting the usual amount of spots each day which is much more manageable and tolerable than what it’s been like for the past 4 weeks or so. It’ll probably flare up again when I go up to 60mg, but at least I now know what to expect. I’ve also noticed that the acne that I’m getting isn’t very big any more, they just seem to be those painful, under the skin type whiteheads that heal within a few days. Those clusters on the edge of my jaw that I mentioned a few weeks ago are only just healing up, they’v been coming and going quite randomly but each time they come back they’re smaller each time.
Side effect wise, nothing new to report at all really. Standard stuff: dry skin and lips, occasional nosebleeds and joint pain. The rashes I had on my arms and hands have gone now thanks to the eczema cream I’ve been using. Roaccutane has been surprisingly kind to me, I don’t know what to think! Am I just lucky or is it going to punch me in the face within the coming weeks?
Something I haven’t actually mentioned before is that I’m still using the differin (adapalene) gel as and when I need it (no more than two times a day) – I don’t think there’s any issue with me using it with roaccutane? I stopped using any of the products I have with salicylic acid because they were starting to make my face a bit sore and red. I haven’t had any problems with dryness with the differin, I’ve used it everyday for the past two years so I think my skin must be used to it? It doesn’t add to any dryness or soreness in my skin – I’m using the “moisture locking body lotion” by Vaseline as my moisturiser and I have to say that it is a god send – so this in combination with the differin seem to help keep my skin under control – there’s next to no dryness or peeling. If anyone thinks it’s best to stop using the differin then please do let me know!
Here’s to week 7!
Hi Jack,
So pleased that R is treating you well so far. Like you I found the treatment OK and wondered what I was worrying about. I’ve only got 9 days left!! I’m on 60mg and I’ve found the last 6 weeks the toughest. Have to say that even at it’s worse it’s a mile away from how bad I thought it was going to be.
Wishing you lots of luck Jack and if you do have a break out or the side effects get worse, hang in there! I can’t believe how quick it has gone but have to say that the last 3 weeks have crawled. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending this treatment to anyone who is an acne sufferer.
Keep in touch, best regards Vanessa
- Vanessa on February 23, 2013 at 3:43 pm
Hey Vanessa,
I really appreciate you commenting and giving my hope, It’s just so relieving to be able to talk to someone who’s in the same boat as me. I hope you’re treatment has gone well, please keep me updated 
Time seems to be going really quickly for me, maybe I’m just still caught up in the excitement of it all? Although, nearing the end of the course I can imagine things getting quite tedious. Like you, I would recommend this treatment anyone in our position, and I’d definitely point them to this site
- Jack Salter on February 26, 2013 at 11:41 pm