Offering some answers

I thought it would be nice to answer to some questions people typed in Google before getting to my isotretinoin blog.

How to reduce lip drying due to sotret - it is perfectly normal for lips to dry when on isotretinoin treatment. This is the most disturbing side effect: skin drying; the lips feel the most uncomfortable. The best thing you can do to reduce the lip drying is to drink a lot of water and keep yourself hydrated. I also had a post about the products I use while on treatment. Nivea lip care is my choice for moisturizing the lips. It works fine and it doesn't cost much

Do you always breakout on accutane - no, not necessarily always. You might expect some breakouts during the treatment, but not always. The IB (initial breakout) is the worst and occurs during the beginning of the treatment. For instance, I have been experiencing breakouts (some of them were mild, others were aggresive) until my 5th month of treatment. It took 5 months for me to see improvements. So if you are experiencing any breakouts, just stay calm, your skin will also improve.

Skin dryness

Once you start taking isotretinoin (sotret, roaccutane or any other brand), you'll notice that your skin will dry. That's because one of this medicine's effects are on the sebaceous glands. In my case, as I used to have an extremely oily face (3 hours after washing, my face was already shining, haha), it took 3 or 4 days after starting the treatment to notice the sebum reduction. 4 weeks after, my skin started exfoliating and my lips cracking. It's normal to happen like this and I knew about it before deciding to go for these pills.

Anyway, I will post what my dermatologist recommended for dryness:

• first of all, a baby soap. At the moment I use Nivea Baby, it works fine.
• when washing your face, use lukewarm water (not cold, not warm).
• your lips may get on your nerves, so always have a lip balm in your pocket. I use Nivea Lip Care. Oh, and if you are a male too, get the blue one. Or if you want some colour on your lips, get something else.
• in case you feel your eyes dry: Visine - I don't feel the need, so I don't use it.
• if you want to apply a moisturizer, my dermatologist told me to use something light. For instance: Hydrance Lejere or Hydracristal fluid termal (from Uriage). - I also don't want to apply anything on my face (I've been using Brevoxyl for more than 2 years, enough with cremes), although my skin is peeling. It's not that bad, though.

As you may see, I don't use the last 2.

So, if any of you uses or recommends anything else, please post a comment.

My 2nd month's on sotret (accutane) doctor visit

As I mentioned in this post, I had to visit my doctor. The important facts:

• She prescribed the pills for the next month and said that I am doing better since my last visit (which took place 3 weeks ago). I can't argue with that, she's right :D.
• I told her about my recent breakout and she said that it is absolutely normal. It could happen without me taking Sotret, but while on treatment, it will cure faster and better. However, the point is: you shouldn't worry if you notice an erruption while taking the pills (the brand doesn't matter). It is normal.
• First, the doctor thought that I am ready to decrease the amount (40mg/day), but she decided me to continue like this for 2 more weeks and to go see her again.
• I asked her when do people usually see the effects of this treatment and she responded that it takes up to 4-6 months to see some important results. So be patient! :)
• From time to time, you are allowed to drink alcohol, but don't exaggerate. Otherwise, your liver may not feel good. The same thing for fatty food: don't exaggerate!
• Avoid sun exposure! For those like me who are on the treatment on this time of year it's kinda difficult, but it's not impossible. Wear caps/hats and avoid walking in sunny areas.

I think these are the most important things I discussed with my doctor. No side effects appeared beside the ones I already mentioned before. Feel free to ask anything and hang around. New posts will come!