#retinoids
With mumps making the rounds, it’s good to know that vitamin A can help.
In vitro inhibition of mumps virus by retinoids
These results demonstrate that retinoids inhibit MuV replication in uninfected bystander cells through a retinoid inducible gene I (RIG-I), retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and IFN dependent manner making them refractory to subsequent rounds of viral replication. These observations raise the possibility that pharmacological doses of retinoids might have clinical benefit in MuV infection.
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Retinoids/Retinol for Beginners Pt 1: What it does, common strengths and types
So, right now my face is like 100% clear. Yes. Really. I honestly forgot what that looked like.
And yet, I can’t push away constant ‘2nd thoughts’ about the medication.
So far, I’ve been really lucky. I haven’t had any major side effects. In fact, right now I feel really great. Inside and out. The only thing I have noticed: mild stomach discomfort and persistently strange sounds (from my stomach). Of course this leads to internet searches–and isotretinoin is credited for several digestive and intestinal issues. Then I read more. Things I already knew, but for some reason seem scarier. Like people claiming to have horrible sicknesses and conditions years after their course on the medication.
And sometimes I start asking myself: why did you start taking it? Often, I find my response is pressures from society. Wanting to look good in public, for my partner, etc. etc. Is that an acceptable reason? I don’t know. However, it’s easy to forget the pain of acne (both internal and external) when your face is clear.
I know I never had the most extreme or serious acne. But it was constant, painful, scarring, and I have a serious oil problem.
To stop or to continue.
Does anyone have any thoughts that they would care to share with me? I go back and forth all the time. I’m going to talk to my derm at the end of the week.
1. Oil production has decreased dramatically. Don’t have to wash my hair everyday, or even use oil absorbing pads on my skin.
2. No extreme dryness thus far (crossing my fingers it stays this way). I have still been able to use benzoyl peroxide for spot treatment. I do put on chap stick more frequently, but I definitely don’t have horribly dry lips.
3. I have experienced mild discomfort in my back, nothing debilitating. I continue to exercise regularly.
Today, I went to the dermatologist and I will begin a higher dosage once I finish my current prescription.
Sending my best to everyone out there as we continue our clear skin journeys!
Update ✔️:
So I thought I’d be giving an update sooner. But the fact is…it’s day 8 and changes have been pretty minimal.
About the pictures above…the one on the left is of me like 2 weeks before starting accutane. I decided to take the drug less because of the acne and more because of my severe oil. It constantly looks like I’m sweaty, and it’s very uncomfortable. Also, sorry about my wild beard haha. The picture on the right is today. I don’t look oily because I just washed my face. The white dots are where I applied benzoyl peroxide.
I have experienced thus far no dryness (except maybe my hair?). I have also noticed no decrease in oil production. The good news..I have no active or painful blemishes at the moment! I put the benzoyl peroxide on red spots.
But anyway, my original purpose for writing this post was to express my discouragement today. The last two nights I have felt bloated with a stomach ache, and today I experienced some discomfort in my back. And of course I feed in to bad feelings by reading horror stories on the internet. I’m having second thoughts about taking the drug, in short. I can handle these effects for 6 months, but I worry that I could end up like the unlucky few who have dealt with a lifetime of problems.
I don’t know what to do. Perhaps it’s too early to judge. For now, I plan on seeing how the month goes and consulting with my dermatologist at my next appointment.
I hope things are going smoothly for everyone ❤.
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My dermatologist prescribed me accutane. I will be starting at the end of the month. I’m making my extensive list of must-have products to endure some of the nasty side effects! Wish me luck. I’m sitting hear with my entire chin inflamed and in pain, scared to shave my facial hair…really hoping for some relief.
