Scalp Acne Healing Plateau

For the past couple of days, it seems like the healing of the scalp acne has plateaued. I still seem to have some new acne on the sides of my scalp in addition to the remaining old scabs, which are still healing, though not as fast as expected from the previous pattern of healing from the days prior. Perhaps I should just be patient as healing takes time.

On the other hand, the facial acne continues to clear up. In fact, I think there are few or no new acne on the face any more, so that's a relief.

Check-up With My Skin Specialist

Day 27: Visited my skin specialist today for a check-up, 2 weeks after reducing the Roaccutane to once daily, and starting the Erythromycin. I informed him of exactly what has happened to date whilst he was on leave and concurred with the other skin specialist at the clinic that the dosage and use of Erythromycin is correct.

He performed a visual examination of my scalp under a bright lamp and noted there is still quite a bit of acne on the scalp, though he clarified with me whether the current state of my scalp was indeed better than 2 weeks ago, to which I replied it is immensely better.

He suggested that I continue the treatment as per current, and see him again for a check-up in 6 weeks time when another fasting blood test will be performed. Should the scalp acne flare-up subside well by then, he suggested the Roaccutane dosage could be increased to twice daily, and the dosage of Erythromycin could be reduced.

Here's hoping things go as planned!

Sleeping Soundly As Scalp Acne Heals

Day 25: I'd phoned my skin specialist again last Thursday to inform her of the good news that the lesions on my scalp were in fact noticeably drying up. This plus the fact that none to very few new acne/folliculitis were appearing on the scalp or the face.

I can sleep soundly again these days as it no longer hurts to put my head on the pillow, and the proper rest has probably helped my body heal itself better. Of course, the Erythromycin, the last dose of this course due tomorrow evening, has clearly played a key part in healing the flare-up.

My facial skin and scalp are also significantly less greasy at the end of the day. In fact, I don't even need to rinse my face mid-way through the day. I can also use less of a milder shampoo (an oatmeal shampoo) to wash my hair each night and still leave my scalp and hair feeling cleansed. All this on just 1 dose of Roaccutane a day.

My skin specialist wants me to continue on a second course of Erythromycin after I finish this one to make sure the flare-up doesn't happen again.

Day 19: Contacted my skin specialist to provide an update on how the reduction to taking Roaccutane once a day, coupled with the Erythromycin is progressing. Some parts of the scalp acne seemed to stop coming up with new spots, although the existing acne was still there, taking what seems to be a long time to heal. The acne on the face seems to be slowly going away as well. There also seemed to be fewer new spots appearing on the face. Although, I am still concerned about how slow it is taking my existing acne to clear. My skin specialist also reported the results of the swab of my scalp acne as being negative of any bacterial growth, so has asked I go for another check-up this Friday to see the progress of the flare-up and to obtain another sample of fluid from the scalp acne, this time from several areas around the scalp.

I also decided to wash my hair with a shampoo designed especially for sensitive/dry skin made of oatmeal. It is also pH balanced for the scalp. It seemed to leave my scalp feeling quite soothed, rather than hot and angry. Will continue with this shampoo to see if it continues to help.

My Second Course of Roaccutane

This is my second course of Roaccutane. The first time I took it was back in 2001 for the full 8 month duration. I had severe facial cystic acne and the Roaccutane did wonders for it. My facial acne has since been under control but had the occassional spots here and there, but nothing of concern and could not be happier with the results.

It is now 2008 and have started on a second course of Roaccutane. This time to treat the acne-like problem on my scalp. It's now 16 days since starting the first dose. Began taking it twice a day, once at breakfast time and once at dinner time.

Days 1 and 14: Developed the usual side-effects such as dry lips, dry skin on the face, dry nostrils etc. But in addition, acne flared significantly on the face and all over the scalp.

Day 14: Went for a checkup with skin specialist for the flare-up. Told to reduce my dosage to one Roaccutane tablet daily. In addition, a course of Erythromycin to be taken to assist with reducing the flare-up. The Erythromycin to be taken twice daily, once at breakfast and once at dinner. Begun taking Erythromycin at dinner that night and stopped taking the second daily dose of Roaccutane.

Here's hoping the reduced dose of Roaccutane coupled with the introduction of Erythromycin will help to significantly reduce the flare-up.