Chris

Chris has had acne since he was around 15/16 years old, becoming more severe in later years whilst he was studying in college. He tried a number of medications prescribed by his GP before being referred to a dermatologist for Roaccutane (isotretinoin).

Chris has had facial acne since he was 15/16 years old. Chris and his parents had anticipated that he would develop the condition owing to a family history in which his Dad had also had relatively severe acne. Chris initially felt that acne was “just something you experience when you’re in your early teens”; however, it continued for him and proved difficult to treat. He tried a number of face washes and over-counter spot creams before visiting a GP. Chris then tried various oral tablets and topical creams but felt that these only stabilised his acne rather than curing it completely. He was eventually referred on to see a dermatologist by a GP he saw during his first term at university.

Chris acne was most severe whilst he was studying at college. Despite the impact it had on his confidence, there had been only one occasion whereby the impact of his acne stopped him from going into classes. Because his acne was on his face, he felt it was very visible, for example, when he looked in a mirror and to other people. He feels that his family and friends have been supportive throughout but that the biggest impact of acne emotionally was to knock his self-confidence and body image.

Chris acne has now cleared after a several month course of Roaccutane (isotretinoin). He had heard warnings about this treatment from other people but felt that minor side effects, such as dry lips, would be worth the end result. He has been left with some acne scarring for which he sometimes uses BB (Blemish Balm) to cover up the redness. Overall though he feels that, for men in their 20s/30s, looking a bit rugged is not a big problem. He was pleased with the outcome of taking Roaccutane and felt confident that the treatment would work well again for him if the acne returned in the future.

Chris had bad days with his acne when he worked in a department store but doesn’t think his acne affected his work.

Age at interview 20

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 17

Chris was quite independent and didn’t need support in going to the doctors from his parents, but he did appreciate support from his mother when he was considering taking isotretinoin.

Age at interview 20

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 17

Chris thinks it’s normal to feel self-conscious about your acne when meeting romantic interests.

Age at interview 20

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 17

Chris describes a day when he didn’t feel like going into college because of his acne.

Age at interview 20

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 17

While Chris feels that eating healthily and keeping hydrated aren’t enough on their own to clear up acne, once the acne has gone these practices can help keep skin clear.

Age at interview 20

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 17

Chris talks about starting university with acne.

Age at interview 20

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 17

Chris thinks a man with spots doesn’t stand out as much as a woman with spots. However, he likes to use a product to cover up his acne scars.

Age at interview 20

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 17

Chris was concerned about the potential side effects of depression if he took isotretinoin and found it helpful to discuss this with his mother.

Age at interview 20

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 17

Chris thinks doctors should tell acne patients about isotretinoin so they’re aware of it.

Age at interview 20

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 17

Chris started to see a difference in his skin after five or six weeks of the treatment.

Age at interview 20

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 17

Chris describes how having acne wore him down.

Age at interview 20

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 17

Chris was self-conscious about people noticing acne on his face.

Age at interview 20

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 17

Chris felt differently about his acne treatments as time went on.

Age at interview 20

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 17

Chris had a follow-up appointment with his dermatologist after finishing his course of isotretinoin tablets.

Age at interview 20

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 17

Chris sometimes uses Blemish Balm (similar to tinted moisturiser).

Age at interview 20

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 17