u/Mconvict

Adding my results to the data pool, for future reference, if you find yourself like me: sad, hopeless, and frustrated with the discomfort caused by the burning, irritated, and broken skin. TLDR; it gets so much better.

30F - working in healthcare (very stressful job, for what it's worth). No other medical history. I do not drink or smoke, not even socially.

The before picture is from 6/2/25, which is probably the "worst" my skin has ever looked. Disclaimer: I do think my period contributed to the increase in pustules, but outside of my menses, I still looked like that on average (also dealt with intense flushing to every single trigger known to trigger rosacea, ugh).

I tried EVERYTHING over the years - topicals, creams, washes, doxycycline/antibiotics, doing nothing, drastic diet changes, drank 2-3L of water daily, exercise, meditation. Nothing helped. The first progress picture saved on my phone is from May 2023, but it started developing before that. Skin was great before I started medical school, so I think the underlying etiology of my PP rosacea was stress + hormones.

I finally bit the bullet on low-dose Accutane. I started 30 mg daily on 3/3/26. Within ~10 days, it was completely healed. I went down to 20 mg daily ~1 month into my treatment due to dryness - I aimed to take the lowest, most effective dose possible. It's now 5/20/26 (so ~2.5 months), and I am still maintaining great skin on 20 mg daily - no relapses of the pustules. Just flushing to my usual triggers (which I will take ANY DAY over the pustules/pain). I will probably be on Accutane for a total of 6ish months, but each time I meet with my dermatologist, we have ongoing discussions about the total duration (it's subject to change based on my response and weight etc)

I’m open to questions! I hope this helps at least someone :)

Adding my results to the data pool, for future reference, if you find yourself like me: sad, hopeless, and frustrated with the discomfort caused by the burning, irritated, and broken skin. TLDR; it gets so much better.

30F - working in healthcare (very stressful job, for what it's worth). No other medical history. I do not drink or smoke, not even socially.

The before picture is from 6/2/25, which is probably the "worst" my skin has ever looked. Disclaimer: I do think my period contributed to the increase in pustules, but outside of my menses, I still looked like that on average (also dealt with intense flushing to every single trigger known to trigger rosacea, ugh).

I tried EVERYTHING over the years - topicals, creams, washes, doxycycline/antibiotics, doing nothing, drastic diet changes, drank 2-3L of water daily, exercise, meditation. Nothing helped. The first progress picture saved on my phone is from May 2023, but it started developing before that. Skin was great before I started medical school, so I think the underlying etiology of my PP rosacea was stress + hormones.

I finally bit the bullet on low-dose Accutane. I started 30 mg daily on 3/3/26. Within ~10 days, it was completely healed. I went down to 20 mg daily ~1 month into my treatment due to dryness - I aimed to take the lowest, most effective dose possible. It's now 5/20/26 (so ~2.5 months), and I am still maintaining great skin on 20 mg daily - no relapses of the pustules. Just flushing to my usual triggers (which I will take ANY DAY over the pustules/pain). I will probably be on Accutane for a total of 6ish months, but each time I meet with my dermatologist, we have ongoing discussions about the total duration (it's subject to change based on my response and weight etc).

I’m open to questions! I hope this helps at least someone :)

Edit: added more context