Accutane for Pimples and Blackheads?

asked 2 years ago by tlinda in New Mexico
Latest answer by Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Question viewed 1,385 times
Tags: age 55-64, face, female, blackheads, cystic acne, pimples

I am a 57 year old female who has acne since age 12. They were never large cystic acne, but pimples and blackheads. My dermatologist prescribed Accutane. I read on this site that it doesn't help my type of acne. I would like a second opinion.

3 answers to Accutane for Pimples and Blackheads?

Excellent for Cysts, Good for "pimples" but only fair for blackheads

Accutane is like an athlete or team who only performs best when faced with a tough challenge. When matched with brutal cystic acne, nodules and large pustules, Accutane does a great job. With smaller lesions, such as papules and small pustules, it also performs well. However, Accutane is a paper tiger against blackheads; mild improvement but not even as well as topical Retin A. As usual I agree with Dr. Chen that manual extractions such as found in a deep pore cleansing would be... more

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist

A second opinion should be in person, with more facts

Real Self is a great site for information, but I am hesitant to second guess a dermatologist who knows your full history. Accutane for blackheads is kind of like a hand grenade for a fly in the room, but it will help all forms of acne. It is usually not recommended for milder acne because the possible side effects outweigh the possible benefits to milder acne. You are, however, post-menopausal, so pregnency is not an issue and that is the big contraindication for Accutane. Your doctor... more

Mary Lupo, MD
New Orleans Dermatologist