Failed Accutane treatment

Steven Hacker, MD answers: Next option to try if Accutane doesn't work?

My daughter has done two rounds of Accutane (5 months each round) and the acne is back in full force. It clears up beautifully and then after about 5 or 6 months, the acne reappears. What is the next treatment step?


Steven Hacker, MD
2 months ago
By Steven Hacker, MD - Delray Beach Dermatologist

Unfortunately, there are a small percentage of people that do not maintain a response to Accutane. Although this is not common, it does happen. 

This is a complicated question though and probably best served by a doctor's appointment since Accutane failures are not the norm there may be something else causing severe acne that is worth evaluating. 

Hormonal treatment remains an option to those that have failed Accutane but carries issues that must be addressed by a dermatologist extensively before initiating treatment. 

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