When to Expect Accutane to Starts Working?

When I start patients on Accutane, I generally instruct them to expect a few things: the first is dryness. Nearly all patients have skin and lip dryness while taking the medication, yet the vast majority are able to manage it symptomatically (i.e. lip balm, moisturizers). This remains throughout the course of treatment. The second thing to expect is an initial flare of the acne; most patients have this as well. This at least lets us know that the medication is... more

Most cases a month or two, but there can be great variability with some patients noting improvement in two weeks and others not for four months. It is difficult to tell which category you would fall into. One observation: those patients who notice dry, peeling skin should expect their blemishes to improve shortly thereafter. If you are dismayed when your acne does not magically resolve within a few months do not throw in the towel. Sometimes, Accutane will not seem to be doing much at... more

Be patient. The results can be gradual, and some patients actually get worse first, but Accutane is the best treatment for severe acne. Avoid the sun, take vitamin E and B complex, keeping the skin hydrated seem to decrease side effects. In very severe flares, prednisone is used for a few days to decrease the inflammation.