Accutane Q&A
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When to Expect Accutane to Starts Working?
asked 2 years ago by Amy1956 in md
Latest answer by Dornechia George Carter, MD
Question viewed 1,741 times
Tags: acne, prevention, results
I just started Accutane and I was wondering when I should expect it to start working. Also, are there any preventative things I can do while I'm on it.
3 answers to When to Expect Accutane to Starts Working?
+1
What to expect on Accutane for Acne
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...
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Dornechia George Carter, MD
Dallas Dermatologist
Dallas Dermatologist
+1
Accutane starts working usually after a month but varies considerably
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...
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Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist
Virginia Beach Dermatologist
+1
Accutane takes weeks
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.
