Photodynamic Therapy: Q&A

Ask a Question

Photodynamic Therapy After Taking Accutane

I am a 25-year-old female and I have acne on my face. I have tried lots of stuff for acne none worked. So about 2 years ago my derm put me on Accutane. I weight about 50kg so I did 40mg, 60mg, 80mg, 100mgX2mon. I did another course for 6 months, 60mg, 80mg, 100mg for 2 months each. Both times after 4months taking Accutane,acne came back.

Do you think taking another course of Accutane is safe? Also I'm thinking about PDT as an alternative. How effective do you think it would be on me?

Tags:
age 25-34 female alternative effective safety
Comment on this
1 Doctor Answer | Asked by sunshine16 in Clearwater, FL
+2

PDT works for acne, but depends on light source

This is a very challenging circumstance. You have been on Accutane without satisfactory results and now you are thinking PDT. Traditional PDT with Blue light will not work because the blue light only goes about 0.5mm into the skin which is not deep enough for the deep oil glands causing the problem. However, red light goes to about 2-3mm and PDT with red light can work. If you really want to achieve Accutane like results then the treatment required does cause a lot of... more

You might also like...

Real Stories

AMAZING!!!! For Stubborn Ance - Portland, ME

I had stubborn adult acne and tried EVERYTHING to get rid of it. Fed up with I decided to...

View 36 related stories

Before + After Photos

Before & After Photodynamic Therapy Before & After Photodynamic Therapy
View 18 Photodynamic Therapy photos
Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (0)

Ask a Question

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

Welcome Back

Sign in with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account? Create one now.

Join RealSelf

Join with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Please enter a valid email address
 Did you mean ?

By creating an account, you are indicating that you have read and accept the RealSelf Terms of Use.

Already a member? Sign In.

Retrieve your password

Enter your username or email address and we will send you a link to login.

Check your email

Check your email. We've sent you a link to reset your password.

Ok