Red Patches on Face After Accutane

Question

I’ve been on Accutane for ten months now. To start with, my acne wasn’t extremely bad but I did have acne. Now, I have red patches on my cheeks and on my nose. Is this normal?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Doctors often refer to the dryness that occurs with isotretinoin and retinoids like Retin-A as the retinoid reaction. Although normal, the dryness can lead to a feeling of discomfort that can ultimately compromise your compliance. Retinoid reaction includes:
DrynessRednessItchingBurningDiscomfortIn my office in Beverly Hills, I prescribe Accutane quite a bit for cystic acne and inflammatory scarring. Patients are advised to moisturize frequently with a non-oily moisturizer such as Elevase Moisture Booster, which we use in our office. Applied liberally on the face, the ceramides are soothing and relieve discomfort when possible. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

William Ting, MD · Answer

It is quite common to see redness during after Accutane due to dryness, and inflammatory nature of Accutane. For the redness to persists more than 10 months, something else may be going on, e.g. acne rosacea, inadequate sun protection or moisturization.

Dina D. Strachan, MD · Answer

Accutane causes the skin to get very dry which can result in redness or even eczema.  You may need a richer moisturizer or even topical steroid therapy.  The redness may also represent another condition.  You should discuss these symptoms with your treating dermatologist.

Joshua Zeichner, MD · Answer

Redness of the skin in patients on Accutane can be due to several different causes.  Accutane can cause extreme dryness of the skin.  This dryness itself can lead to redness and irritation.  This can be treated using a combination of moisturizers, topcial steroids, and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines.  Another cause of redness is a "stain" left in the skin after pimples have gone away.

	This postinflammatory pigmentation will fade with time.  If you developed scarring from your acne, this may also appear red.  The redness is scars generally fades, but there are some lasers to help improve the appearance of them.  Generally speaking, you should not have a laser procedure done until you are off Accutane for about 6 months, because the skin is very sensitive from the medicine.

Patricia Farris, MD · Answer

Most patients who take Accutane get some redness.  This is usually noticeable while you are on the medication but should go away when you are off.  In case you don't know the way to cover redness is to use a green tinted base or cover-up.

Red Patches on Face After Accutane

Answers (6)

Answer: Redness in the skin from Accutane

Answer: Redness in the skin from Accutane

Answer: Accutane can cause facial redness

Answer: Accutane can cause facial redness

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Everything you need to know about Accutane

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Red Patches on Face After Accutane

Answers (6)

Answer: Redness in the skin from Accutane

Answer: Redness in the skin from Accutane

Answer: Accutane can cause facial redness

Answer: Accutane can cause facial redness

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Accutane

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.