Dark scabby pimples after 20 days of Accutane - normal? (Photo)

Question

I've been on Accutane (20mg) for 20 days and my pimples have started to go red/dark brown and scabby. I'm wondering if this is normal and the dark marks will fade, or is it showing that they will scar?

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thanks for your question. We see this commonly in the first couple of months on therapy, and most likely in a few months you will be very pleased with the improvement.  I always tell my patients to hang in there.  The medication can seem to bring out acne that was going to come along anyway, and usually anything new resolves more quickly than if you were not taking the medication.  Keep up a good moisturizing regimen that is recommended by your dermatologist, and of course a good quality sunscreen!.  I have high hopes that you are going to have an amazing result with the accutane.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph. In my experience, having acne dry and turn into dark red crusts or scabs is normal. Over time, they will slowly clear, but  the redness or dark marks may take months to over a year to fade. I highly recommend you consult with a board certified dermatologist to have your skin evaluated and monitored while on Accutane treatment. Take care and good luck.

Dark scabby pimples after 20 days of Accutane - normal? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Accutane

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Dark scabby pimples after 20 days of Accutane - normal? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Accutane

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