Is Accutane my only option for chronic folliculitis lasting 3 years? (Photos)

Accutane is a go-to medication for patients with recalcitrant cystic acne. It can reduce pore size and also reduce sebum production in your skin, making it less oily; and in turn, dryer. Accutane can be used to control acne, but patients receiving the medication should be carefully monitored. In terms of skincare, always wear an appropriate sunscreen and reduce direct sun exposure. In my patients, I recommend a good ceramide moisturizer such as Elevase whenever they are on Accutane. This will keep the skin hydrated and reduce the oiliness of the skin that is associated with oil-based moisturizers.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Gus, 
Sounds like you are getting quite frustrated with recurrent and relatively treatment resistant folliculitis. While Accutane is primarily use for severe/scarring/resistant facial acne it is equally effective in the long term reduction of folliculitis of the back. While the mechanism of folliculitis is not the exact same as facial acne, there are enough similarities that the lasting effects of accutane (improved skin turnover, lower oil production) do allow it to treat chronic folliculitis effectively. I would recommend seeing a board certified dermatologist and discussing your concerns with him.
Best Regards, 
Thomas Adrian, MD, FAAD
Center for Laser Surgery
Washington, DC