Is Tazorac cream good for cystic acne? How long does it take to work?

Question

Tracy Leong, MD · Answer

Tazorac is a topical retinoid medication that can be helpful for acne, but will not be that helpful as a stand alone treatment for cystic acne. For patients with cystic acne, I will usually prescribe a topical retinoid such as Tazorac in addition to a topical antibiotic/benzoyl peroxide. If the acne is moderate, I will add an oral antibiotic. For severe nodulocystic acne, I will treat the patient with oral isotretinoin (Accutane) alone.I hope this answer is helpful! Best of luck.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Tazorac is a good option for comedonal acne such as blackhead & whiteheads, and may help modestly with cystic acne. Best to see your dermatologist for proper treatment, which will usually involve some pills, such as antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and/or isotretinoin. Photodynamic therapy is another option.

John Louis Ratz, MD · Answer

While Tazorac may help a little, topicals are rarely used alone for cystic acne. The first thing to try would be oral antibiotics. If one didn't work, you could try another. Depending on how bad your acne is, Isotretinoin(Accutane) is for moderate to severe cystic acne. Some doctors will give it for mild acne, but that's not what it was intended for. It has some fairly nasty side effects and can raise your cholesterol and triglycerides sky high. You also have to be on birth control for the duration you're taking it.Regardless of what treatment you're on, it can take 6 to 8 weeks before you might see some improvement. See a good dermatologist and discuss this with him/her.             jlr

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Tazorac is best for comedomal acne, namely blackheads and whiteheads. If you have cystic acne, anti-inflammatories, phototherapy and Accutane may be the best management. Treatments will depend on individual circumstances, as well as the presentation of cystic acne. See a Board Certified dermatologist for more information. all the bestDr Davin Lim Laser Dermatologist

Is Tazorac cream good for cystic acne? How long does it take to work?

Answers (4)

Answer: Best for white heads and blackheads

Answer: Best for white heads and blackheads

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Everything you need to know about Tazorac

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Is Tazorac cream good for cystic acne? How long does it take to work?

Answers (4)

Answer: Best for white heads and blackheads

Answer: Best for white heads and blackheads

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tazorac

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