Acne forming in clusters. How can this be treated? (Photo)

Question

Hi- I noticed a strange phenomenon in my skin. Whenever I get a pimple, it starts out as one pimple and somehow forms into multiple tiny pimples with multiple heads-. I’m currently on accutane month 2 but am worried I have some kind of a condition or something which may not be able to be resolved by accutane. I’ve never seen anyone else’s acne like this.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD · Answer

You are not alone, we seen such presentation of acne very commonly. Accutane is a great drug, please, believe in the process. It WILL definitely get you to a better place in a few more months. First few months worsening is expectable. Sometimes improvement is fast and sometimes not, I had a few patients who only started to improve during 5th month. Best of luck!

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs. It's difficult to evaluate your skin through this type of forum, but from what I can see, it looks like you have combination acne: inflammatory lesions and comedones. Significant acne flares when starting Accutane is very common, and breakouts can persist for months after starting treatment. I highly recommend you consult with your prescribing dermatologist regarding your concerns. Take care and good luck.

Acne forming in clusters. How can this be treated? (Photo)

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Acne forming in clusters. How can this be treated? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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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.