6 mo. after stopping Accutane usage - can side effects be treated? Concerned about hair loss /thinning and chapped lips (photos)

Question

I have been off accutane for six months (my course was 20mg 8 months of treatment) however I still have two side effects that really concern me, hair loss, thinning and chapped lips (peeling every other day). I have done a blood test to check things like TSH (1.86) vitamin b12 (362 pg/ml) Cortisol (20.73 ug/dl) Testosterone (5.86 ng/ml) prolactin (23.44 ng/ml) E2(54.95 pg/ml) HGB (16.3 g/dl) MCV (92.7 f/L) Im 28yo, 5.7 and 176 lbs". How can i treat that? Is it permanent damage?

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

6 mo. after stopping Accutane usage - can side effects be treated? Concerned about hair loss /thinning and chapped lips (photos)

Answers (1)