Will Accutane help with after wax bumps/keratosis pilaris once I am off the course?

Question

I am a 27 years old unmarried female with genetic acne. Have tried almost everything from smoothbeam laser to antibiotics and topical medicines. But acne keeps on coming back. Even tried adlactone A to control hormonal acne. But, no use. I also have a tendency to develop bumps, irritated acne after wax. What can be done to combat this? Will accutane help with after wax bumps once i am off the course?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for reaching out with your question about managing after-wax bumps and keratosis pilaris, especially in the context of your ongoing acne treatment. Here's some information that might help:

Accutane and Acne: Accutane (isotretinoin) is a potent medication primarily used for treating severe acne. It works by reducing the amount of oil your skin produces, helping to prevent acne formation. For many, it can lead to long-term remission of acne, but its effects on keratosis pilaris or after-wax bumps are less direct.

After-Wax Bumps: These bumps are often due to irritation or folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles) after waxing. Accutane may help by reducing oil production and potentially decreasing follicular blockage, but it is not specifically indicated for after-wax bumps. Other strategies, such as using gentle exfoliation, avoiding tight clothing, and applying soothing lotions, might be more effective.

Keratosis Pilaris: This condition is caused by the buildup of keratin, leading to small, rough bumps. While Accutane is not usually prescribed specifically for keratosis pilaris, some patients notice improvement in skin texture during treatment due to its overall effect on skin cell turnover.

Post-Accutane Care: Once you complete a course of Accutane, maintaining a gentle skincare routine is crucial. Continue using non-comedogenic moisturizers and sunscreens. For keratosis pilaris, creams containing lactic acid, salicylic acid, or urea can be beneficial.

Consultation: It's important to discuss your concerns with a dermatologist who can tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs and skin type. They can provide guidance on managing after-wax irritation and keratosis pilaris effectively alongside your acne treatment.

I hope this helps, and I wish you the best in finding a treatment that works for you.

Will Accutane help with after wax bumps/keratosis pilaris once I am off the course?

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Will Accutane help with after wax bumps/keratosis pilaris once I am off the course?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Accutane

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