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How long does the initial breakout from Accutane last?

shelby.rrJan 14, 2018
I have officially been on accutane for 1 month now (take 2 pills a day, 10mg) and this intial break out is sooo horrible. I have struggled with acne for 3 years now so I am used to breakouts but my skin has never been this bad ever. It is very dry (which is to expected correct?) but scars have appeared and I have painful acne mostly on my checks, neck and some on my chin. Is this the expected severity of the intial breakout???

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From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Deborah M. Longwill, DO profile photo
Dr. Deborah M. Longwill, DO
Board Certified Dermatologist
4.8 | 22 Reviews
Answered on Jan 29, 2018
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Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended

As per guidelines released last year, for major surgery such as this, we still do recommend a washout period. Minor laser procedures such as fractional lasers and microneedling, or in your situation Botox are all OK on accutane. Dr Davin Lim.

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Sarah B. Sawyer, MD

I have seen closed comedones resist Accutane. If you are tolerating your current dose well, you may benefit from an increase in your dose.  The red scars may seem worse while on Accutane in the winter. The combination of dry skin from the medication and cold weather can both contribute...

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Earl R. Stoddard, MD, FAAD

Accutane can make the skin very sensitive. You should not wax while on accutane due to the sensitive nature of the skin. Tweezing may cause the skin to be red and inflamed, due again to the sensitivity of the skin. 

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