I want to go for a 3rd round of Accutane. Should I do it? (Photo)

Question

I’m 18-year-old, 130 lbs 5’5” & been suffering w/ cystic acne since I was 14. I started my first round of Accutane when I was 16 40mg 2x a day for 6 months. I went on my 2nd Round 6 months after I finished my first when I was 17 with 40 mg 2x daily for the first 3 months and 40 mg in the morning & 60 @ night. now here I am, 6 months later, breaking out again & considering going back on it. Nothing helps but accurate + i experience all the side effects. the pics show just the beginning

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

Beata Danek, MD · Answer

Acne is a chronic condition and it is not uncommon to need repeated courses of treatment. However your dosing is exceptionally high. Maybe you should have your testosterone tested. I think you need additional treatment with Spironolactone 100mg and Oral contraceptives. Also very important to follow up after treatment is completed to establish treatment to prevent reoccurence - I typically keep patients on Tretinoin cream for a few years, together with birth control and Spironolactone as needed. hea;thy diet with limited dairy and sweets, but lots of fruits and vegetables also helps. Good luck!

I want to go for a 3rd round of Accutane. Should I do it? (Photo)

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I want to go for a 3rd round of Accutane. Should I do it? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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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.