Thinking about taking low dose of Accutane for what I think is folliculitis. Is this reasonable? (Photo)

Question

I was diagnosed with a scar via a biopsy, but derms seem to think it’s unrelated to my current issues. I constantly itch in specific spots and nothing I’ve been prescribed seems to help. The hairs I lose always have a white bulb, but I’ve heard that this doesn’t exclude scarring from being a possibility. I have used ketoconozole, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, corticosteroids, and lots more and nothing seems to help. Would a low dose of Accutane be beneficial?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for providing detailed information about your condition. It's understandable that dealing with persistent folliculitis and itching can be very frustrating.

Accutane (isotretinoin) is typically known for its effectiveness in treating severe acne, but it can also be used off-label for other skin conditions, including folliculitis, particularly if other treatments have failed. However, it’s important to consider several factors before starting Accutane:

Diagnosis Confirmation: Ensuring an accurate diagnosis is crucial. Folliculitis can be caused by various factors, including bacterial, fungal, or even non-infectious causes. Sometimes, a biopsy or culture may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Previous Treatments: It sounds like you have tried a range of topical treatments without success. Accutane might be beneficial in cases where other treatments have not been effective, but it’s usually considered after exhausting other options.

Side Effects and Monitoring: Even at low doses, Accutane can have significant side effects, including dryness of the skin and mucous membranes, potential liver enzyme changes, and elevated blood lipids. Regular monitoring by a physician is essential during treatment.

Scarring and Hair Loss: The presence of a white bulb on fallen hairs is not necessarily indicative of scarring. If scarring is a concern, it’s important to address this with your dermatologist, as it might influence the choice of treatment.

Given your situation, a low dose of Accutane could potentially be beneficial, but it should be carefully evaluated and monitored by a dermatologist. I recommend discussing this option with your dermatologist to weigh the potential benefits and risks based on your specific case.

Best regards,

Thinking about taking low dose of Accutane for what I think is folliculitis. Is this reasonable? (Photo)

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Thinking about taking low dose of Accutane for what I think is folliculitis. Is this reasonable? (Photo)

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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.