24 y/o, Indian female, cystic nodular acne (menses related) am I a suitable candidate for Accutane?

Question

24 year old Indian female I have grade 0-1 cystic nodular acne related to menses, with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I get at least 1 pimple every month despite being diligent with my acne skincare routine and the post-acne marks take at least 6 months to heal. My skincare routine consists of: - Salicylic acid wash - Adapalene every night (2 years) - Azaleic acid every morning (6 months) - AHA/BHA 1-2x a week I’m not keen on OCP. Is accutane suitable for me?

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

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. In general I like to think of Accutane as an appropriate treatment for 2 types of people. The first candidate would be someone with moderate to severe acne including those in the nodular and cystic category. Another candidate would be someone who does not see improvement or is not controlled with other acne medications. I advise you to seek consultation with a board certified dermatologist to further discuss the risks and expectations with Accutane and if that treatment is appropriate for you. If your acne is related to your menses, there are also other potential treatment options to discuss that may help you as well. Hope this helps and take care!

24 y/o, Indian female, cystic nodular acne (menses related) am I a suitable candidate for Accutane?

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