Us excessive peeling normal while using Accutane?

Question

I'm 23 years old, I have been using Accutane for the pass 3 months and I still have 2 more months to go. In the last few weeks my face constantly feels dry and starts to peeling as soon as I apply my moisturizer and sunscreen. Last week, I started to peel on my eyelids, the products that I that I use are highly recommended by my doctor. I want to know if I am just over sensitive and the excessive peeling n dryness is normal? compared to the average person on Accutane?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Doctors often refer to the dryness that occurs with isotretinoin and retinoids like Retin-A as the retinoid reaction. Although normal, the dryness can lead to a feeling of discomfort that can ultimately compromise your compliance. Retinoid reaction includes:
DrynessRednessItchingBurningDiscomfortIn my office in Beverly Hills, I prescribe Accutane quite a bit for cystic acne and inflammatory scarring. Patients are advised to moisturize frequently with a non-oily moisturizer such as Elevase Moisture Booster, which we use in our office. Applied liberally on the face, the ceramides are soothing and relieve discomfort when possible. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Gail Nield, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Hello, Excessive dryness occurs all the time with Accutane, the degree of dryness differs from patient to patient.Peeling of the upper eyelids is not as frequently seen, so you may be having a reaction to the moisturizer that you are using all of the time. You may wish to try a different brand such as Aveeno skin care, and try plain vaseline on your eyelids or Glaxal base.

Alim R. Devani, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Thanks for your question. This is a question that we
get asked often by our patients. This is a normal respose to accutane as the skin is turning over faster. Some patients cannot tolerate this so I either decrease the dose or take the medication every second day. If the dose is changed, the treatment is extended. The course of accutane is usually 4-6 months in dose ranges
from 20-60 mg/day. The goal is to reach a 120-150 mg/kg dosage over the single
4-6 month course. This gives you a 90-95% success rate of clearing acne for
lifetime. There is a 5-10% recurrence rate of  acne on accutane and courses can be repeated 2-3 times if
needed after a 4-6 weeks break on the medication.

Overall, in the right hands, it is a great medication and if
used properly, it will clear acne for life in 90-95% of cases. For the best
results, please consult a board certified dermatologist with experience with
severe acne.

Cheryl M. Burgess, MD, FAAD · Answer

Yes, you will have excessive peeling especially around the mouth and the back of the hands with Accutane (isotretinoin) therapy. This is a normal occurrence with the therapy especially when the dose is calculated at 1-2mg/kg/day. Avene skin care line such as the Trixera products are excellent for sensitive skin.

Us excessive peeling normal while using Accutane?

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Answers (4)

More Accutane Questions

Accutane, then retinoid. Is this a good route?

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EMAILS