New pimples on Accutane. Is this normal?

Question

Hi, i am on my 17th day of accutane to cure bad skin on my forehead, but lately new pimples have been forming on my chin and cheeks, I am also getting a lot of white heads forming along the bad skin on my forehead, please help me, is this normal? Thank you

Melanie Hecker, MD · Answer

It is common to break out while on Accutane.  Sometimes significant improvement isn't seen until at the end of the recommended 20 week therapy.

Joshua L. Fox, MD · Answer

When Accutane is first started especially the first 2 months it is not uncommon to get new acne bumps forming. Sometimes it takes a few months before a lot of the acne drys up and goes away.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Yes, completely normal. Accutane works from the bottom up meaning that you will often breakout at the beginning of a course. This is because the pores are changing and forcing everything out. It is fine and totally normal. Continue on your regimen. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and 
cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person 
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

New pimples on Accutane. Is this normal?

Answers (3)