Is 3 months of 30mg a day of Accutane enough for back acne?

Question

My doctor said I don't really need it but eventually perscribed me accutane because of my mild back acne for 3 months on 30mg a day. I was using biacna topical gel before for my face and it did help but I'm sick of having to use Topicals after years of it. My facial acne is pretty mild, I have oily skin and almost always have tiny zits on my nose if I squeeze them. Anyways my point is my acne is pretty mild, so I'm fine with my low dosage but is 3 months enough to keep it away forever?

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

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

30mg for 3 months is 2700mg total. A normal regimen for moderate to severe facial acne is between 8000-16000mg total. 2700mg total, especially for body acne, is an extremely low dosage and most likely will not be enough for a long-term cure. "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."

Is 3 months of 30mg a day of Accutane enough for back acne?

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Is 3 months of 30mg a day of Accutane enough for back acne?

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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.