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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Accutane
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Accutane
by littleshrimp, Dec 02, 2001 12:00AM
Hi, I'm 29 years old and I have suffered on and off from acne since I was 17. In 1996 I took accutane and had great results,
until about a year and 1/2 ago when the acne came back. And since then, everthing that my Dermatologist has prescribed has
given me moderate results. My question is, during my last few
weeks of taking accutane in 1996 I noticed small amounts of
blood from the rectum when wiping. Like I said it was very
small amounts and it wasn't an everyday thing. But after all
these years, on average about once every 2 months, i still see
small traces of blood. I'm thinking that it might be from eating
spicy foods, is that possible? Do other people who haven't taken
accutane have these occurences? Is this something to be concerned
about. Would this be an issue if I took a second cycle of
accutane to clear up my acne?
How nice it would be to feel the summer breeze upon a acne free face!!!!!
until about a year and 1/2 ago when the acne came back. And since then, everthing that my Dermatologist has prescribed has
given me moderate results. My question is, during my last few
weeks of taking accutane in 1996 I noticed small amounts of
blood from the rectum when wiping. Like I said it was very
small amounts and it wasn't an everyday thing. But after all
these years, on average about once every 2 months, i still see
small traces of blood. I'm thinking that it might be from eating
spicy foods, is that possible? Do other people who haven't taken
accutane have these occurences? Is this something to be concerned
about. Would this be an issue if I took a second cycle of
accutane to clear up my acne?
How nice it would be to feel the summer breeze upon a acne free face!!!!!
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Dec 02, 2001 12:00AM
, Dec 02, 2001 12:00AM
Accutane can dry up mucous membranes, but in my experience rectal bleeding from dryness is not common. The fact that it's persisited after you stopped suggests that your bleeding is just from irritation--a common occurrence in that area. You can combat that with moisturizers (like Vaseline) and perhaps occasional hydrocortisone. That aspect shouldn't influence your decision to use Accutane again one way or another.
Although it is no dangerous per se to use Accutane a second time, you should know that if the acne came back after one course, it may come back after a second. Of course, you're older now, so you may be closer to the time you grow out of it. (Don't laugh! You almost certainly will.)
Discuss the matter with your skin doctor. It may well be worth at least one more Accutane try, if other measures are having unsatisfactory results.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Although it is no dangerous per se to use Accutane a second time, you should know that if the acne came back after one course, it may come back after a second. Of course, you're older now, so you may be closer to the time you grow out of it. (Don't laugh! You almost certainly will.)
Discuss the matter with your skin doctor. It may well be worth at least one more Accutane try, if other measures are having unsatisfactory results.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
thank you,
acnefighter
thank you,
acnefighter