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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Accutane - extra hair permanent?
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 - extra hair permanent?
by AlexUK, Dec 10, 2005 12:00AM
Hello!
I've recently been prescribed RoAccutane for Body Acne, and am only 6 days in to an initial dose of 20mg daily (which will be increased to 40mg in a month.) I'm low dosing to reduce any side effects.
This morning I woke to find some rather odd hair growth on the lower half of my neck, underneath my usual shave area. This certainly wasn't there yesterday as I was inspecting the area for spots only last night.
This is worrying me rather a lot. I tend to read on this forum that you don't often see hair abnormalities with Accutane yourself, but this must be as a result of the medication as it's sudden and very abnormal for me.
My question is, now that these follicles seem to have been 'activated' by the Accutane, or as a result of it, will they continue to grow hair forever now, or only during the course of my treatment? If it's possible it'll be permanent I will consider stopping the drug as I'd hate to suddenly have abnormal hair growth all over.
Moreover, now that it seems that Accutane is affecting my hair, does this mean I may be more susceptible to hair LOSS on my head too?
Any help for this very worried guy would be wonderful! Thanks.
I've recently been prescribed RoAccutane for Body Acne, and am only 6 days in to an initial dose of 20mg daily (which will be increased to 40mg in a month.) I'm low dosing to reduce any side effects.
This morning I woke to find some rather odd hair growth on the lower half of my neck, underneath my usual shave area. This certainly wasn't there yesterday as I was inspecting the area for spots only last night.
This is worrying me rather a lot. I tend to read on this forum that you don't often see hair abnormalities with Accutane yourself, but this must be as a result of the medication as it's sudden and very abnormal for me.
My question is, now that these follicles seem to have been 'activated' by the Accutane, or as a result of it, will they continue to grow hair forever now, or only during the course of my treatment? If it's possible it'll be permanent I will consider stopping the drug as I'd hate to suddenly have abnormal hair growth all over.
Moreover, now that it seems that Accutane is affecting my hair, does this mean I may be more susceptible to hair LOSS on my head too?
Any help for this very worried guy would be wonderful! Thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Dec 11, 2005 12:00AM
, Dec 11, 2005 12:00AM
I'm not familiar with extra hair growth caused by Accutane--I certainly haven't seen it. I can't explain your observation, except to speculate that you looked at yourself more carefully than before because you were concerned about side-effects. I'd shave the hair and forget about it--just ask your doctor next time you go.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (2)
by AlexUK, Dec 10, 2005 12:00AM
One, one extra question. I don't have acne on my face currently (but it's pretty much everywhere else...back, chest, legs etc), is it likely accutane will cause an initial attack there?
