14 years old-accutane?

My 14 year old son has severe acne on his face, chest and back. He has been seeing a dermatologist for over a year now. He has tried every over the counter medication out there as well as antibiotics (2 different kinds and several different MGs), 6 different prescription acne creams/gels. They seem to work for a little while then stop. Right now his skin is really bad-his face is covered in large, red bumps with white heads. His back is bad too-but to a lesser degree. He complains of his face hurting. Recently, his dr suggested accutane. I'm hesitant to let him try this medication for several reasons. I have read that it can cause the bone plates to close and result in stunted height. I should also say that I was on accutane twice when I was younger. I didn't have any side effects other than dry skin-but I was an adult so bone growth wasn't a concern. I never had any of the depression problems that some associate with accutane. I need some advice..I know the pain he is enduring every day at school and I want to help him..is accutane the answer?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The use of Accutane in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age has not been studied. So accutane is mostly prescribed for patients who are older than 18 years as it is not without side effects. Antibiotics are the hallmark of treatment for acne and you should adhere to them after a dermatologist’s prescription.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[kurtymac]

I wouldnt do it there is way to much talk about it stunting growth. I took it at 16 was 5'7 and after i took it now 23 on wait 5'7. hmmm not to mention they did a test on hamsters that closed their growth plates and peolple have taken pics of the growth plates of 14 year olds and after took it again and they were freaking closed! I wouldnt do it unless he is 6' or over right now. Thats my 2 cents u can always try to find other ways to get rid of acne, but once ur bones are fused u aint growing any more unless you want him to stay in the body that he has now as 14?

[martikadragoon]

Hi, I would suggest that if he tried Accutane that it be ONLY for a short amt of time (I'm thinking 4-6w) to see if it'll work. I understand how bad acne can affect a person's self esteem and self image

His doctor will need to do xray's of his bones, checking bone density, etc.  Your son needs to be WELL Aware of the possible problems should be be sexually active while on accutane or for about a month afterward becuase if a person is on accutane and gets pregnant or gets someone pregnant there is a high risk of birth defects/deformities because of the type of medication it is.

You'll need to stress to him the importance of using protection should he make that choice. I know ppl dont want to imagine their kids having sex but it happens younger and younger these days.

Accutane is supposed to be used for a short period of time, then the person is supposed to take a break from it for several weeks before starting another regimend of it.

it not only messes w/growth plates sometimes but joints, and bone density. I think as long as he's under doctors care, and is very carefully supervised for any health problems caused by accutane he should be ok to use it.

[martikadragoon]

to add:  He needs to be sure NOT to drink any alcahol (alcohol) if he's on the med either. That'll cause a whole new problem with his liver and triglicerides (triglycerides) (sp?)

[rbjk]

Thank you for the replies. We have decided to hold off on the accutane for at least a year. My son is on yet another bunch of prescriptions (tazorac gel instead of the cream-as well as doxycycline 100 mgs 2x a day, prescription benzoyl peroxide/salicylic acid pads) and so far his skin is much better. After talking at length with my husband and our son, we decided that the chance of stunting his growth, as well as the joint/muscle pain would be too much of a risk. Our son runs track/cross country and plans on playing soccer this next school year. Hopefully, he will have a huge growth spurt this summer, like he did last summer, and if he needs the accutane a year from now, his height will not be an issue.

[martikadragoon]

e really like tazorac gel it worked well on my skin as well. it can only be used on %20 of skin surface but is less time in the blood stream (a day or two) and worked great for my skin personally.

have him continue it it sounds like you have a great treatment plan!