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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Accutane Progess
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 Progess
by SunnyHill, Feb 02, 2006 12:00AM
I'm 22 years old. I have been on Accutane for 16 weeks (roughly 4 months), and my progess is decent. The first two months I was on 40/mg per day, and the following two months I have been on 60/mg a day. Just recently (in the past month), I have gotten about 3 inflamed pimples (one on forehead, and two on face). (1)Is it normal to be getting pimples this far into treatment? My derm said that my course will probably be 6 months. Also, I have noticed that when I get a larger whitehead than normal, the pimple will get rid of the whitehead, and then turn into a harder bump after a few days. (2)Is this normal? Before I started my course of Accutane I was on several antibiotics and topicals over a period of time with moderate success. I would say I have/had moderate acne before treatment. My Dermatologist said that I shouldn't binge drink. (3Is it still okay to have a few drinks every once in a while?--3)Does alcohol kill or limit the effectiveness of the drug? I am of Indian decent with my family having a lighter skin tone than most indians. It seems as though after all the topical treatments (retin-A, differin, benzaclin) my face has maybe become slightly lighter than the rest of body's skin. (4)Any comments regarding this? (5)Finally, does accutane make the face slightly red/pink at times?
Best regards.
Best regards.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Feb 03, 2006 12:00AM
, Feb 03, 2006 12:00AM
1. Yes, people break out at times 4 or even 5 months into therapy. Still, the drug is likely to work.
2. Yes--normal variation.
3. Doctors recommend limiting alcohol because of a mild risk of liver problems with Accutane. Your doctor is checking your liver, I'm sure, as part of routine follow-up. Moderate alcohol intake seems reasonable.
4. Retin-A can lighten the skin a bit, but not permanently.
5. Yes.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
2. Yes--normal variation.
3. Doctors recommend limiting alcohol because of a mild risk of liver problems with Accutane. Your doctor is checking your liver, I'm sure, as part of routine follow-up. Moderate alcohol intake seems reasonable.
4. Retin-A can lighten the skin a bit, but not permanently.
5. Yes.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
