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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Accutane and vitamin A
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Accutane and vitamin A
by esherrouse, Aug 07, 2000 12:00AM
I understand that Accutane is a derivative of Vitamin A to some extent or other. I currently have what I would consider a mild case of acne that occurs only along the jaw area just below the ears. This is usually mild as well, but for some reason in the last 4 years I have started getting occassional "cysts" for lack of a better description. They usually originate from a pair or more of pimples that I am not leaving alone (even though I know I should) joining together. Basically, I try to pop them and they do not but rather the unite and form an even bigger one etc... you get the picture. Anyways, I have gone to the dermatologist for this and they have injected it with <fill in blank here--carotene? can not remember>. Anyways the last time I went they suggested accutane as an option. I have been on tetracycline, but have been not as regemental as I should be with it. They handed me a brochure to look over and decide if I would like to take it, but to be quite frank the brochure looks like the side-effects are far greater than the acne that I currently have (barring these cystlike things). I am curious about the reality of these side-effects, ie what are the actual chances of the various effects occuring? I have heard that for men, hair loss seems to be the second most common after dryness. But the nose bleed, headaches and bad vision etc... that starts to go into another direction.
So basically, what is the likelihood of each of the side-effects?
also, seeing as Accutane is related to Vitamin A--is it possible to try to take Vitamin A suppliment etc... Is it possible that a better diet in terms of Vitamins would actually be a better path to take before going to Accutane? if the side effects are as drastic?
Sorry to babble on there, but that should give you an overview of my position and look forward to the response.
Thanks
esherrouse
So basically, what is the likelihood of each of the side-effects?
also, seeing as Accutane is related to Vitamin A--is it possible to try to take Vitamin A suppliment etc... Is it possible that a better diet in terms of Vitamins would actually be a better path to take before going to Accutane? if the side effects are as drastic?
Sorry to babble on there, but that should give you an overview of my position and look forward to the response.
Thanks
esherrouse
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Aug 08, 2000 12:00AM
, Aug 08, 2000 12:00AM
Vitamin A in ordinary doses is not effective for acne.
Accutane generally causes dry lips and not a whole lot else, although doctors are careful to check the blood, etc, and to be sure that women who take the drug don't become pregnant. Hair loss is quite uncommon. Having said that, I would add that your case doesn't sound serious enough to make Accutane a considration until all other options are exhausted. Mild cases treated with this drug often relapse anyway.
Talk to your doctor about these considerations and any other questions which trouble you.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Accutane generally causes dry lips and not a whole lot else, although doctors are careful to check the blood, etc, and to be sure that women who take the drug don't become pregnant. Hair loss is quite uncommon. Having said that, I would add that your case doesn't sound serious enough to make Accutane a considration until all other options are exhausted. Mild cases treated with this drug often relapse anyway.
Talk to your doctor about these considerations and any other questions which trouble you.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (3)
by Mark Hills, Mar 20, 2001 12:00AM
To: Derm M.D. ASR
thankyou
by hypernox, Mar 21, 2001 12:00AM
hello i am using accutane for 3 months and my pimples stopped the doc tells me to stop the medication but my scars are still there they cleared up noticably after the accutane treatment, however my friend had the same condition and went to see another doc and is prescribed differin and it is very effective top him it managed to clear all his scars no joke... i saw it myself and i am considering to seek that doc now. however i am alspo wondering is there any chemical peels that can be prescribed by the doc for medium or deep peeling that can be done by yourself at home and is availble through prescription pls help me out here thanks.....(funny i checked out on differin on the internet and it says it is used primarily to stop acne and says nothing about clearing out the scars??)
