Adult Acne

I am 34 years old and have suffered from mild acne all of my adult life.  They are cyst like underneath the skin and I am very embarassed by them.  I am currently taking antibiotics, using finacea and retin-a.  Since this has not cured my acne, my doctor is recommending Accutane.  I have problems with depression and have been taking anti depressants the past few years.  I did not tell my doctor this, as I am embarassed by it, however I wonder if I should avoid Accutane.  What are your opinions on Accutane?  

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I think very highly of Accutane.  It should be used judiciously, of course, but when other treatments have failed, there's nothing like it.  Despite all the publicity, depression is not a common issue with this drug.  The fact that you've been taking antidepressants is far from an absolute bar to your taking it.  You have no reason to be embarrassed by this.  In fact, you owe it to yourself to tell the doctor what you're taking.  But if the two of you agree that Accutane makes the most sense as an acne treatment for you, then you should not let the depression history stand in your way,

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff