Dark Red Spots on face with Scabing

[Swoosh]

I am a 21 yr. old male and have been on Acutane for 5 months. I have been prescribed with the 40mg dose. I am now out of the country and do not have access to my dermatologist for updated blood work. I now have 2x2 Dark Red blotches on each cheek with some scabing. I apply Vitamin E nightly and the scabes do disolve.

I am quite depressed about these red blotches. About 5 weeks ago I spent some time in Hawaii, could the sun have caused this condition and if so how can I treat it?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Accutane is usually prescribed for 5 months, so you should be about done.  Your dermatologist may or may not want you to continue, and depending on that decision, you may not need blood tests right away.  Perhpas your doctor has e-mail?



As to the blotches, I can obviously do no more than guess.  They could be left over from old acne spots, or perhaps irritation or trauma.  In any case time should get rid of them.  Vitamin E cream may help.  I doubt that the Hawaiian sun was a problem.  



Picking and rubbing are out!



Show your doctor what's left of the spots when you get back.



Best.



Dr. Rockoff