Prednisone and accutane

I was recently prescribed accutane and short course dose of prednisone for acne. I have had cortisone injections three months ago, and it resulted in atrophy. These indentations are just now filling in slowly; I have one large swollen cyst (never had a large one until I started accutane -- I am on my third week), and the predisone is to help that and stop further flaring. My concern is while I am taking predisone, will it hinder the healing of the atrophy on my face. I am concerned since the stroid injection caused it; now I am taking oral steroids, and I want to make certain it will not affect the healing or even worsen the atrophied areas.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Good question, but don't worry.  Cortisone only causes atrophy when administered locally in high concentrations.  The oral cortisone won't delay healing either.

I will add that I have not found it necessary to add prednisone when I treat patients with Accutane, since they almost never flare up early in the treatment.  But if your doctor thinks you need it, be assured that it won't harm you.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff