Worse before better?

Dear Doctor:

I have been taking Accutane for about three months now.  I began taking it to clear up some sebacous cysts that I was getting on my body, mainly buttocks, bikini area and back.  Since I have been taking the drug, my problem areas have cleared up, but my face, which wasn't really bad to start with, has become horrible!  I get large, painful, cyst-like acne on my face which never seem to heal and go away.  My derm. says that the way Accutane works is it brings everything out and then your skin stays clear.  Is this the norm?  Please tell me it will get better!!  I feel like I solved one problem but created a worse one.  Any advice on clearing my face, even if the Accuatne will eventually work, would really be appreciated.

Have a nice day,

Bobbie

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Bobbie:

Once you're taking Accutane, every other treatment becomes redundant.  Although this drug doesn't always "bring things to the surface," it can take 3-4 months to work.  I have never seen Accutane create a problem on the face.  I suggest you stay the course and don't worry.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff