help with toddler acne?

My question is, how safe is Accutane for toddlers?  My son (14 months old) has had nodular acne for over a year.  He has been on antibiotics for 6 months.  This has held off any new break outs but he is still left with the same nodules, only they are less inflamed.  It has been suggested to consider Accutane once his hormone levels has been ruled out, what do you think?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Mom:

No way.  I'm puzzled by the use even of oral antibiotics at that age, a practice with which I am unfamilar (for "acne.")  I think the question needs to be raised whether these facial lesions are indeed acne, which is always self-limited at this age, or whether inflammation of another sort is at fault.  (Does he rub at them for example?)

I recommend another opinion.  Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can see past conceptual roadblocks.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[Concerned Mother]

i am in the process of being referred to Toronto Sick Kids before I make any decisions on this.