Acne - Skin Care

Question: Accutane for moderate acne?

(Posted by: Alex P on 2008-11-17 20:50:49)

I am 16 years old and have had acne for about 5 years. It is on my face, neck, chest, and back. I have tried many topical products for my acne including pro-active. I have also tried OTC medicines (oral and topical.) Not only is my acne ugly, but it is painful. I was wondering if you think a dermatologist would prescribe accutane to me.

Posted by: Andrew D on 2008-11-18, 00:22:13

Almost definitely -- be sure to show all areas where you have acne to the dermatologist. It is better to catch cystic/ nodular acne early, before years of unsuccessful acne treatments have turned into scars. 16 is not an unusual age for Accutane. If your acne is painful, then you definitely have cystic/ nodular acne, which warrants treatment with Accutane. Topical treatments just won 't treat cystic acne. Good luck! Accutane is a great treatment for those who need it and are screened and monitored appropriately.

Posted by: SarahM on 2008-11-17, 20:57:37

Yes they will. I was on it twice at your age, and it is WONDERFUL! Just avoid the sun (If you are female, go on birth control). It 's worth it!

Posted by: CINDY T on 2008-11-17, 21:50:13

Accutane generally is for someone older than you are. It has the possiblity of making you sterile. It 's a very strong drug. I was 25 having cystic acne and already had a child and the doctor was very careful in prescribing it. However, this was 30 yrs. ago.

Posted by: jay1986 on 2008-11-18, 06:27:19

I 'm sure they would. it is good stuff. and whoever said it makes you sterile is just wrong. you just can 't get pregnant while you are on it if you are a woman because it causes birth defects. but that problem goes away once the woman stops taking it.