Dr. Bertha Baum is a recognized board-certified dermatologist, considered a skin treatment expert who provides her patients with the most current and advanced care for all conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails. Throughout her career, Dr. Baum has built a reputation as a top cosmetic dermatologist by providing leading-edge treatments, dedicated and personalized patient care, and excellent aesthetic results.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

If you have had or are dealing with severe acne, you know it’s not fun. At this point, you’ve most likely tried everything in your power to get rid of it. Whether you’ve stuck with skin routines that cost hundreds of dollars or have had plenty of facials, nothing has worked. At the point of frustration with your skin, it is advised to consult with a professional that can help rid your skin of these nuances once and for all. Haute Beauty expert Dr. Bertha Baum discusses a popular oral medication that is highly recommended when dealing with all cases of severe acne, Accutane.

How does Accutane work? 

Isotretinoin is the generic of Accutane which is a brand of many in the market. It is a Vitamin A derivative medication that is very effective at treating severe cases of acne, or cases resistant to treatment. It works by decreasing the size of the sebaceous glands in your skin. More than 2 million patients have been treated with this medication and although it has side effects, it’s a very safe and effective treatment. 

What makes someone a candidate for Accutane? 

A patient that presents with acne conglobata, acne fulminans or nodulocystic acne, all cases of severe acne, should be placed on Accutane in a timely manner to prevent scarring and hyperpigmentation. Also, cases that are resistant to creams, antibiotic treatments, laser treatments, and other acne treatments are perfect candidates for Isotretinoin.

What are the no-no’s when you are on Accutane?

Definitely not getting pregnant. Not using any other medications (including multivitamins) is extremely important as well. Avoid Tylenol when having headaches. Also it’s very important to notify your physician of any side effects. Do not share the medication with anyone else (blood work is used to monitor and the medication is weight-based). Do not donate blood during your treatment period. Don’t drink alcohol during the treatment and don’t get waxed since your skin is very sensitive. 

What is the usual timeframe to be on Accutane?

Usually 4-5 months, some people may need to be retreated or continue treatment for more than the usual time frame. You will be registered on Lpldge and if you are a female you need to wait 1 month before starting to make sure you are not pregnant. Bloodwork should be done monthly unless everything is stable, pregnancy tests need to be done monthly. 

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

What are the common side effects? 

Angular cheilitis, dry skin, itching, dryness in the mucosa (eyes, nose, conjunctiva).

Use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher at all times during your treatment with Isotretinoin as it makes your skin very sensitive to sunlight. Wear a moisturizer with mineral sunscreen every day. When outdoors, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.

How quickly do you see results?

Most patients see them after a few months. In some rare cases, the patients get worse before they notice improvement but Accutane is a very safe and effective treatment for acne.

Will Accutane forever cure your acne? 

Sometimes yes and in some cases, the acne will come back and it can be controlled with creams/antibiotics or it will need to be retreated.

Is it possible for Accutane to not be effective? 

At the right doses, it should always be effective, and I have never had a case in which where is not effective, but nothing in medicine is 100%.