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Yes, Accutane acne treatment can effectively defeat severe cases. Most of the time, the results are permanent. However, there still may be breakouts, but they should be minor. However, it’s important to note that every patient reacts to medications differently. In addition, Accutane isn’t necessarily an appropriate choice for every patient.

At Dallas Dermatology Partners, we will carefully review your up-to-date medical history, including a list of medications and supplements, to determine if this treatment is a good fit for you.

What Is Accutane Acne Treatment?

Accutane is a prescription medication for severe nodulocystic acne, which isn’t like other types of acne.

It’s an inflammatory form that causes the characteristic red bumps and large, hard lumps (nodules). Nodules can persist for weeks or months and can be quite painful. Furthermore, it is associated with severe scarring. Cystic acne with nodules doesn’t clear up on its own or with standard, over-the-counter (OTC) acne products. It requires treatment from a dermatologist.

Accutane is a highly effective prescription medication for this severe type of acne. Although the brand name product, Accutane, was taken off the market, its generic form, isotretinoin, is still available.

Are Accutane Results Permanent?

Accutane doesn’t work in the same way that most acne medications do. OTC products, for example, have to be used continuously or as spot treatments, and breakouts will typically continue to occur.

In contrast, after a course of treatment with isotretinoin, most patients will never see a severe breakout of nodulocystic acne again, and many enjoy complete, permanent clearing of acne.

However, these patients may experience mild breakouts from time to time, such as whiteheads and blackheads. These non-nodulocystic acne breakouts can be addressed with topical medications.

It is possible, though not typical, for some patients to experience a breakout of nodulocystic acne after completing their course of Accutane. If this happens to you, your dermatologist may recommend a second course of isotretinoin treatment to permanently clear up your acne.

What to Expect From Accutane Treatment

Isotretinoin is a highly effective medication, but it’s important to follow the dermatologist’s dosage instructions carefully. In most cases, our team prescribes a course of treatment that lasts four to five months. Sometimes, we may recommend six months.

Please let your dermatologist know if you experience troublesome side effects while taking Accutane. You may need a lower dosage of the medication. Even at a lower dosage, however, isotretinoin is still highly effective and can result in permanent skin clearing of severe acne.

Schedule a Consult for Accutane Today

Your skin is unique, and your skincare plan should be, too. At Dallas Dermatology Partners, we take pride in developing innovative, highly personalized treatment plans for each patient.

Our highly trained acne dermatologists in Dallas use tried-and-true and cutting-edge treatments to help our patients achieve better skin health. To find out if Accutane is an appropriate choice, you can schedule a Dallas dermatology appointment at our office.

Cystic acne can seriously impact self-esteem. Characterized by inflammation deep in the skin, these large cysts are painful. If ignored, it can take weeks to disappear and may even leave behind scars. If you’re looking for effective cystic acne treatment, read on to find out what dermatologists recommend to target the cause and prevent future breakouts.

What is Cystic Acne?

Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne that causes tender, fluid-filled cysts to form deep under the skin. Unlike pimples that contain a core of dead skin cells and pus, cystic acne cannot be popped, and any picking will usually cause trauma, more inflammation, and scarring.

Cystic acne typically shows up on the face but can also develop on the shoulders, chest, back, and neck. An acne cyst starts as a tender bump under the skin and may resemble a boil. These oil and bacteria-filled cysts will grow bigger and more inflamed over time. Therefore, early treatment is crucial when it comes to helping the skin recover.

What Causes Cystic Acne?

There is no single cause of cystic acne, but like all types of blemishes, the problem starts with a clogged pore. When dead skin cells, bacteria, and oils get trapped in the sebaceous glands, the result is inflammation and a tender, infected lump. In addition, certain cosmetics and skincare products can clog pores, increasing the chances of a flare-up.

Genetics is another factor to consider. If your parents and older siblings had cystic acne at some point, there is a high likelihood that you will also develop it.

Perhaps the biggest culprit for cystic acne breakouts is fluctuating hormones. Surges in testosterone and estrogen during puberty can cause cystic acne, as can hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and menopause. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) creates excess androgen hormones that can also cause it.

It is not caused by poor dietary choices, though some foods may trigger inflammation more than others. If you notice a link between certain meals and acne breakouts, let your dermatologist know.

How to Treat Cystic Acne?

Home remedies and over-the-counter products are rarely effective for managing cystic acne. So, if you’ve tried everything and are wondering how to get rid of it, it’s time to see a board-certified dermatologist who can prescribe a personalized treatment plan.

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for it. Instead, your dermatologist will determine the best course of action after determining the underlying causes of your acne.

A cystic acne treatment plan may incorporate one or several of these therapies:

• Prescription antibiotics such as doxycycline taken orally to address infection and inflammation
• Corticosteroid injections that quickly shrink cysts
• Spironolactone oral medication to clear up hormone-related cystic acne
• Oral retinoids to reduce oil gland secretions
• Birth control pills to regulate hormones that trigger acne cysts
• Topical retinoid creams or gels to encourage skin exfoliation

Acne Dermatologist in Dallas

If you’re suffering from under-the-skin cystic breakouts, an acne treatment dermatologist can prescribe a treatment plan that works. At Dallas Dermatology Partners, we are dedicated to providing quality patient care in a caring and supportive environment. Contact us today for an appointment.

Accutane, or isotretinoin, is a retinoid medication prescribed for treating severe, nodular, or cystic acne that doesn’t respond well to less aggressive treatments. It’s also helpful for treating blackheads and whiteheads and controlling skin oil production. Since it can cause some side effects, such as the Accutane purge, at Dallas Dermatology Partners, we ensure that we have your complete medical history and that you are fully informed. Accutane not only helps with cystic acne but also oil production, blackheads and whiteheads, resulting in clear, smooth skin.

The Accutane Purge

As noted, one of the possible side effects of Accutane acne treatment is the Accutane purge. It doesn’t happen to every patient, but it is a possibility. When a patient first takes isotretinoin, the skin can experience a flare-up, leading to a severe acne breakout. Usually, this occurs within the first month of using Accutane, and it may last several weeks. After the initial flare-up, your symptoms should subside, and your skin should begin to clear up considerably.

If you experience an Accutane purge, call your dermatologist to discuss it. In some cases, additional medications may be available to help mitigate the effects, or your dermatologist may recommend switching to a lower dose of Accutane while your body adjusts to it.

Other Possible Accutane Side Effects

Even if you don’t experience the Accutane purge, it’s still possible to experience other side effects while on this treatment. These side effects won’t affect everyone who uses it, and serious side effects are rare and may include the following:

• Dryness of the skin, nose, lips, or eyes
• Mild itching or skin rash
• Headaches
• Dry mouth or throat
• Muscle aches

If you experience any of the above, our clinicians at Dallas Dermatology Partners are here to answer any questions you may have. Overall, most patients are unlikely to experience serious side effects. In fact, one of our board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Lauren Dickson, has used Accutane herself with excellent results.

Results and Aftercare

Accutane is a powerful medication used on a short-term basis. Most people take it for six to eight months. You may begin seeing results as early as one month. Many people may never need to take Accutane again because it is the closest thing to a permanent cure for acne that we have. Others report complete relief from cystic acne after a second course of isotretinoin. Rarely, others may require a third course.

Following your aftercare recommendations can help you enjoy optimal results. Our dermatologists recommend a skincare regimen including gentle skin cleanser, liberal amounts of skin moisturizer, and sunscreen.

Explore Innovative Acne Treatments in Dallas

Dallas Dermatology Partners is a leading provider of innovative treatments for common skin concerns, including cystic acne. Our acne dermatologist in Dallas will carefully review your medical history to determine if Accutane could be an appropriate treatment for you. We pride ourselves on providing comprehensive patient education so you can make informed decisions about your health. Contact us today to request your Dallas dermatology appointment.