Eyelid Surgery: Cost, Photos, Rewiews, Q&A

How long will the face and lips be dry while using Accutane? Will I only experience dryness for a mont

6+ months
May 17, 2020

Hello!
You will continue to experience dry skin and lips throughout the course of isotretinoin (Accutane). For most patients, the course of treatment is about 6 months; however, every patient is different, so ask your dermatologist about specific expectations for you.
Some patients notice a slight improvement in dryness over the course of treatment, but this is likely related to consistent use of moisturizers and lip treatment. I like Cerave and Cetaphil creams, and aquaphor…

Is it okay to take Accutane if you have eczema?

Proceed with caution
May 17, 2020

Hello!
Yes, you can take isotretinoin (Accutane) even with eczema. However, you will need to take extra special care of your skin and lips while on treatment. Dry skin and retinoid dermatitis (which is similar to eczema) are extremely common side effects with isotretinoin, but they are manageable with use of moisturizers and sometimes topical steroids. Your dermatologist should be able to give you specific recommendations for skin care during Accutane treatments. I like…

How do I treat Accutane burns?

Common side effect
May 17, 2020

Hello!
It’s common to be especially sensitive to the sun when taking isotretinoin (Accutane). Be sure to use sunscreen with an SPF 50 any time you are outside or even riding in a car, as UVA light can penetrate through glass. I would suggest wearing long sleeves, pants, and hats whenever possible, as this will provide even better protection than sunscreen alone.
For the burns themselves, take cool showers and drink plenty of water to keep your skin well hydrated. Use a m…

Can I use AHA products with treclin gel?

proceed carefully
May 8, 2020

Hello! Sounds like you are on a great topical regimen for acne. Usually post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation takes a few months to resolve on its own, but you’re right that retinol/retinoids and AHAs can be part of a routine to fade those spots faster.
Treclin gel consists of clindamycin plus tretinoin. Tretinoin is a retinoid, so I would not use an additional retinol product for now unless your dermatologist is ok with it, as this will probably cause excessive irritation.
AHAs such as…

I’ve had large clogged pores on my thighs. Any advice?

KP
May 8, 2020

Hello!
Two diagnoses come to mind: either keratosis pilaris or early hidradenitis suppurativa.
Keratosis pilaris is a common condition caused by a hard plug over the hair follicles. It often looks like acne but doesn’t have any pus or whiteheads, and can occur on the backs of the arms, thighs, buttocks, and face. It is best treated with over-the-counter creams like ammonium lactate, topical urea, or topical salicylic acid.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is similar to acne but tends to come up in…

If I stop taking Retin-A and change to the Differin gel, will I still have to go through that purging

switching retinoids
May 8, 2020

Hello! TLDR; no, you should not experience the purging effect again if you are switching directly from tretinoin to adapalene.
By “purging,” I believe you are referring to the phase when acne lesions become MORE pronounced within the first few weeks of starting retinoid treatment. This is a common side effect that I warn all of my patients about before starting any medications from this class (adapalene, tretinoin, tazarotene, trifarotene). It is caused by the pores “cleaning out” all of the…