Encouraging Accutane?

[Anonymous]

Just turned 15 year old DS has pretty bad acne. It's not the cystic (scarring) kind but lots of pustules/whiteheads mostly in the t-zone. It honestly doesn't look great. Yet he has been stubbornly resistant to Accutane. I think he's anxious about frequent blood tests/painfully dry skin/other things he's seen online about depression or other side effects. I'm debating whether to pressure him to take it - I know it's a hard few months when you're on the drug, but then he'd look so much better. Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

I believe Accutane is only used for the cystic type of acne. There are other treatments that should help non-cystic acne.

[Anonymous]

I would never (and have not for my own kid) push accutane

[Anonymous]

He's old enough for this to be his decision alone.

[Anonymous]

It's not that safe a drug, and a friend's kid had a serious long-lasting reaction to it and missed six weeks of school. I wouldn't pressure a kid who doesn't want to take it to take it.

[Anonymous]

I took it and would never put my kid on it. The side effects are too severe for a cosmetic issue.

Work with a derm to find another solution.

[Anonymous]

I took it loved it it changed my life. It is only for cystic acne. There are more appropriate meds for your child.

[Anonymous]

My kid was the same at 15. The pediatrician recommended it at every visit. It wasn't until senior year that he said yes, he wanted to try it (and it worked well, no side effects). I think let the professionals - pediatrician, dermatologist, etc - "gently suggest" treatment and mom/dad can stay neutral and support your child's decision.

[Anonymous]

My kid took it and it’s worked wonders. Other than dry lips, no other side effects.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He's old enough for this to be his decision alone.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I believe Accutane is only used for the cystic type of acne. There are other treatments that should help non-cystic acne.

He's already tried every topical thing out there, and they don't help at all. It's hormonal. I had it too, unfortunately passed on my horrible genes

[Anonymous]

Has the doc explained low dosage? My 155 pound 15 yo takes 10 mg/day. It has worked a treat and he’ll soon be done at 10 months. Low and slow is effective for many, without the crazy side effects.

My guy hesitated. No pressure. He got there on his own. I actually wanted him to do the laser treatments. He didn’t want that. Informed consent is important.

[Anonymous]

Had he tried other things w a good dermatologist? There are a lot of prescription things bf that. It also has awful side effects, and is only do it if he was begging

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just turned 15 year old DS has pretty bad acne. It's not the cystic (scarring) kind but lots of pustules/whiteheads mostly in the t-zone. It honestly doesn't look great. Yet he has been stubbornly resistant to Accutane. I think he's anxious about frequent blood tests/painfully dry skin/other things he's seen online about depression or other side effects. I'm debating whether to pressure him to take it - I know it's a hard few months when you're on the drug, but then he'd look so much better. Thoughts?

Sounds like you already have and he's raised excellent, informed objections. Your argument is cosmetic and his is based on his health. Let it be.

[Anonymous]

I took Accutane and was (wrongly, but still) only given one blood test, and just had to use Chapstick twice a day. Otherwise zero side effects.