My 2DSs had some history of depression so derm put them on 1/2 dose “recommended” for their weight. Additionally, when one started feeling more down than usual, he stopped taking for 4 days, then started up again. This approach has worked wonders for both boys.

One dermatologist we consulted mentioned that scarring can be an issue later, if the cystic acne is left untreated. Apparently, lasers still cannot really remedy the situation very well.

I have 2 boys with ADHD/Anxiety and a very strong family history of suicide. My DH also has ADHD/Anxiety/Depression. He also suffered from cystic acne as a teen and was on Accutane.

I was, of course, very concerned when my oldest wasn't responding to conventional acne treatment and Accutane was recommended. I checked with his prescribing psychiatrist who was okay with it and recommended his mood be monitored/watched. She also noted, as have many here, that unresolved acne carried its own mental health risks.

Neither DS had any issues (nor had DH). They both were on it longer than usual but it's worked really well and I'm so glad it was an option. I also have a DD who did not go on it. Her acne was reasonably controlled with creams, antibiotics and BCP. YMMV.

Just chiming in to say that birth control is free on most insurance (thanks affordable care act)!

Anonymous wrote:I begged my parents to put me on accurate because my acne was so bad as a teen. I finally got on it when I went off to college and could use the university doctor. I did not have any severe depression that I remember - even though I am prone to depression and anxiety. Accurate finally cleared my acne and boosted my self-esteem.

I wasn't able to get on it until I was 19, and though Accutane did clear up the cystic acne, I'm left with horrible scarring on my face.

Epiduo

Nizoral anti dandruff shampoo use on scalp and body.

I was on it as teen and so was my DS. No serious side effects. Dry skin, some nosebleeds, peeling lips.

Anxiety runs in our family- I had some anxiety before accutane, I had some after, but it wasn't worse. Same for my son.

Acne is depressing- it's a constant weight on top of what teens are already dealing with.

There are a lot of horror stories about accutane, but I personally know multiple people who have taken it without serious or lasting side effects.

I begged my parents to put me on accurate because my acne was so bad as a teen. I finally got on it when I went off to college and could use the university doctor. I did not have any severe depression that I remember - even though I am prone to depression and anxiety. Accurate finally cleared my acne and boosted my self-esteem.

My 14-year -old has been on accutane for months and it has been a game changer. The acne really stresses her out, and having clear skin going into HS has been helpful. She hasn't had mood changes, just the dry skin. So definitely keep an eye out but it is at least worth a try. (But be warned - the admin is a real pain. Lots of appts and pregnancy tests and online tests and the timing can be tight. Much easier for male patients.)

My son was very depressed on Accutane. However, he was also extremely depressed about his acne. It’s hard to know if the Accutane made it worse but it had me very concerned that it was a factor. I mentioned my concerns to the derm who said it was rare but not impossible. His psychiatrist said the same. We closely monitored him. I think if he didn’t have a therapist and psychiatrist already we wouldn’t have stuck with it. His mood lifted as we neared the end but that could have been because the acne improved, his anti-depressant was working or because of therapy. We will never know. But he is glad he did Accutane.

Anonymous wrote:Its really hard to believe that after all these years, we still just have the Accutane. My dc has Crohn's and her gastro doesn't want her on Accutane. Her acne is terrible. I went thru two rounds of Accutane in my teens so its genetic. The lasers don't seem to have a lot of research/evidence (maybe I'm wrong?). I just wish there was SOMETHING!

We know more about acne know than ever before so there are more options. For girls/women whose acne is due to high levels of testosterone there is spirolactane. There is also Winlevi that is a topical agent that helps with reducing oil production that can cause some cystic acne. The lasers are expensive but a good option as they target the oil glands. And finally for Accutane, many derms now believe that a lower dose for longer is a better treatment option as it reduces the side effects.

Any recommendations for a dermatologist in NW DC?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What skincare is she using? I found when I switched to a very mild/clean cleanser/topical that my acne disappeared! The harsh chemicals cause more inflammation.

This doesn’t work for cystic acne.

Yes it sure did.

No, actual cystic acne is not cleared up by just using a mild cleanser.

I’m almost 60. Still have acne. I have immediate flare-ups if I drink milk or soda. The best thing I ever did was start on birth control pills when I realized that my depression was cyclical. Every month I had a couple of terrible days. The pill helped hugely with the acne and depression. My daughter has PCOS, and the pill helped hugely with her acne.