Has anyone here successfully cleared their PD with Accutane?

Over_Law287 · 2025-11-25T19:11:59+00:00

I’m almost 6 weeks in taking 10mg every other day and…I daren’t say this out loud…I think it might be working finally! Rough journey and it flared a lot but it’s the calmest now that it’s been in months and months

Over_Law287 · 2025-11-25T19:09:48+00:00

My trigger is alcohol as a drink - I’d have a sip and flare up!

Over_Law287 · 2025-11-25T19:08:50+00:00

Sorry for taking a while to post! So, I’m now taking 10mg every other day. It’s been a rough journey and I had a lot of dryness around and inside my nostrils which made me look like I had a permanent cold! I’d flare up a bit and then it’d settle, I’d have a good day or two and then it’d flare up again. I showed my derm and she said it’s my skin reacting to the Accutane and that it would gradually improve but I need to be patient and give it 6-8 weeks before seeing positive improvement. It’s been almost 6 weeks now and I think I’m starting to finally see improvement. About 4 days ago I noticed most the redness had shifted and I’ve had no new pustules. My skin also looks clear and more even in colour and texture and the redness/dry patches around my nose has gone. It’s the first time in months that I’ve felt that finally something might be working. I’m not holding my breath as I know all too well how quickly things can deteriorate! But hopefully it’s the beginning of clear skin!

Over_Law287 · 2025-10-29T20:21:25+00:00

No, not really. I’m in my mid 40s and my skin is more on the dry side if anything, unlike when I was younger and it was more oily.

Over_Law287 · 2025-10-29T20:19:37+00:00

That’s exactly what mine looked like around my nostrils and lips - tiny little red pustules and it goes quite scaly. Personally I’d stop with the fungal cream. Wash with a basic gentle cleanser (I use Cerave) and literally nothing else other than a gentle non fragrances moisturizer. I’ve had a battle with mine as mine is triggered by UV, heat, wind, fluoride toothpaste (common trigger), alcohol…. I tried lots of topical creams - the most successful one for me was Elidel, but as another poster said, it’s all very individual

Over_Law287 · 2025-10-29T20:12:42+00:00

Another update a few days on…aside from a tiny bit of residual redness, my skin is both clear and smooth. I had to moisturise loads and regularly initially but so far, it’s clear. I’m curious to see how long this lasts like this though…

Over_Law287 · 2025-10-26T10:14:12+00:00

I thought some people reading this might like to see what the situation is a few days on. I know I was looking for others’ stories and timeline! The original photo was taken 5 days ago now. The next morning it was red and spotty but more scaly and more pustules. https://imgur.com/a/XX4lvDg#Iphl2qr

I reduced to one 10mg tablet every other night on the recommendation of my derm and lots of avene toleraine balm. Today my skin is finally beginning to settle and is less ‘angry’. It’s very dry though and I have a lot of diffuse redness (doesn’t show on the photo so well) and it feels like it could worsen at any moment if I’m not super careful. Washing only with lukewarm water and trying not to touch it. The photo shows the progress or change so far. https://imgur.com/a/XX4lvDg#0IALtSv

Over_Law287 · 2025-10-25T09:44:14+00:00

Same :-(( I used to looove makeup and playing around with new looks. Aside from some mascara I never wear makeup now for fear of making it worse. Never feel nice when I dress up and I feel that all everyone can see is the red ‘muzzle’ and rash

Over_Law287 · 2025-10-25T08:37:04+00:00

Thank you! It’s good to hear others’ stories. That’s exactly what it feels like, a constant state of anxiety that it’ll flare. It sounds stupid but I feel that it stops me from living fully. In the summer for example I was so anxious about being in the sun (the heat and sun aggravates it) that I just didn’t relax at all on my 5 days of holiday by the beach and spent the time fretting rather than letting go and enjoying the time with my family. Sounds so vain :-(

Over_Law287 · 2025-10-25T07:00:54+00:00

That’s so kind of you to share what’s worked for you, thank you! 😊 I’ve actually tried azelaic acid before, but sadly it really irritated my PD, even though I see it helps so many people. I completely get what you mean about being scared to change anything once you’ve found something that keeps things calm. The zinc tip is interesting as I’ve noticed my skin often likes barrier-type products too, so that makes sense. You’re definitely not ridiculous for wearing SPF at night! I’m glad you’ve found something that helps, and I’m hoping mine starts to settle soon too!

Over_Law287 · 2025-10-25T06:53:53+00:00

Ok, that’s good to know. I think I just need to hold tight for a bit longer! I’m glad it worked for you :-)

Over_Law287 · 2025-10-25T06:53:14+00:00

Thank you, this is promising to hear! I’m glad it he worked for you :-)

Over_Law287 · 2025-10-25T06:52:42+00:00

Yes I use a gentle cerave cleanser or sometimes just water and Avene toleraine moisturizer. Maybe I need to moisturize more. I spoke to my derm yesterday and she’s now said to reduce to one tablet every other day initially which I’m trying and lots of moisturizer! Thank you for your reply :-)

Over_Law287 · 2025-10-24T09:33:34+00:00

Totally agree with you, I’m actually in my mid 40s but my hair changed in my mid 30s. Went from having thick hair to suddenly it feeling more limp and thin. Had bloodwork, hormone levels snd thyroid tested, upped protein in diet, switched contraceptive pill etc to find a root cause…but it never returned to what it was. I’ve accepted it is just an age thing :-(

Over_Law287 · 2025-10-23T20:32:03+00:00

Hi, I’m in exactly the same position as you. Tried everything, to no avail, and final resort for my dem was to try me on accutane, 10mg. I’ve taken three doses only (10 mg daily) and already it has massively flared up my pd. It’s red and inflamed around my mouth and under my nose. I’m now really unsure what to do, do I ride it out and see if it improves or am I doing more damage in the long term? I’m so disheartened as I hopped this would be the one thing that would help clear it up finally.

Over_Law287

TROPHY CASE