15 year old son with cystic acne

[sharann]

He has started Accutane 10 days ago. Is anyone familiar with the healing process? My poor kiddo has been suffering for couple years with cystic acne and half his back is affected. His chest started up most recently. He seems to be "drying up" and scabbing alot. Normal? It looks like a gigantic patch of red now on his poor chest. Should we put moisturizer on it or leave it alone? He itches(from the dryness I believe).

Just looking for non-medical friendly advice here as he IS in treatment. I wonder if it gets worse before it gets better?

Thanks

[renerian, BSN, RN]

Both my stepsons had the same problem. The youngest (17 now) was on it for 6months. Worked like a charm. UGH cannot comment on the mood piece. He is a typical teenager so he is moody already LOL. :rotfl:

He had no problems taking the drug but was closely monitored.

ren

[J_W, DNP, APRN, CNS]

I took a course of Accutane over about 8 months last year...It helped in the end, but now the acne is back but not as bad...During the course of Accutane therapy I had nose bleeds and I though my lips would dry up...I used everything under the sun to keep my lips moist...The nosebleeds would happen at anytime usually at night or early mornings and it would bleed almost profusely for about 10 minutes and my nose was sore beyond belief...I would not do another course of Accutane..I do think it is beneficial, it did help, but the annoying side effects were painful...The major side effects did not affect me (depression, suicidal ideations, liver problems)...It did raise my triglycerides to around 550, but the rest of the lipid profile was fine...Anyhow, hope your son's course of therapy goes well...

[Maren26]

I took accutane about three years ago because of some mild cystic acne. The only problems I ever experienced were dryness and nose bleeds. Once in a while I get a small pimple here or there but other than that I look like I never have had a problem with acne. I was really impressed by the results.