Accutane (Isotretinion) for acne?

[Londonderrylaura]

My teenage daughter has had a form of acne (hidranitis suppuritiva) in her groin and underarms for several years.  Oral antibiotics and various topical treatments have not helped.  She is very uncomfortable, sometimes in pain, and self conscious. She has a fair amount of scarring and dark spots in the affected areas.

She has polycystic ovarian syndrome and is overweight, but losing gradually through diet and exercise. Her skin is fairly sensitive and she is prone to various rashes.  Her face is oily but her body is dry. (Maybe should be type DSPT...) She has a typical amount of teen zits on her face (not too bad) and is developing freckles. She has light brown hair.  She has a bubbly personality and is a high achiever in school with lots of friends. (Yes I am proud of her!)

Her new dermatologist recommended that she start accutane (isotretinion) for the groin and underarms problem. She is scheduled to start in 3 weeks.  The course is 5 months.

It is a frightening drug with all the possible side effects.  I am just wondering if I am doing the right thing in approving this.

I also want to be careful about her skin care while she's on the drug.  Starting in September is good because we live in New England so she won't get much sun except while skiing.  I don't know what else she should know about skin products while she's on the drug.  I will, of course, bring this up at the next MD visit when she starts the drug.

Thanks for any input,
Worried Mom

[SuperSensitive]

I used Accutane when I was 18 or 19.  It helped but didn't fix the acne.  It helped me get rid of the deep cystic acne but I still have some acne at age 25.

I'd check with the GYN about polycystic ovarian syndrome and taking Accutane.  The dermatologist I went to also prescribed me birth control (since it can cause birth defects). Accutane is a very strong drug.  I have absolutely no clue if accutane would impact polycystic ovarian syndrome in any way. 

[Sarahbelle]

I second the advice to get another medical opinion. 
Not that i think your derm is incorrect, but if it were my daughter, i would want to be sure that Accutane were the only answer left.  It is a drug of last resort.
Having said that: I have been on Accutane twice.  Once, at age 37, and again at age 46.  I had cystic acne, following 20 years on antibiotics and Retin-A.  It was a last resort for me.  I am not sorry I did it, but I would not recommend it to anyone who still has options left.
Good luck.