Dry Skin or a Red, Dry Itchy Rash Due to Dry Skin (Eczema)
Both are fairly common during Accutane® treatment, especially on the face, arms and hands. Rarely, skin infections (pus, “boils”, or honey-yellow crusted, oozing areas) or peeling of the palms and soles may develop.
Do not over-bathe. Try not to take more than one bath or shower per day unless absolutely necessary. Use comfortably warm but not hot water. Use a mild soap such as Dove®, Oil of Olay®, or Purpose® Gentle Cleansing Bar or non-soap cleanser such as Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleanser or Aquanil® Cleansing Lotion sparingly. Most people need soap only under the arms, to the underwear area, and feet (these are the areas which contain the sweat glands that cause body odor) in addition to a normal amount of hand washing and shampooing. After the shower, it is helpful to apply a superior moisturizing lotion such as Lacticare® Lotion or moisturizing cream such as Triple Cream®. Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer™ SPF 30 is an excellent moisturizer/sunscreen. Consider a humidifier in the bedroom during cold weather and keep the window open a crack. Your doctor will probably instruct you to stop all other acne medications while on AccutaneR as topical acne medications may add to the dryness.
If dry, red, itchy patches develop, you may try an OTC hydrocortisone cream or ointment 1% such as Cortizone10® for brief periods or may need a prescription corticosteroid cream, which usually quickly controls and eliminates the rash. Prescription antibiotic ointments or pills may be needed for the rare circumstance where infection develops. OTC bacitracin or triple antibiotic ointment will NOT help.