What Are The Treatment Options For The Glands To Produce Oil After Having Skin Damage From Roaccutane?

Posted on Sun, 8 Dec 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 8 Dec 2013 Answered on

Thu, 26 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I have skin damage from roaccutane because my oil glands don't work my whole body is dry inside and out.i also have developed scars because the glands donot work.moisturises don't work.i need something to make the glands to produce oil,i should not have been prescribed it for blackheads,i now know it is a chemo drug and I am damaged for life

Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Isotretinoin dryness Detailed Answer: Hi I understand your concern regarding your skin condition and I hope I am able to help you in the same. Now before we discuss the treatment options, I would like to know what was the dose that you took? For how many months did you take this drug and now since when have you stopped? Also is there only skin dryness or do you have any itching and redness over the skin also. And which areas of body do you have more shouldn't I can assure you that you need not worry. Please provide of the above details and I will be able to help you more. Waiting for your response Dr Geetika Paul

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Geetika Paul (28 minutes later)

I was prescribed roaccutane when I was 24 im now 42.i took it for about 6 months .I cannot remmenber the dose I only know I my weight was about 80 kg.i my whole body is dry and my face and hands are red ,I have now develop scarring on my chin lumps because there is no oil.i had no scarring before roaccutane.moistures don't help,the body needs oil to healthy.

Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Ichthyosis Detailed Answer: Hi See you took this medicine long back. When you take isotretinoin, it tends to cause extreme dryness . But the effect of this medicine over our body lasts only for as long as the drug stays in our body. So the dryness after the intake of this drug is from three to four months only after stopping it. After this time, the drug is removed from the body and its effect also stops. The dryness caused by it is reversible since it only suppresses oil secretion. It does not destroy the oil glands. Since you have extreme dryness of skin, I attribute it to some other cause and not to the drug intake. I would advise you to see a dermatologist and get proper assessment of skin done. In my opinion, you seem to be having ichthyosis which is a skin condition in which there is extreme skin dryness. It can either be genetic or it can be due to various acquired causes including diet. So get yourself assessed by a dermatologist. I am sure it will help you. Also scarring that you have over your face can be treated. We have various treatment options for the same but first of all, for the dryness you need complete assessment. You can however continue to use the moisturizers till you see a doctor. Dr Geetika Paul

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar