• Pay My Bill
  • Schedule Now!
HealthFlex
×
  • Home
  • Patients
    • Message Us
    • Telehealth Access
    • Schedule An Appointment
    • Patient Portal
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policies
    • Disclaimer
    • Patients Bill of Rights
    • Billing
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Make a Payment
      • Financial Policy
      • Care Credit
      • Balance Billing Protection Act
  • Our Clinic
    • Surgery Center
    • Providers
      • Elie Levy, MD, FAAD
      • James Hu, MD
      • Heather Haberman PA-C
      • Elizabeth Yun, PA-C
      • Gina Mower, MMS, PA-C
      • Holly Harrison, L.M.A.
      • Inna Tshiorny, L.M.A.
    • About Us
    • Careers
    • Blog
    • Specials
    • Locations
      • Burien
      • Bellevue
  • Services
    • Medical Dermatology
      • Rosacea
      • Eczema
        • UVB
      • Moles
      • Psoriasis
        • Pharos Laser
      • Acne
      • Skin Cancer
        • Brachytherapy
        • Mohs Surgery
        • Basal Cell Carcinoma
        • Melanoma
        • Squamous Cell Carcinoma
    • Cosmetic Dermatology
      • RFMN
      • SmoothGlo
      • Hydrafacial
      • Cool Sculpting
      • Laser Hair Removal
      • Botox
      • Juvederm

How to Clear Cystic Acne

July 29, 2016Dr LevyBlog

Cystic acne is devastating. Fortunately, isotretinoin is literally a life-saver. I realized this more acutely when my own son kept getting multiple disfiguring facial cysts. They did not respond to topical or oral antibiotics. Intralesional corticosteroids were of temporary benefit, but not always available when we were away visiting family in New York, New Jersey or Florida.

I made him an appointment with my PA-C Jonathan Cyphers. Jonathan has a special touch with kids. We began at a low dose, considering it is summer and there would be a lot of sun exposure. The skin peels on this drug, especially the lips. As it turns out, after one week, the kids at camp and his cousins were commenting on his visibly peeling skin. He was quite embarrassed and wanted to quit the medication. I informed him that this was a typical response and to moisturize his skin with an over the counter emollient and any kind of ointment for his lips.

He did so. In addition, I had him take his pill every other day, thereby halving his dose. I felt it essential not to give up, to persist because this medication is curative.

So far he is clearing well and is sure to have spectacular results.

For acne that is scarring or manifests even with one cyst or “boil”, isotretinoin works the best. It prevents further scarring and boosts a child’s self-esteem at a critical time of life, the teenage years. I have treated adults even after age 40 with this medication successfully, so it is never too late. There is a list of common side effects, all manageable.

Elie Levy, MD, FAAD
Aesthetic and General
Dermatology of Seattle

Schedule an Appointment

We have appointments available!

Click to Schedule

Burien

(206) 248-5020

dermatologyseattle.com/burien

13610 1st Ave S. Burien, WA 98168

Bellevue

(425) 455-5111

dermatologyseattle.com/bellevue

1600 116th Ave NE #302 Bellevue, WA 98004

Burien

Phone: 206 248 5020

Fax: 206 244 8425

13610 1st Avenue S. Burien, WA 98168

Bellevue

Phone: 425 455 5111

Fax:  425 455 5113

1600 116th Ave NE #302
Bellevue, WA 98004

View this profile on Instagram

Derm of Seattle & Bellevue (@dermofseattle) • Instagram photos and videos

Copyright ©2020 Dermatology of Seattle - all rights reserved