u/UltimateSoldier6

Pics : pic 1-5 a week ago on accutane and end of my prednisone course
Pic 6-12 current flare after pausing accutane
Pic 13,14,15 while on doxycycline
Rest of pics. What happened after doxycycline causing me to go on accutane
Demographics: 29M, 5'9", 142 lbs.
Current Meds: Topical Mupirocin ointment, Accutane (currently paused at day 7).
Past Meds: Oral Prednisone (1-month taper ended recently), Doxycycline (March 2026).
Full Clinical Context:
Past Year: Multiple skin infections treated empirically with antibiotics without cultures.
Dec 2025: A small facial lesion near my lip was cultured and confirmed positive for MRSA.
March 2026: Finished a course of Doxycycline. Immediately after finishing Doxy, I began developing recurring boils for the first time in my life.
May 2026: Started Accutane specifically to treat these recurring boils (10 mg/day x 30 days, then 20 mg/day x 19 days).
Recent: Finished 1 month of oral Prednisone for a lung issue. Paused Accutane for 7 days following a motorcycle accident.
Current Presentation & Uncertainty:
During the 7-day pause from Accutane (and right after stopping Prednisone), my skin erupted into deep, painful bumps worse than my baseline—1 draining lesion on my neck and 3 large, elevated, erythematous bumps on my shoulder (photos attached). I also have hair shedding. A culture was taken yesterday (minimal drainage was available, so results are pending). I genuinely cannot tell if these are active bacterial infections (Staph/MRSA) or an intense inflammatory/purge rebound from stopping Prednisone and Accutane simultaneously.
Conflicting Plans from Derms in the Same Practice:
Dermatologist 1: Thinks this is a severe steroid-withdrawal rebound / cystic acne purge. Recommends restarting Accutane at a lower dose (10 mg/day).
Dermatologist 2: Suspects a bacterial furunculosis/MRSA flare. Recommends stopping Accutane, using Mupirocin, and transitioning to oral Doxycycline after an Accutane washout period.
Questions:

1. Looking at the attached photos, do these features look more like active bacterial boils/staph infections or deep inflammatory acne purging/steroid rebound?
2. What are the key visual or clinical markers I should monitor to determine if a lesion is infected vs. purely inflammatory while waiting on culture results?
3. If this is a bacterial flare, is it common practice to manage it topically (Mupirocin / Chlorhexidine) while remaining on low-dose Accutane, or is a full pause for oral antibiotics the standard approach?

Photos include on accutane , the current flare up, on doxy where everything was cleared , and right after doxy what I started developing.

Demographics: 29M, 5'9", 142 lbs.
Current Meds: Topical Mupirocin ointment, Accutane (currently paused at day 7).
Past Meds: Oral Prednisone (1-month taper ended recently), Doxycycline (March 2026).
Full Clinical Context:
Past Year: Multiple skin infections treated empirically with antibiotics without cultures.
Dec 2025: A small facial lesion near my lip was cultured and confirmed positive for MRSA.
March 2026: Finished a course of Doxycycline. Immediately after finishing Doxy, I began developing recurring boils for the first time in my life.
May 2026: Started Accutane specifically to treat these recurring boils (10 mg/day x 30 days, then 20 mg/day x 19 days).
Recent: Finished 1 month of oral Prednisone for a lung issue. Paused Accutane for 7 days following a motorcycle accident.
Current Presentation & Uncertainty:
During the 7-day pause from Accutane (and right after stopping Prednisone), my skin erupted into deep, painful bumps worse than my baseline—1 draining lesion on my neck and 3 large, elevated, erythematous bumps on my shoulder (photos attached). I also have hair shedding. A culture was taken yesterday (minimal drainage was available, so results are pending). I genuinely cannot tell if these are active bacterial infections (Staph/MRSA) or an intense inflammatory/purge rebound from stopping Prednisone and Accutane simultaneously.
Conflicting Plans from Derms in the Same Practice:
Dermatologist 1: Thinks this is a severe steroid-withdrawal rebound / cystic acne purge. Recommends restarting Accutane at a lower dose (10 mg/day).
Dermatologist 2: Suspects a bacterial furunculosis/MRSA flare. Recommends stopping Accutane, using Mupirocin, and transitioning to oral Doxycycline after an Accutane washout period.
Questions:

1. Looking at the attached photos, do these features look more like active bacterial boils/staph infections or deep inflammatory acne purging/steroid rebound?
2. What are the key visual or clinical markers I should monitor to determine if a lesion is infected vs. purely inflammatory while waiting on culture results?
3. If this is a bacterial flare, is it common practice to manage it topically (Mupirocin / Chlorhexidine) while remaining on low-dose Accutane, or is a full pause for oral antibiotics the standard approach?

142 pounds 5’9 second month 20mg. Started at 10mg month one. Day 19 of 20mg. So there are not a lot of posts on here talking about the hair thinning part on Accutane. Some people say that it’s permanent. Some people say that it causes changes in certain levels in your body and that it doesn’t go back and even post treatment. It doesn’t go back my hero is one of my favorite features. I am about to quit my Accutane because I feel like my hair is damaged brittle changing color dried out and thin.
Current routine : once a day wash with cerave hydrating shampoo and conditioner.
I use American crew pomade to style my hair into a textured style.

On 20mg day 49. It keeps getting worse. I’m taking Omega 3s and I need advice on if anyone has stopped due to this and what I can do to get my hair looking healthier even if that’s asking my derm for a dose reduction I’m about to stop.

Just bought Kristen ess the one signature shampoo
Using cerave hydrating conditioner.

What can I do to not hop off accutane due to hair loss.

Included is my hair now versus before accutane.

I’ve been in a premdisone taper and also take lexapro and am wondering if I am developing gyne I also have started accutane and have noticed more fullness in my chest

5’9 142 pounds. First 30 days ten mg. Last 23 days 20 mg.
Photos : first 3 photos are doxy next 6 photos are after doxy. Last photos are now on accutane and hair. Also shows motorcycle crash photo I’m using Aquaphor and mupiricon for.

“I find it weird how the same pimples are only on right side of chest and back. “

**My Timeline & Skin Journey:**
* **March & April:** Wrapped up a course of doxycycline for suspected bacterial folliculitis/staph. Almost immediately after stopping, my skin severely flared up into deep, painful boils on my chin. I’ve attached photos in the comments showing my skin right after Doxy vs. how it looks now.
* **Conflicting Opinions:** My original derm wanted to keep me on doxycycline long-term (which felt unviable). I sought a second opinion where two different dermatologists gave me opposing takes: one said it was staph and that Accutane would fix the follicle trapping; the other said it wasn't staph at all.
* **Current Status:** I moved forward with Accutane, and **it is actively working** by stopping new boils from popping up. However, I’m still anxious about whether Accutane is truly the right long-term treatment if there’s a persistent infectious component, and how to safely manage potential infection risks while on it.

**Accutane Side Effects & Motorcycle Accident Recovery:**
On top of the skin drama, I’m currently recovering from a motorcycle accident (managing road rash while on Accutane is no joke). I’m also dealing with:
* **Hair Thinning:** I’ve noticed increased hair shedding/thinning since starting (photo attached).
* **Dry Eyes & Throat:** Dryness has been hitting hard, especially eye dryness and occasional throat tightness after swallowing capsules.

**Current Routine & Product Search:**
* **Cleansers:** Prequel Cleanser, with Dial soap and Dove Sensitive Skin bar used on and off in the shower.
* **Moisturizer & Supplements:** Vanicream Moisturizer, Omega-3s, and tons of water daily.
* **Sunscreens:** Currently using Skin1004 Centella Sunscreen and Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral. However, the Blue Lizard leaves a heavy white cast and doesn't soak in well—I’m looking for cheap, budget-friendly sunscreen alternatives that sink in easily without irritating dry, compromised skin.

**Questions for the Community:**

1. ⁠Did Accutane fully clear your post-antibiotic rebound flares, even if doctors argued over whether it was bacterial vs. inflammatory?
2. ⁠How do you tell if a breakout spot on Accutane is infectious vs. a normal purge/folliculitis, and how do you handle it safely?
3. ⁠How did you manage Accutane-related hair shedding, and did it recover post-treatment?
4. ⁠Any cheap, easy-absorbing sunscreen recommendations for ultra-dry, sensitive skin?

Thanks in advance for any insights!

I’m 145 pounds. Crashed my motorcycle going 30mph yesterday and abraised my arm badly. I need product suggestions and opinions on what you would do in my position. I’m on month 2 I’m happy with progress 49 days in 20 mg second month. I don’t want this to permanently scar any advice would be appreciated.

I am not looking for medical advice.

I need product suggestions that are somewhat affordable. For my lips
I got the cortibalm that everyone reccomended but still extremely chapped.
For the shower : I am looking for a good in the shower body wash that’s not too drying. I’m currently using dial. Looking for something that I can use I’m using dove sensitive now but worried it doesn’t cover skin bacteria.
As far as a moisturizer I’m
Using vanicream in the tub but notice it’s not hydrating enough. Currently getting dryness on my elbows mainly and am wandering if you always need to moisturizer your whole body.

SPF. I’m using skin Madagascar 1004 centella for my face. Do we want to avoid products with niacinimide.
SPF: for body what’s the cheapest spf that I can use for my whole body ?

What’s the cheapest moisturizer for the face if vanicream
Isn’t covering it for rosaceau prone skin and sensitive skin that I can use.
Is there a better moisturizer I can use for face and body other than vanicream ?

Do we always have to wear hats when we go outside. And are eye drops absolutely necessary.

Moistorizers: do you need a moisturizer for face and body that are different ?
I bought Aquaphor. Where should I apply it and how often should I use it.

What should
A simple skin routine look like am through pm. Is. Facial cleanser nexxeaey? I’m
Using prequel gleanser for a facial moisturizer.

So I was previously on doxy and I was totally clear. Then I started getting boils
That they said were staph I’ll attach photos. I need advice on switching derms or barrier repair cream and if this is purging or a scar and how to heal it. The one on my back does look infected derm said but idk. I’m freaking out. 10mg accutane a month 20 mg for 15 days. First 4 photos are one on chest I popped up n accutane. 5th is back lesion they say could be infected to use hobaclesne benzoyl
Peroxide on it and other pics are after doxy last pics are during doxy. Any reccomendations would be appreciated for scar repair onions. I’m
Not asking for medical advice. 145 pounds.

Currently using dial soap. Vanicream moisturizer. Vaseline on lips. Aveeno
Sunscreen on body and skin Madagascar 1004 centella on face.

Hey everyone, looking for some advice, product recommendations, and community experiences regarding my Accutane journey, side effects, and ongoing skin issues.
Stats & Medical History:
Demographics: 5’9" Male, 145 lbs.
Accutane Dose: Was on 10mg/day for 1 month, bumped to 20mg/day ~13 days ago.
Prednisone: Been on prednisone for a month (currently tapering off due to a lung condition) for recurrent skin lesions and boils. Derm mentioned the prednisone itself could be contributing to the skin issues.
Infection History: Bounced between Infectious Disease (ID) and Derm. Had a positive MRSA culture back in December from a lip lesion, which is why I was originally prescribed doxycycline.
The Cycle: When I was on doxy, I was totally clear. Ever since stopping doxy, I've had recurrent staph-like infections/boils. Derm recommended Accutane after doxy, but I’m still getting occasional boils. At today's follow-up, derm cultured a new spot, gave me a topical cream, and suggested it could still be staph or related to the prednisone.
Current Side Effects:
Severe knee joint pain & bad muscle aches.
Worsening mood changes (been trying to stick through it).
Extremely dry hair.
Compromised, easily irritated skin barrier.
Current Routine:
Facial Cleanser: Prequel Gleanser
Body Soap: Dial soap (Derm today instructed to start using Hibiclens directly on active spots in the shower).
Moisturizer: Vanicream in the tub after showers (morning and night), but I feel like it isn't as soothing lately and might be too heavy/irritating.
Face Sunscreen: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum.
Body Sunscreen: Avene SPF 50 Hydrating Lotion (finding this really irritating right now).
Questions & What I Need Help With:

1. Purging vs. Staph: Has anyone experienced deep boils/staph-like lesions while purging on low-dose Accutane, or deals with staph/MRSA history while on it? Is this normal purging or could it be an underlying infection issue?
2. Cheap Body Sunscreen: Need affordable, non-irritating body sunscreen options that won't burn sensitive/dry skin.
3. Face Sunscreen Alternatives: Recommendations for good, gentle face sunscreens (or experiences with the Skin1004 on dry/purging skin).
4. Gentle Soaps/Body Washes: Good everyday non-stripping soap recommendations to pair with the Hibiclens spot washes.
5. Moisturizer Alternatives: Something ultra-soothing for when Vanicream in the tub starts feeling irritating or non-soothing.
6. Dry Hair Care: Cheap/simple tips for managing super dry hair on Accutane.
   Attached Photos (In Order):
7. Pic 1: after doxy
8. Pic 2: after doxy
   Pic 3 4 5 after doxy
9. Pic 3: Current skin on Accutane
10. Pic 4: New active skin lesion (suspected staph/cultured today)
    Pic 6-12 - on accutane
    Chest lesions and back lesions suspected staph???
    (Not asking for direct medical advice—just personal experiences, routine tips, and support while I navigate this with my derm and ID team!)

I’m 29 years old. 145 pounds. I was on 10mg a month of accutane and skin was clearing up good. Now been on 20mg for 11 days and things are getting bad. My hair is thinning. My joints are aching. And my barrier is getting destroyed. I’ve been on prednisone for a month due to a lung condition and my skin has been getting worse. Dryer , and I’ve had these deep boil Chest lesions popping up. They got worse after stopppng doxy and now that I’m on accutane I feel like it will never go away. They keep popping up. I feel severely depressed because even a few weeks ago I could take my shirt off and feel good. They have me on cefdimir 300mg for possible infection but I just feel so embarassed by the scars left behind etc I just feel disgusting and like I can’t even show myself to anyone anymore. I’m using sunscreen which breaks me out and need advice on my routine. I just came here to vent because these boils or whatever won’t stop and I used to have perfectly clear skin before all the antibiotics. I’m feeling super depressed over this. I use vanicream moisturizer and I feel like that’s making things worse as well. I’m not sure if the prednisone from my lung condition is making it worse , if it’s the accutane purging , or if it’s the new antibiotic I’m on. The one in between the brow ridge popped up
Today. Just feeling very discouraged.

I’m on accutane have prior mrsa and have been on accutane normally prior infections would drain this one isn’t any idea on what it can be

I’m 45 days into accutane 10mg first month. This month it’s 20mg and I’m getting dermatitis. I went to the dermatologist he said oh you may have folliculitis and eczema and ignored the knee pain and all the side effects. Said that the chest lesion I had could be staph or may not be but said that some people develop folliculitis etc and dermatitis on it. He didn’t say if it would go away. I asked him if there’s any reason if it’s bacterial and making me red and dry why it’s worth it. Guy wasn’t cool. Any advice on if this gets better? I don’t have terrible facial acne and am getting small red bumps on my chest and back. A big one on my chest they didn’t even culture and said that it may cause folliculitis. I thought this was supposed to be a cure. Not make my skin red everywhere. Any advice. Should I switch derms. Also the chest lesion another doctor wanted me on antibiotics for but the derm said only take it if after 4 days after the Kellogg injection it doesn’t improve. I’m so lost.

So I’ve been on prednisone for my ABPA condition. Smoke 35 cigs a day and I’ve gone almost 24 hours without a cog. Feeling proud of myself. Someone please give me advice if this gets better I’d breathing can still improve and any other tips or advice. Thanks

So I’m 145 pounds. I have been on 10 mg for a month and recently upped to 20mg and been on it for ten days . I’m also on 20 mg prednisone and have been for over a month so my immune system is suppressed. ever since upping to 20 mg I’ve had severe leg pain and joint muscle aches. I’ve also had rashes and dryness appear on my elbows but on my left arm it’s like there’s these bumps going up
My arm. Also have this huge chest lesion and I’m not
Sure if this is normal or not. Gonna contact dermatology tomorrow. If any one else gets this I’d appreciate any tips. Been getting pain mainly in my knee sides and legs. The dermatitis bumps
Or whatever they are are under my skin and only on one arm.
I’ve been using vanicream. Sunshirts. For my face sunscreen skin 1004 centella and then I’ve been using dove soap. Body sunscreen still looking for a cheap one.