“Nail pitting after taking Accutane?”
I recently finished my six month course of Accutane (30mg/day the first month then 60mg/day the training months), and I noticed about two months ago that the pinky nail on my left hand is pitting. I’m not taking any medications nor using anything for it. I’m on birth control. I’m worried this will be permanent since I’ve been off the medication for three months now.
Female | 26 years old
Complaint duration: 2 months
2 Answers
DermatologistDermapathologist
Isotretinoin (accutane) can cause nail changes. However, as with most of the side effects of accutane, they are temporary. Fingernails take about 6 months to grow all the way from back to front (proximal to distal). So the changes will take some time to “grow out.” I recommend you discuss your nail changes with your prescriber whom I hope is a board certified dermatologist and should be able to diagnose if the nail changes you are having are likely to have been caused by accutane, how long they will be around for, and ways to reduce the likelihood of the changes.
Happy holidays and warm regards,
JJC
Happy holidays and warm regards,
JJC
Accutane can on occasion cause thinning of the nails, although I am unaware of this medication leading to nail pitting. A topical steroid applied to the nail base might prove of benefit, so best to be reevaluated by your dermatologist.
Stephen Schleicher, MD
Stephen Schleicher, MD
