Oral isotretinoin is a very effective treatment for acne. However, one of the common side effects of isotretinoin is that it causes the lips and skin to become very dry. This makes the skin more dry and sensitive.
Individuals with eczema and psoriasis can consider taking isotretinoin if they have severe acne. However, isotretinoin can aggravate the rash, particularly for eczema, as the skin in eczema is often dry and sensitive.
Your doctor or dermatologist will assess the severity of acne and eczema or psoriasis to determine if it is appropriate to start on isotretinoin and on the appropriate dose. If the eczema is very active, oral isotretinoin treatment ideally should be deferred.
During treatment with isotretinoin, it is also important to use gentle cleansers, moisturizers and lip balm regularly to reduce the side effect of skin and lip dryness and reduce the risk of flare of eczema.
