Saurabh Deshmukh Saurabh Deshmukh Asked 5 months ago

Does accutane cause dandruff?

Ever since I started my Accutane course, my scalp has become extremely dry and flaky. It feels like I have severe dandruff all of a sudden. Does this medicine cause dandruff or a dry scalp?

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5 answers

Riya Kapoor Riya Kapoor Joined Jan 2026 5 months ago
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Hey, don't stress too much about it! Since this medicine dries out all the oil in your skin, your scalp can get super dry and start flaking like dandruff. Just use a very mild shampoo and maybe a gentle scalp oil if your doctor says it's okay.

Savita Deshpande Savita Deshpande Joined Jan 2026 5 months ago

Oh God, first it dries up your pimples and then it turns your scalp into a snowy winter wonderland. It is definitely the dry skin causing those flakes. I just used a tiny bit of coconut oil on my scalp to survive the dryness, but check with your doctor first.

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Deepak Chawla Deepak Chawla Joined Feb 2026 5 months ago

Yes, dry scalp is a very common side effect. I kept my circulation good by going for light evening walks and staying hydrated, which helped with overall skin health. Just keep your doctor in the loop before starting any heavy physical routines or changing your diet.

Amit Saxena Amit Saxena Joined Mar 2026 5 months ago

I completely panicked when my hair started flaking like crazy in the second week. But my dermatologist reassured me that it is just extreme dryness of the scalp, not actual fungal dandruff. It went away on its own a few weeks after I finished the medication.

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Tanmay Bhatia Tanmay Bhatia Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

I went through this and honestly, the dry, itchy scalp was so frustrating to deal with in public. It made me feel so self-conscious along with the dry skin. Just know that this flaking is temporary and happens because the oil glands are shrinking, it will stop after the course.

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