Nisha Patel Nisha Patel Asked 6 months ago

Does accutane cause hair loss?

I've been on Accutane for about two months now, and I've noticed a lot more hair falling out when I shower or brush. My hair feels thinner too. Is hair loss a common side effect of this medication?

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10 answers

Priyanka Joshi Priyanka Joshi Joined Jan 2026 6 months ago
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It can cause temporary hair thinning because of the high Vitamin A dose. Since I already have thyroid issues, I was very scared about hair loss. Definitely get your thyroid and iron levels checked too, and discuss this thinning with your doctor so they can monitor it.

Saraswathiamma Pillai Saraswathiamma Pillai Joined Feb 2026 6 months ago

The medicine can make the hair weak and dry, leading to some shedding. I found that doing gentle pranayama daily and keeping a calm mind helped manage the stress of it. Do not apply harsh chemical oils on the scalp right now, let it heal naturally.

Arjun Malhotra Arjun Malhotra Joined May 2026 6 months ago

Temporary hair thinning is a documented side effect, though it doesn't happen to everyone. It is usually reversible once the treatment stops. Your dermatologist is the best person to evaluate if the shedding is within normal limits or if you need any supplement.

Manish Pandey Manish Pandey Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

Don't worry too much, this is usually temporary shedding and not permanent baldness. Just avoid any harsh hair treatments like coloring or straightening while you are on this medicine. Speak to your doctor, they might prescribe a gentle hair serum to help.

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Consult a dermatologist

Kavitha Reddy Kavitha Reddy Joined May 2026 5 months ago

My college-going daughter faced some hair fall while she was on this treatment. We were very worried, but her doctor assured us it would stop post-treatment, and it did. I made sure she ate a protein-rich diet and didn't tie her hair too tightly.

Ritu Singhal Ritu Singhal Joined Jan 2026 6 months ago

I had quite severe hair thinning that didn't stop immediately, so please be careful. Do not ignore it if you see heavy shedding. It is very important to report this to your doctor so they can check your dosage or suggest supportive treatment.

Nikhil D'Souza Nikhil D'Souza Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

I had this issue during my six-month course. My tip is to wash your hair less frequently and use a very mild, sulphate-free shampoo. Keep your scalp moisturized and don't rub your head with a towel aggressively; it really makes a difference.

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Rahul Bose Rahul Bose Joined Mar 2026 6 months ago

It was honestly heartbreaking for me to see so many hair strands in the shower every morning. I felt like I was trading one cosmetic issue for another. But trust me, the hair does start growing back healthily once you are off the medication.

Sandeep Verma Sandeep Verma Joined Feb 2026 6 months ago

Yes, it can cause hair shedding during the course. Just use a wide-tooth comb gently and don't panic, it gets better.

Simran Kaur Simran Kaur Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

I totally get it, losing hair while trying to clear up your skin is super stressful. Just remember that this is a temporary phase and you are not alone in this. Try to focus on eating healthy and keeping your stress levels low.

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