Q. As a dermatologist, I am dismayed by your article suggesting that milk of magnesia could treat cystic nodular acne. This is not a recommended treatment, and the false belief that it might be helpful could cause great harm by delaying proper treatment.
Accutane will cure all acne when used properly for eight to ten months. Keeping the dose low can prevent side effects.
I am willing to bet that the person who said milk of magnesia worked better than prescribed treatment was making this up or did not see a dermatologist for appropriate care.
A. The mother who contacted us said that her son had been under a dermatologist’s care for many years and the thousands they had spent had not cleared his condition. She was pleased that milk of magnesia applied to his face at bedtime had been helpful.
This home remedy has not been tested for acne and might not help other people. Nevertheless, it is inexpensive and accessible.
Accutane has been a revolutionary treatment for cystic acne. It is, however, quite expensive (a five-month’s supply could cost over $5,000) and highly controversial.
Some side effects listed in the prescribing information include depression, suicidal thoughts, aggressive behavior, inflammation of the pancreas, hearing loss, inflammatory bowel disease, high triglycerides, hair loss, dry lips and itching.
Physicians are specifically warned not to prescribe Accutane for more than 5 months at any one time: “Long-term use of Accutane, even in low doses, has not been studied, and is not recommended.”
