Many people facing issues with severe acne have turned to Accutane for help. While the medication has proven itself to be a very powerful acne treatment, there have been reports of users having to deal with several, sometimes severe, side effects. Despite the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) not listing yeast infections as a potential side effect of the medication, many people have reported cases of it while on the medication. So, can Accutane cause yeast infections?
In this article, we will explore what Accutane is, how it works, its possible side effects, and discover whether or not this medication has the potential to cause yeast infections for its female users. Plus, you will learn how to best prevent and care for vaginal yeast infections if one occurs.
What is Accutane?
Accutane, also known as Isotretinoin, is a long-term antibiotic prescribed for severe and treatment-resistant acne. This medication affects the skin’s oil glands, shrinking them in order to prevent the overproduction of the skin’s natural oils. Accutane has a high success rate, often resulting in blemish-free skin for those who use it.
However, Accutane is often considered a last resort for those looking for clearer skin, and is only prescribed after other, less aggressive acne treatments have not been effective. This is because the prescription strength of the medication often comes with multiple potentially dangerous side effects. For this reason, Accutane users are heavily monitored by their physicians while taking the medication. Routine monitoring while on Accutane typically includes regular blood tests to check liver enzyme levels, blood sugar, and lipid panels, all of which can be affected by the medication over time.
What are the Most Common Accutane Side Effects?
Many of the side effects of Accutane stem from the medication doing what it is formulated to do, ridding Irritation at the Corners of the Mouth
One of the earliest and most frequently reported side effects is cheilitis, cracking, dryness, and irritation at the corners of the mouth. This occurs because Accutane significantly reduces sebaceous gland activity across the entire body, including the lips and surrounding skin. Regular application of a fragrance-free lip balm is typically recommended throughout the treatment course.
Dry Eyes
Accutane reduces the production of oils throughout the body, including the meibomian glands responsible for lubricating the eyes. This can result in dry, irritated, red eyes that may worsen with screen use or contact lens wear. In some cases, patients may need to switch to glasses during their treatment period and use lubricating eye drops daily.
Itchy, Peeling Skin
Because Accutane dramatically reduces the skin’s oil production, widespread skin dryness, peeling, and itchiness are among the most universal side effects. Patients are typically advised to use fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers consistently throughout treatment to manage these symptoms.
Dandruff
Scalp dryness is a natural extension of the medication’s effects on the body’s oil glands. Dandruff and a dry, flaky scalp are common complaints, particularly during the first few weeks of treatment. Gentle, moisturizing shampoos are usually recommended over medicated dandruff formulas, which can further dry the scalp.
Rashes
Some Accutane users develop skin rashes, particularly on the palms, arms, or torso. These rashes may appear as dry, red patches and can be itchy or uncomfortable. If a rash becomes widespread or severe, it is important to consult a physician promptly as it may indicate an allergic reaction requiring treatment adjustment.
Nose Bleeds
Dryness of the nasal mucous membranes is a very common side effect of Accutane. The delicate blood vessels inside the nose become fragile when the lining dries out, making nosebleeds more frequent. Using a saline nasal spray and a small amount of petroleum jelly inside the nostrils can help maintain moisture and reduce bleeding episodes.
Because Accutane users will generally experience dryness across the body, it is strongly advisable to avoid drinking alcohol and using tanning beds while on the medication. These activities can further dehydrate the skin and body, potentially worsening existing symptoms.
Symptoms not resulting from dry skin caused by Accutane can include:
- Sun Sensitivity
- Fatigue
- Muscle and Joint Weakness
- Resistance to Antibiotics
As previously stated, Accutane is a prescription-strength medication that can cause some potentially severe side effects. Persons wishing to begin taking Accutane should have an honest, in-depth discussion with their doctor before taking the medication to ensure they fully understand the potential risks involved. The more severe potential side effects of Accutane include:
- Premature Closing of the Ends of Bones
- Rosacea in Individuals Prone to the Condition
- Hair Loss
- Eye Irritation
- Permanent Thinning of Skin
- Easy Bruising
- Altered Liver Enzymes
- Back Pain
- High Blood Sugar
- A Loss of Night Vision
- Calcified Cysts in Muscle Tissue
- Cataracts
- Cranial Hypertension
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Anxiety and Depression
- Thoughts of Suicide
Pregnant women are advised not to use Accutane, as there have been many reports of severe birth defects caused by the medication. Mothers using the medication during their first trimester risk exposing their child to chemicals via the bloodstream.
Accutane can have a negative impact on the frontal lobe of the brain in unborn fetuses, causing delayed or abnormal development, or preventing the frontal lobe from forming entirely. These abnormalities can cause a child to be born with severe learning disabilities, and there have also been cases of spontaneous abortion due to anencephalic children. If you are currently taking Accutane and are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, please consult your doctor immediately.
Because of the severe risk Accutane poses to unborn children, women will be required to use an approved birth control method for one month before taking the medication, as well as one month after stopping it. Your physician can advise you on the approved methods of contraception to use while on Accutane.
Can Accutane Cause Yeast Infections?
Yes, Accutane can cause yeast infections, also known as vaginal candidiasis. While yeast infections are not officially listed as a side effect by the FDA, they can result from the extreme drying effects of the medication on the body’s mucous membranes, including the vaginal canal. Other possible causes of yeast infections include:
- Antibiotic Use
- Pregnancy
- Unregulated Diabetes
- An Impaired Immune System
- Increased Estrogen Levels
The vagina is self-lubricating, meaning it naturally produces fluids that help maintain overall vaginal health and keep the balance of yeast and bacteria in check. When this self-lubrication is disrupted and the vaginal canal dries out, as it commonly does with Accutane use, that natural balance is altered.
With less moisture present, yeast is able to overgrow without the usual bacterial competition, resulting in a yeast infection. Understanding how yeast infections develop and what triggers this imbalance can help Accutane users take proactive steps to prevent one from occurring in the first place.
It is also worth noting that Accutane itself is classified as a retinoid rather than a traditional antibiotic, but antibiotic use is one of the most well-known contributing factors to yeast infections. If you are taking additional antibiotics alongside or following Accutane, the combined disruption to the body’s natural bacterial balance can significantly increase your risk.
Learning how antibiotics affect the body’s bacterial balance can help you understand why this combination raises the likelihood of developing a vaginal yeast infection.
Symptoms of Yeast Infections
Symptoms of a common yeast infection can include:
- Itching and Irritation of the Vagina and Vulva
- Burning Sensations, heightened during intercourse or urination
- Redness and Swelling of the Vulva
- Vaginal Pain and Soreness
- Vaginal Rash
- Vaginal Discharge, either thick, white, and odor-free, or watery in consistency
These symptoms can range from mild to significantly disruptive depending on the severity of the infection. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms that are not resolving with over-the-counter treatment, or if the infection is accompanied by fever, abdominal pain, or unusual discharge, it is important to seek professional medical evaluation.
You can learn more about the broader symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection and abdominal involvement to better understand when your symptoms may indicate something more than a routine infection.
Treatments for Yeast Infections
There are many different treatments available for yeast infections. While some require prescriptions, most can be purchased at your local drugstore. Short-course vaginal therapies, remedies that take effect after three to seven days, are available in several forms, including ointments, creams, tablets, and suppositories. Single-dose oral medications are also available for mild to moderate infections.
For more severe or persistent yeast infections, particularly those occurring during Accutane treatment, scheduling an appointment with your doctor is strongly advised. In some cases, a longer course of antifungal treatment may be required, and your physician may also recommend adjustments to your Accutane regimen to manage the underlying dryness driving the recurrence.
How to Prevent Vaginal Dryness and Yeast Infections While on Accutane
The main approach to managing all dry skin-related side effects caused by Accutane is to avoid additional irritation and dehydration while moisturizing consistently and effectively. The same principle applies to vaginal health during Accutane treatment.
To help prevent vaginal dryness while taking Accutane, you can do the following:
- Wear Light, Clean Cotton or Satin Underwear
- Use Unscented Vaginal Lubricants
- Use Sexual Lubricants During Intercourse, if Needed
If you are experiencing vaginal dryness while taking Accutane and want to reduce your risk of developing a yeast infection, the following steps can help:
- Wear Light, Clean Cotton or Satin Underwear, breathable fabrics reduce moisture buildup that encourages yeast growth
- Take a Daily Probiotic to Help Maintain a Healthy Vaginal pH Level, probiotics containing Lactobacillus strains are particularly effective at restoring and sustaining the body’s natural bacterial balance
- Avoid Internal Douching, this can create a bacterial imbalance in the vagina and strip away protective natural flora
- Limit Sugar Intake, yeast thrives on sugar, and reducing dietary sugar during treatment can help limit Candida overgrowth
- Stay Hydrated, while Accutane dehydrates the skin and mucous membranes, maintaining consistent water intake can help counteract some of the drying effects on the body overall
Get the Care You Deserve at Village Emergency Centers
Can Accutane cause yeast infections? Yes, along with a wide variety of potentially uncomfortable symptoms that can significantly affect your quality of life during treatment. If you are taking Accutane and are experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection or any other side effect discussed above, do not wait to reach out for help. A trusted physician can evaluate your symptoms, confirm the diagnosis, and recommend the most appropriate next steps for your care.
At Village Emergency Centers, our board-certified physicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide expert care without the wait. Whether you are closer to our League City or Jersey Village location, our doors are always open. Feel free to reach out to our team before your visit or simply walk straight in, we are always ready to help.