@samanthaschneidermd Replying to @Donna A question I get asked constantly by parents whose children are on isotretinoin or considering it — and one that deserves a clear, honest answer. Isotretinoin is one of the most effective treatments we have for severe acne but it is completely normal to have concerns, especially when it comes to growing children and teenagers. Understanding what the research actually says can make a huge difference in how confident you feel about the decision ahead. If your child's dermatologist has recommended isotretinoin, this video is for you. Drop your acne questions below 👇 #dermatologist #isotretinoin #acnetips ♬ Aesthetic - Tollan Kim

One of the most common concerns parents have before starting isotretinoin (formerly known by the brand name Accutane) is whether the medication can stunt their teenager's growth.

The short answer? For most teens taking standard doses of isotretinoin for acne, current research suggests it does not affect final adult height.

Can Isotretinoin Slow Growth?

During treatment, some teenagers may experience a temporary slowdown in their growth velocity, which simply means they may grow in height a little more slowly than expected while taking the medication.

This can understandably sound alarming, but studies have found reassuring news: once treatment is complete, these teens typically catch up in growth, reaching the same final adult height they were expected to achieve.

In other words, the medication may temporarily slow the pace of growth, but it does not generally reduce ultimate adult height in healthy teenagers receiving standard acne treatment.

Are There Any Exceptions?

While isotretinoin is considered safe for most adolescents when prescribed appropriately, there are certain groups where growth concerns deserve additional attention.

These include:

• Children younger than 10 years old, whose growth plates are still especially vulnerable.
• Patients receiving high-dose, long-term isotretinoin for conditions such as neuroblastoma, which is a very different treatment than acne therapy.
• Children with underlying bone health concerns, including low bone mineral density or significant vitamin D deficiency.

These situations require individualized evaluation and close medical supervision.

Why Your Dermatologist May Bring It Up

Even though isotretinoin does not generally affect final adult height in teens treated for acne, your dermatologist may still discuss growth as part of the informed consent process.

That's because every medication has potential risks, and it's important for patients and families to understand both the common and uncommon considerations before starting treatment.

Having an open conversation allows your dermatologist to evaluate your child's age, overall health, medical history, and whether isotretinoin is the right choice.

The Bottom Line

For teenagers taking standard doses of isotretinoin to treat acne, current evidence is reassuring:

• Growth may temporarily slow during treatment.
• Most teens catch up after completing therapy.
• Final adult height is generally not affected.

If your child has concerns about growth, bone health, or isotretinoin treatment, give us a call. We can help weigh the benefits and risks based on your child's individual situation and ensure treatment is both safe and effective.

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I understand why a dermatologist might have brought up this concern generally isotretinoin does not affect the final adult height of teenagers taking isotretinoin okaywhile the teen is taking it sometimes the velocity mean how fast they are growing in their vertical height can slow downSo they are growing more slowly, but once they come off of the medication, in a group, a population study,they found that those kids that were taking isotretinoin caught up.

So their final height does not appear to be affected.Now, there are some higher risk groups, and in those groups, it can affect their height.Those are people that are taking it for neuroblastoma.That's not for acne.It's higher doses and longer courses, and that can sometimes affect their final height.The other groups that can sometimes be affected, kids younger than 10,which generally I'm not putting kids 10 and younger on isotretinoin for acne.

Their growth plate is more vulnerable, so we have to be more careful in that population, okay?And then kids that haveBone mineral density problems, vitamin D deficiencies.Of course, it's a personal decision and one that everyone needs to have with their doctor and their medical team,but in the right person, at the right time, in the right doses, for the right diagnosis, so teens on standard dosing for acne,it does not generally affect their final vertical height.I hope that helps.Please, if you have more questions about acne, isotretinoin, drop them in the comments below.And share this with others who have questions about acne.