For patients with severe inflammatory acne that does not improve significantly with topical treatments or oral antibiotics, a doctor may prescribe Accutane (Isotretinoin). Accutane is a drug from the “retinoid” family, a relative of vitamin A that is usually taken once or twice a day (orally) with food for 20 weeks. It works by markedly reducing the size of the oil glands, meaning less oil is produced. As a result, the growth of bacteria is decreased, there is less inflammation, and acne activity is stopped.
Accutane is the only acne treatment that has long-term (semi-permanent) effects on the skin even after treatment has stopped. Statistics show that 70% of people treated with Accutane will have clear skin for life. The other 30% may have some acne again but usually less severe than before.
In summary: If you have deep acne nodules or cystic acne and other treatments have not helped, you might be a good candidate for Accutane. Understanding these potential side effects, consider consulting with your dermatologist to see if Accutane might be the right choice for you.
Read more on Accutane here:
The oral adverse effects of isotretinoin treatment in acne vulgaris patients: A prospective, case-control study
Isotretinoin: Treatment for severe acne
To find the right acne treatments for your unique skin, take the free skin assessment by clicking here.
