If you’ve tried a variety of treatments to clear your acne and nothing seems to work, it may be time to talk to your doctor about Accutane. When it comes to treating acne, Accutane is known as the drug of last resort. But what exactly is Accutane, and how does it help acne.
What Is Accutane?
Accutane is the brand name for isotretinoin which is an oral retinoic acid that is often used in the treatment of acne, including cystic acne. Cystic acne is a severe form of acne that causes painful, inflamed lesions to appear on the skin.
Accutane is a powerful medication that is derived from vitamin A. It is typically recommended for patients that have not been helped by prescription medication and other interventions.
The specific dosage of Accutane needed varies for each patient, depending on the type and severity of the acne being treated. Most patients are acne-free after 4-6 months of Accutane treatment.
How Accutane Helps Acne
Accutane combats acne by reducing the size of the sebaceous glands and decreasing the amount of oil they produce. Accutane also reduces acne-causing p. acnes bacteria. Controlling oil production and removing bacteria unclogs the pores of the skin, so blackheads and whiteheads are less likely to develop.
Are There Any Side-Effects?
There are several side-effects associated with Accutane including chapped lips and dry skin, but more severe side-effects can occur with high doses of the drug. Accutane can also cause birth defects, so it should not be taken by pregnant women. It’s for this reason that Accutane is only available under a special program known as iPledge.
Would you like to learn more about Accutane? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.
If you are in the Newport Beach, CA area, Zena Medical is our featured practice.
You can reach them at www.zenamedical.com or by calling 949-200-8222.