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The truth about Accutane for acne
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Accutane is also known as Roaccutane or Oratane. The parent drug is known as isotretinoin, a form of vitamin A. This drug address all four causes of acne including-
Reduces skin inflammation
Normalises turnover of skin cells in the the oil gland
Reduces oil production, also known as sebum
Reduces the population of C. acnes, the bacterium implicated in pimples, pustules, blackhead, zits, whiteheads & cysts
Dermatologists have been treating cystic acne, hormonal acne, as well as recalcitrant acne with this medication for four decades. A treatment course varies from 4 months to beyond 18 months. Cessation of this medication is drawn when acne has resolved completely for a period of 2 to 3 months. This medication places acne in remission in about 60-70 % of cases. Patients who have severe acne, a family history of acne, or trunk acne-bacne may require additional courses of this medication. Typically the dose ranges from between 5-80 mg per day. Retinoid resistance is very rare.
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Accutane is also an off label treatment for rosacea, seborrhoea or oily skin-scalp, as well as other skin conditions such as sebaceous hyperplasia, psoriasis, seb dermatitis, and even viral warts. Side effects are frequently seen, and this medication will require patient monitoring.
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Side effects include, but are not limited to the following:
Skin side effects include: Dry skin, xerosis, dry lips, cheilitis, photosensitivity, cuts, bruises, ingrown toenails, eczema
Musculoskeletal: Bone pain, backaches, muscle pain, stunted growth, osteoporosis and decreased bone mineral density
CNS: Headaches, blurred vision, loss of night vision, intracranial pressure changes, mood swings, anxiety, depression
Reproduction: Foetal anomalies of the heart, limbs and CNS
Blood and blood test anomalies: include elevated liver function tests, elevated cholesterol, depressed blood counts
Disclaimer: I am a procedural dermatologist, I do not treat acne. If you have medical dermatological conditions please consult your health professional. I do not endorse the use of isotretinoin, nor do I promote it’s use. This video is a balanced viewpoint on the risk benefit ratio of this medication. The decision to go on this medication or to refuse the use is based upon consent and the therapeutic alliance you develop with YOUR treating dermatologist.
Thanks for watching this video.
Dr Davin S. Lim, Brisbane Dermatologist.
Australia.
#healthyskin #acnetreatments #brisbaneskin #skincare
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