Severe acne lesions are normally characterized by nodular and cystic acne. Although these are not the frequent cases of acne; however, severe acne could call for great hardship for its victims. Cystic acne might inflict ugly disfiguring in our body parts causing immense physical and psychological trauma. Synthetic retinoid, isotretinoin, is that elementary drug which is reserved for
cystic acne treatment—an acne condition where people are hard put to find an effective medication.
What is Isotretinoin?
Isotretinoin belongs to the family of retinoids which are the derivatives of vitamin A. Its chemical name is 13-cis-retinoic acid. This is at present the best synthetic oral medication available in global market for combating severe cystic acne.
How it Works?
Researchers have already established that the causes of acne prowl behind clogging of hair follicles by dead skin cell debris in combination with excess accumulated sebum (body oil) from sebaceous glands embedded under the hair follicles. This mild condition is generally followed by bacterial infection, inflammation, and severe acne condition. In
cystic acne treatment method isotretinoin works in multiple fashions.
Similar to vitamin A, it modifies the DNA transcription in patient’s body, thereby minimizing the size of sebaceous glands, which in turn reduces the secretion of sebum. In this way isotretinoin thwarts clogging of pores at the skin surface. This oral retinoid also helps in eradicating the proliferation of natural skin-dwelling Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. Another factor, which is also known to be contributing to hair follicle clogging, is the abnormal flaking of follicular keratinocytes. Isotretinoin promotes the normalization of production of follicle lining cells, thereby preventing any further acne breakouts. This revolutionary acne medication deals with almost all of the factors associated with severe acne condition.
How to Use It?
In order to determine the dosage of isotretinoin pills for
cystic acne treatment it is essential to consider the associated risk factors. Nevertheless the treatment could start off with a mild dose of 20 to 40 mg per day. In most of the cases after 2 to 4 weeks of regular use a substantial diminution in the severe acne lesions could be observed.
Normally, a single course of medication throughout a 6-month period is sufficient to keep the acne at bay for years to come. However, in few cases like, adult women and adolescents having severe cystic acne, occurrence of acne pimples might reappear after a single dose and in these cases they need multiple dosage of this oral drug over a longer period.
At the initial stages of
cystic acne treatment with oral retinoid you might find your acne condition getting even more irritating and inflammatory as well. However, this situation is quite normal with this treatment process and there is no reason to put an end to your endeavor with isotretinoin. Just have patience and in no time you could see its magical effects on your acne blemishes.
Side Effects and Precautions
1) The most serious side effect caused by this famous
cystic acne treatment process is teratogenicity. It might inflict serious birth defect to the developing fetus in pregnant women. As per the directions of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) every women at their child bearing age should undergo two pregnancy tests before going for isotretinoin and obviously these tests must come out as negative. They also have to maintain two forms of birth control method from 1 month before the initiation of this medication. Women should not breast-feed their children while undergoing isotretinoin medication. Certain birth control pills which are also effective in alleviating acne conditions by controlling male hormonal imbalance are quite often prescribed by dermatologists for adult women in combination with oral retinoid isotretinoin.
2) Another serious side effect, oftentimes found to be imposed by this
cystic acne treatment, is the occurrence of psychological disorder. Problems like depression, irritability, and in few cases suicidal tendencies have been reported as the outcome of this medication. These symptoms are found to be disappearing after the discontinuation of isotretinoin consumption. Patients should be concerned about the possibilities of these side effects and it is always advisable to remain in touch with a counselor while taking this oral drug.
3) Other most common side effects of isotretinoin include dryness of skin, dry mouth, reddish eyes and blurred vision or dizziness, severe headache and abdominal pain, thinning of hair, bone and joint pain, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, elevated triglyceride level in blood, and enhanced photosensitivity especially under the sun. Using proper moisturizer could solve the problem of dryness. You should not wear contact lenses at the initial stages of this acne treatment. During the course of this medication and even within 1 month after finishing the course you should not donate blood to anyone. With the onset of any of these side effects your first priority should be to get in touch with your physician as early as possible. All these side effects could be dealt with proper medication with a prudent manner and careful supervision. With appropriate and assiduous endeavor this
cystic acne treatment would surely amend your acne stricken life.
