Many people have experienced the troublesome acne during adolescence, and many continue to suffer from this annoyance in adulthood. Isotretinoin is considered an effective solution for these common skin problems. The uniqueness of this drug is that it not only effectively clears acne, but also improves the skin condition, allowing people to regain youthful confidence.
Isotretinoin is the only medication that simultaneously targets all four major pathological processes that lead to severe acne, making it unique among other treatment options.
Isotretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A, is used to treat skin diseases such as cystic acne. Its main mechanism of action is to reduce the production of oil on the skin's surface by reducing the size of the sebaceous glands and inhibiting sebum secretion. Additionally, isotretinoin has antibacterial properties, which can help reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
The drug's effectiveness is so impressive that many dermatologists recommend it for treating acne that has resisted other treatments.
Although isotretinoin is effective, patients must pay special attention to its side effects during treatment. The most common side effects include dry lips, brittle skin and dry eyes. In rare cases, patients may experience muscle pain, headaches, and mental health-related issues, such as symptoms of depression. However, these side effects do not occur in all patients and are mostly manageable.
There are also regulations on the use of isotretinoin, especially for female patients. Because it has obvious teratogenic effects and may affect the development of the fetus if used during pregnancy, some countries, such as the United States, have adopted strict management measures, such as the iPLEDGE program, to ensure the safety of pregnant and expectant mothers. Under this plan, all users must also use effective contraceptive measures.
Studies have shown that the risk of fertility during pregnancy for women taking isotretinoin is as high as 20-60%.
The therapeutic effect of isotretinoin is not limited to acne. It can also be used to treat other skin-related diseases such as lichen planus and xerosis, and even has auxiliary effects on some rare diseases such as scleroderma. It has also been used in some cases to treat skin cancer, although current clinical studies show that its effectiveness in this area is unclear.
As for mental health, research on isotretinoin has also shown some controversy. Some patients have reported symptoms such as depression and anxiety while on the medication, which makes doctors need to be especially careful when prescribing this drug. Surveys show that emotional problems sometimes persist for some patients even after they stop taking medication.
Isotretinoin was the only non-psychiatric drug associated with depression and suicide risk using available data.
Isotretinoin has been used more and more widely in the past few decades, and related research has continued to increase, providing more basis and guidance for the application of this drug and its effects. For many patients suffering from acne, this is indeed a "reversal of youth" option.
However, considering the potential risks of isotretinoin, caution must be exercised during treatment, and patients must fully communicate and understand with their doctors before using it. Since everyone's physique is different, the effect of isotretinoin may vary. Are you willing to try this drug with various potential effects to clear acne?