Pimples. Blackheads. Bumps. Nearly everyone suffers an acne outbreak at some point in life, whether that’s during puberty, adulthood, or a little bit of both. While most acne is easy to treat, there are certain forms that need a little extra help.
Those who have “severe” acne generally experience deep, painful cysts and nodules that vary in size from a pencil eraser or larger. And, unfortunately, this type of acne can lead to scars after a cyst is gone. Fortunately, there is one treatment out there that largely clears up this type of acne for good: Accutane.
Accutane, also generically known as isotretinoin, is a prescription medicine that 85% of patients use and see permanently clear skin after one round of treatment. It’s a form of Vitamin A that reduces the amounts released by oil glands and helps skin renew itself quickly. A 30-day supply of Accutane is given at a time, and it’s crucial to take amount the doctor prescribed, which is usually once or twice a day for 16 to 20 weeks. Always take Accutane with a glass of water to prevent the capsule from melting in your throat and causing irritation. If you happen to miss a dose, skip it and take a pill at the next scheduled time. Don’t try to take extra doses to make up for those missed.
Everyone responds to Accutane differently so it’s important to be patient the first couple of months into your treatment regimen. A typical “course” of Accutane is about 5 months, and while patients start to see results within the first month, most begin to experience a noticible difference in the second and third months. This amount of time allows the medicine to effectively decrease overall oil production, reduce inflammation, and unclog pores; patients also see less acne developing while older acne shrinks.
It’s important to know that in order to take Accutane, you must continue to see the dermatologist for follow-up appointments, sign a form that states you know the risks of taking isotretinoin, and enroll in iPLEDGE™, an FDA program committed to pregnancy prevention for those taking Accutane. Accutane can cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy so it’s crucial that any woman of childbearing age does not get pregnant while taking this medicine.
If you’re struggling with severe acne and nothing else seems to be working, Accutane may be the next best step to rid you of pimples once and for all. Accutane is not suited for everyone, which is why we always suggest talking with a local clinic like Coastal Dermatology & Surgery Center about whether or not you’re an ideal candidate, how to take the medicine safely, and what to expect during the course of treatment. We’ve prescribed Accutane to many of our patients and see the powerful results this medicine consistently provides. Contact us to learn more about Accutane and what this medicine can do for you.