Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a medicine that revolutionized the treatment of acne. Accutane belongs to the family of medicines called retinoids, which are similar to vitamin A. Accutane, like other retinoids, works by altering DNA transcription. This affect decreases the size and output of sebaceous glands. It also makes the cells that are sloughed off into the sebaceous glands less sticky, and therefore less able to form blackheads and whiteheads (comedones). It also reduces the number of bacteria in the sebaceous gland and on the skin surface.
Both adults and teenagers withsevere acne have been successfully treated with Accutane over the last two decades. This acne medicine is administered in cycles lasting 16 to 20 weeks in duration. Depending on how well your body responds to this medication, the cycles can be reduced to extended. According to statistics nearly 85% of the people are clear of acne after the first 16 weeks. Many patients continue to notice the reduction of acne lesions and scarring months after discontinuing the use of Accutane. In addition, studies have shown that your skin responds better to conventional acne treatments should acne reoccur.
How well does Accutane work?
* For severe acne, it cures approximately 35-38 percent of patients after one course of treatment.
* 70 percent of the people who take Accutane experience long-term remission.
* Adult women have higher relapse rates than teenagers.
* One course of treatment will take on average, 4-6 months.
* If you have very oily skin and giant blackheads, are a younger teenager, or have acne on your chest and back, then you have a greater chance of having a relapse of your acne.
* Most dermatologists believe it is a remarkable acne medication.
* Some people's acne clears quickly while in others improvement is gradual.
* Multiple courses can be taken.
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