#isotretinoin #accutane - the pros and cons.

For many teens, living with acne is a serious problem. Not only because of physical appearance, but also because there is a real and direct link between skin and emotions.

For most of us, acne is an occasional pimple or cyst, or even a recurring breakout. But for some, it's a condition that we can't seem to get under control. And since it affects our faces, and thus, our confidence, it can seem like it's worth doing anything just to get it to go away.

Enter Accutane, the most buzzed-about acne medication on the market. Accutane is actually the brand name for the drug—it's technically called "isotretinoin," and Accutane no longer exists! But still, the chances are, you probably know someone who's currently taking isotretinoin. In fact, it's becoming standard procedure for lots of teens and young adults. But is that a good thing, necessarily? 

The Pros:
It works: isotretinoin is a pill derived from a high-strength Vitamin A that is thought to work by inducing cell death in the sebaceous (oil) glands of the skin, and also exerts antimicrobial effects. The oil glands are typically hyperactive in acne-prone patients, and oil obviously harbors bacteria. Decreasing the oil, therefore, clears blemishes. In the vast majority of patients, it improves both skin and self-esteem.

Besides, it's well known that the results last. Basically, the sebaceous glands shrink when someone is on isotretinoin, and once treatment is completed, they rarely become as large as they were before the treatment. Finally, it's pretty much the only option for the so called "severe nodulocystic, conglobata and scarring acne." If you think that you may be suffering from this condition, consult a dermatologist to see what your options are.

The Cons:
First of all, it's a commitment. One cycle of isotretinoin can take from eight to 10 months, and you have to take one pill per day. During this time, girls must be on birth control since the drug has been linked to severe birth defects. It's also necessary to take a monthly blood test so the doctor can make sure the drug isn't causing internal damage to the liver or kidneys.

Secondly, the drug's mild side effects include overall dryness and an increased sensitivity to the sun, but these symptoms are mostly easy to treat. You can up your moisture intake by drinking more water and soothe chapped skin by adapating a facial oil into your routine. You should also find an oil-free SPF that you can use on a daily basis without exacerbating your acne.

More importantly, though, is that Accutane is often too readily prescribed, when really, it should be looked into as a last resort. The patient and dermatologist together should determine eligibility. With appropriate guidance and close monitoring, it can be very helpful for the right candidate.

Some patients claim that Accutane could induce gastrointestinal disease, like ulcerative colitis. But the chances are your doctor will investigate your family's history for such diseases, and will also be able to take you off the drug if s/he detects an irregularity in your blood test. There have been some news reports that the drug is also linked to suicide among teenagers, but no studies have been able to substantiate those claims. Either way, your dermatologist may ask your parents to monitor your behavior and make sure you smoothly adjust to the medication.