Addressing acne with Accutane

Abdeali Saherwala | Staff Writer

Featured image: Acne, acne, go away! Accutane will save the day! | Courtesy of Kjerstin Michaela

Acne needs no introduction—for most, it’s an embarrassing blemish which only occurs during puberty, while others can literally be scarred by it.

The medical name is acne vulgaris, which occurs when one’s pores are clogged with dead skin, dirt, and excess oil. This includes blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, oily skin, hormonal breakouts, cysts, and scarring. It primarily affects the areas of the skin that host a high number of oil glands, such as the face, chest, and back.

You can blame it on genetics, diet, or hormones—but it still won’t make this persistent problem disappear forever. Many believe that once one experiences the completion of their puberty cycle, their acne will automatically cease to exist. Unfortunately, for many, acne persists for a long period of time, even after they’ve gone through the awkward voice cracks and growth spurts.

It’s important for everyone to understand that for some, acne takes a heavier toll on their physical and mental health—while breakouts can not only be painful, they can also result in increased levels of anxiety and depression.

In order to remove or reduce such a skin problem and its adverse side effects, many often choose to consult a dermatologist.

While some forms of acne can be easily remedied through an adjustment in diet and a new face wash product, others may require further treatment. Initial prescriptions—benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, or anti-bacterial creams—can be applied directly to the skin. Many women may also be suggested to try a certain birth control pill.

If these options don’t work, dermatologists may recommend Accutane.

Accutane is a form of vitamin A that works by reducing the oil (sebum) production of oil glands in your skin, aiding the skin to renew itself more quickly.

“Accutane, or isotretinoin, is a medication that should be reserved for use in people with a severe form of acne called cystic acne, where large nodules form on the skin. It is the most effective medication for this type of acne. Accutane should not be used for milder forms of acne, as there are other effective medicines for less severe acne,” says Dr. Joel Lexchin, a professor in the School of Health Policy and Management.

Accutane is a prescription medication; while it treats severe acne it’s also used, on rare occasions, to prevent certain skin cancers.

Like with any medication, Accutane can cause severe side effects that consumers need to be aware off. Patients will need to have regular consultations with their dermatologist, as well as tri-monthly blood tests, to monitor their liver function, as isotretinoin can damage your internal organs. Women must present a negative pregnancy test in order to refill a prescription and continue with treatment.

“While many people do outgrow their acne by age 20, others do not. The issue with waiting is that you may have to face seven to 10 years of embarrassment and other psychological issues as a result, as well as scarring that develops, which is then expensive and painful to try and fix, and will never be fully fixed,” says Dr. Benjamin Barankin, a dermatologist for the Toronto Dermatology Centre.

Accutane is considered “the most powerful medication for acne and has remittive properties, meaning you can do a six-month course of the medication and never have acne again, in some cases,” explains Barankin.

It becomes a great option if there is evidence of scarring and for acne that is extensive, specifically on the face, back, shoulders, and chest, Barankin adds. The monthly dose for this medication is reasonably priced, and it usually costs about $60.

The disadvantages of using Accutane are that it requires the individual to perform several “blood tests and requires the user to reduce alcohol consumption while they are using it. Additionally, a common side effect is dryness, and especially chapped lips,” adds Barankin.

Patients are advised to use multiple birth control options while on this pill, as it can cause severe birth defects in children. Lesser-known symptoms include headaches, fatigue, a strained back, hair loss, difficulty with night vision, stomach pain, and, rarely, mood changes and depression.

Accutane is usually prescribed by a dermatologist or a family physician, and an individual’s dosage is determined by several medical factors, including weight and the level of acne present.

Before deciding that you need medication for your acne, consult your local dermatologist to determine a solution, as Accutane may be an option to remedy your stubborn problem.