Acne Treatment and Prevention - Cystic Acne and Accutane
Cystic Acne is a very severe form of acne. Usually a dermatologist is consulted for the treatment of this form of acne. Cystic acne consists of nodules and cysts and the patients will suffer from severe inflamed acne. It is not improved by medications and over the counter treatments.
The treatment of this severe acne can sometimes take months or years. Retinoid and accutane are two of the best know treatments for cystic acne. They are best used under the supervision of a dermatologist and will require a prescription to acquire. Of the two treatments accutane is the most popular. Its ability to prevent the scarring that is typical of cystic acne is the reason for its popularity. Accutane can begin to show some results in about fifteen to twenty weeks. At this time the condition is usually completely under control. Ninety percent of patients who tried accutane have experienced positive results.
There are some severe negative side effects to accutane as a treatment for cystic acne. Its use by pregnant women uses the treatment the fetus could suffer serious birth defects. Because of this adverse side effect pregnant women are advised to not use the medication while they are pregnant. Women who are planning to get pregnant are advised against using the drug as well.
The possibility is so strong for this side effect that doctor's treating women of childbearing age with accutane advise them to use two methods of birth control for a full month before they begin treatment and a full month after they stop. Make sure that your doctor is consulted if you have been on this medication about when you should begin to try and get pregnant. Only a doctor can advise you when it is safe to get pregnant without the risk of birth defects.
Other side effects of accutane include excessively dry skin and itching. Nosebleeds, dry lips, dry mouth, eyes and nose are also side effects of the use of accutane. People using accutane may also experience poor vision, aching muscles and sensitivity to sun. The liver function may also be impaired by this medication.
The severe effects of cystic acne can devastate a person's life. The use of accutane has been shown to provide great relief from the suffering of cystic acne. However, the side effects should be considered very strongly before the treatment is started on. If it is used under the supervision and care of a doctor the outcome can be quite positive.