Can Isotretinoin be used to treat Acne?

Acne is of two types. There is common acne, and cystic acne. Both types are caused by an excess of sebum combining with excess dead skin cells accumulating in the base of the follicle. They clog the pores of the hairs, creating whiteheads or blackheads. When excess oil builds up in the pores or when the clogs get infected by bacteria, pimples, pustules and nodules start to form. These are symptoms of common acne. Cystic acne forms clogs deep inside the pore of the follicles, beneath the skin. They are similar to boils and can cause lesions.

Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne. To treat it, a drug known as Isotetritonoin (Accutane) is used. This drug works by shrinking the sebaceous glands so that they do not produce excess amounts of sebum. Reduction in the production of skin oils leads to less clogging, and so the breakouts of pimples lessen considerably.

However, Isotetritonoin causes some undesirable side effects. Women who were pregnant while taking this drug have miscarried or given birth to babies with severe birth defects. Women who may soon become pregnant are also not allowed to use this drug.