The use of isotretinoin to treat acne has become a trend in society in recent years. Although effective for treating acne, this drug still has side effects. Let's look at the benefits and side effects of the following isotretinoin.
Acne is a common skin problem. Although it can occur at any age, this condition is more often experienced at puberty. Besides affecting appearance, acne can also cause psychological disorders in the form of decreased self-confidence, stress, and anxiety. This makes many people look for effective drugs to deal with acne, one of which isotretinoin.
This drug is recommended for acne with moderate to severe severity, large zits, or pimples that do not improve with other treatments. Isotretinoin is generally consumed 2 times a day along with food. The dosage and duration of isotretinoin treatment varies according to the doctor's prescription.
Benefits of Isotretinoin in Treating Acne
Here is how it works and the effectiveness of isotretinoin in treating acne:
1. Overcoming several factors that cause acne
The main factors for acne are increased oil production (sebum) on the face, buildup of dead skin cells that contain keratin in the pores, and the growth of acne-causing bacteria that trigger inflammation.
The first effect of isotretinoin is that it inhibits the production of sebum in the skin. Second, it reduces the production of keratin cells, thereby preventing clogging of skin pores, while preventing the formation of blackheads. Third, reduce the number of bacteria that cause acne and reduce inflammation.
Because its effects are quite extensive in overcoming various causes of acne, isotretinoin is considered very effective and is often used as a treatment for acne.
2. Preventing the formation of acne scars
Isotretinoin influences the activity of enzymes that play a role in healing wounds on the skin, thereby preventing the formation of scars due to acne.
3. Preventing recurrence of pimples
Research on the use of isotretinoin states that this drug can reduce the risk of acne reappearance after the treatment period is over. However, this also needs to be accompanied by other acne prevention measures, such as caring for the skin properly and avoiding stress.
Isotrinoin Side Effects
The side effects of isotretinoin mostly affect the skin condition and are related to the amount of the dose given. The following are the side effects of isotrinoin that need to be considered:
1. Dangerous for fetuses and pregnant women
Isotretinoin has side effects that interfere with the growth and development of the fetus. This drug can cause miscarriage, fetal disability, and preterm labor. Pregnant women or those who have plans to become pregnant are not advised to take this drug.
Before treatment with isotretinoin begins, women who want to use this drug need to inform their doctor if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
2. The skin becomes dry and sensitive
Both of these are the most common side effects of isotretinoin. Isotretinoin will cause skin irritation, dryness, and easy peeling. This exfoliation causes the skin to be more sensitive to sunlight or skin care procedures, such as dermabrasion, laser, and waxing.
To overcome this, patients are advised to always use a facial moisturizer, sunscreen, and avoid the skin care procedure for up to 6 months after isotretinoin treatment is complete.
3. Acne appears more and more (acne flare)
You do not need to worry if more and more acne appears at the beginning of the treatment period. This is one of the initial effects of isotretinoin before this drug shows its benefits for reducing acne.
However, if this complaint lasts for a long time, and more and more acne, you should immediately return to the doctor.
4. Eyes, lips, mouth and nose become dry
The side effects of isotretinoin can cause dry eyes, making irritation easier, dry lips and often appear sores on the corners of the lips (cheilitis), and dry nasal mucosa, so there is a higher risk of nosebleeds.
5. Increase liver enzymes and blood fat
One of the side effects of isotretinoin is to increase levels of liver enzymes and fat components, such as bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in the blood.
Before and during treatment, patients may be advised by a doctor to monitor liver enzymes and fat profiles through blood tests.
6. Allergic reaction
Allergic reactions to isotretinoin are rare. Symptoms that can appear in the form of redness of the skin, itching, swelling on the face, severe headaches, or difficulty breathing. If this happens during the treatment period, you should immediately return to the doctor to get an examination and treatment.
There are several side effects of isotretinoin which is still being debated. Some opinions state that consumption of isotretinoin can cause digestive disorders and psychological disorders, such as anxiety disorders and depression. However, the relationship between isotretinoin consumption with these two conditions still needs further investigation.
Considering the various benefits and side effects of isotretinoin above, the use of this drug must be based on doctor's recommendation and prescription. It is not recommended to buy this drug freely to treat acne.
During the treatment period, patients are also advised to keep control routinely to the doctor who prescribes isotretinoin, so that the effectiveness and side effects of treatment can be monitored.
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