Roaccutane is a medication used to treat severe acne. Acne is a common skin condition and the treatments vary depending on the type of acne.
What is Roaccutane?
Roaccutane is a medication used to treat severe acne. It belongs to a group of medicines called retinoids with the active ingredient of isotretinoin. It is considered for individuals who have not responded to other treatment (topical/antibiotics) or those who may experiencing mental health distress caused by acne.
Roaccutane is a type of retinoid and works by targeting the root causes of acne. It reduces sebum production by the sebaceous glands which leads to clogged pores and acne. The medication shrinks the size of glands lowering the likelihood of future blockage. It further sheds the skin cells within the pores thus reducing comedones and inflammations of acne.
The treatment usually lasts 4-6 months. The dosage is calculated by assessing the severity of acne and the patients age and weight.
How long does Roaccutane take to work?
Before starting treatment, it is important to note that It takes time to notice results. This can vary depending on the severity of the acne, the prescribed dosages, and the individual. The higher the dose of isotretinoin treatment the more effective it is in preventing the reoccurrence. However more potential side effects can be expected at higher doses.
Severity or cystic acne needs a longer time to improve compared to mild acne. These medications need to be taken consistently to ensure optimal results.
Initial weeks (0-2 weeks)
It is common to notice that acne is getting worse before it gets better. This is referred to as a purging phase where the existing pores come to the surface. The skin can become dry, lips can become chapped, and some other side effects to appear during this time.
Month 1-3
Some subtle improvements can start to show in month 1. These are on the skin in the form of reduction of any new acne lesions.
In months 2-3, the skin becomes smoother and the frequency of new breakouts decreases by a degree.
Months 4-6
The usual course of Roaccutane can last for 4 to 6 months. Most people can have visible clearing of acne by this time and some may require an additional course if the acne returns after the treatment ends.
Long term
Many patients maintain clear skin long after finishing their course. The specialist will conduct a analysis of roaccutane before and after treatment and then suggest next course of action. A percentage may experience a recurrence of acne or have such severe acne that one course is not sufficient and might need further treatment.
Side effects of Roaccutane
The common side effects of roaccutane are dry skin, lips and dry eyes. Individuals should use lip balms, moisturiser cream and eye drops to combat these effects. The skin over all becomes sensitive to sunlight and high SPF sunscreen should be used to avoid any sunburns.
Other side effects which are less common are mood changes, including depression or anxiety. It is possible that some people experience elevated liver enzymes and cholesterol levels. Blood test would be needed to see the effects of accutane.
Teratogenicity
One of the most serious risk of roaccutane is its potential to cause severe birth defects. Women of childbearing age must adhere to strict birth control. This includes regular pregnancy test and the use of effective contraception before, during and after stopping treatment.
Acne other treatments
There are both over-the-counter and prescription topical treatments available that contain ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids. These can help clear clogged pores, reduce inflammation, and encourage skin cell turnover.
In more severe or persistent cases of adult acne, oral medications like antibiotics, hormonal therapies (such as birth control pills for women), or isotretinoin may be prescribed.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can also play a role in managing adult acne. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, using stress-management techniques, and protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure
In addition to medications, certain therapies can be beneficial. Starting with general skin care to prevent scarring and minimize the contrast between scarred and unscarred skin is crucial. Light-based therapy and chemical peels have shown some success in enhancing skin appearance.
Consult doctor
Individuals using roaccutane should consult their doctor if the time to treat acne is taking longer or there is no improvement.
It is important to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most suitable treatment plan, understand potential side effects, and address any necessary lifestyle adjustments.
