Accutane Treatment

Accutane (isotretinoin) is a powerful medication used to treat severe cases of acne that do not respond well to other treatments. In particular, it can be highly effective on the most stubborn forms of acne—cystic acne and nodules, which can cause significant scarring.

Accutane can not only clear up acne breakouts but may also reduce the risk of permanent scars. It should be noted that the brand name Accutane was taken off the market, but it is still available in generic form as isotretinoin. Dermatologists and patients alike often use this more common name instead of isotretinoin.

Isotretinoin is a retinoid that is derived from Vitamin A. Accutane acne treatment works in four different ways, as follows:

• Shrinking the oil glands – Accutane treatment shrinks the oil glands in the skin. When the oil glands can't produce as much oil, they can't clog the skin, making acne breakouts less likely.
• Affecting dead skin cells – Skin pores can be clogged by dead skin cells and oil from the skin. Isotretinoin makes the dead skin cells less "sticky," which reduces the risk of clogging the pores.
• Inhibiting bacteria – Accutane acne treatment also reduces bacterial growth on the skin.
• Minimizing inflammation – Acne is an inflammatory skin condition, particularly in cases of cystic acne. Accutane minimizes inflammation.

Only a dermatologist can determine if Accutane is right for you. Share your full medical history with one of our clinicians and a complete list of all medications (OTC and prescription) and supplements you are taking.

In general, Accutane acne treatment may be right for people for whom the following are true:

• Diagnosed with severe nodulocystic acne that doesn't respond to other treatments.
• Not currently pregnant, not trying to become pregnant, and not breastfeeding.
• Does not have contraindicating medical conditions and is not taking medications/supplements that may interact with isotretinoin.