Anyone who has been suffering from acne for a while comes early
or turn down the name Roaccutane. Maybe has
The GP mentioned it, maybe you know someone
who has used it, or are you looking for it yourself?
left because creams and skincare were insufficient
seem to do.
Roaccutane is the well-known brand name of
isotretinoin, a medicine
that can be very effective for severe acne.
But perhaps you are hesitant because of the possible
side effects, such as dry skin, dry eyes
or muscle and joint complaints. Or you want first
know which other treatments are available for you
form of acne be available.
In my practice, I therefore regularly receive
the question:
Can I treat my acne without Roaccutane?
Sometimes yes. But that depends mainly on the
type of acne, its severity and the risk of
scar formation. There is no single treatment.
that works for every acne.
One skin type mainly has blackheads and clogged pores.
On different skin, you see many red inflammations.
and pimples. Sometimes there are deeper, painful ones
inflammations under the skin. I regularly see
a combination thereof.
Also the location of the acne, how long someone
is already suffering from it, what was tried earlier
is and how quickly scars form play a role
involved in the choice of treatment.
At Medicademis, I therefore start with a
assessment of the skin. Then discuss
which skin therapy treatments
can be useful and when treatment
is more important by the general practitioner or dermatologist.
Isotretinoin is not a drug that you by definition
should avoid. It actually has an important
place in the treatment of acne. Especially with
severe acne, acne at risk of scarring
to develop or acne that does not respond sufficiently
on other adequate treatments, can
Isotretinoin could be an effective choice.
The drug has a strong effect on the, among other things
sebum production and on processes involved in the
play a role in the development of acne Treatment
takes place under medical supervision,
because isotretinoin side effects and
takes important precautionary measures.
Roaccutane can be very effective in severe
acne, but the drug also has possible
side effects. For many people, that is a reason
to first thoroughly familiarize oneself with the treatment
and possible alternatives.
The side effects vary from person to person and depend
among other things, together with the dosage. Not everyone
develops the same symptoms and many side effects
reduce after adjustment or termination
of the treatment.
The best-known side effects are dry and cracked.
lips, dry or sensitive skin and dry eyes.
The nasal mucous membranes can also dry out,
causing nosebleeds.
The skin may be more sensitive during the treatment.
be exposed to irritation and sunlight. Therefore,
it is important to apply the skincare to this
adjustable and aggressive cosmetic
to avoid treatments.
During the use of isotretinoin,
muscle pain, joint pain and back problems
performance. How much does this bother someone?
has, differs.
Discuss persistent or severe symptoms
with the attending physician, especially when
these affect daily functioning.
Isotretinoin can affect the
liver values and the amount of fats
in the blood, including triglycerides
and cholesterol.
Therefore, prior to and during
the treatment blood values checked
according to the policy of the attending physician.
The checks are intended to any
to detect deviations in a timely manner.
There are reports of mood changes,
depressive symptoms, anxiety and others
psychological complaints during use
of isotretinoin.
The connection is not in all cases
Clear. Severe acne can also manifest itself.
be a major psychological burden.
However, it is important that possible
changes in mood and behavior
be taken seriously.
Also sexual side effects, such as
changes in libido and problems
with sexual functioning,
have been reported.
Discuss a history of
psychological complaints and any
changes during treatment
with the prescribing physician.
In case of severe mood swings
or thoughts of self-harm
immediate medical help is needed.
Isotretinoin can cause serious congenital
cause abnormalities and the chance
to enlarge on a miscarriage.
It is therefore not allowed during
be used during pregnancy.
For people who can get pregnant,
strict precautionary measures apply,
including reliable contraception
and pregnancy tests.
These measures start even before
the treatment and also remain
for a certain period
necessary after stopping.
The prescribing physician discusses
the conditions and checks.
Side effects do not mean that
isotretinoin for everyone
is a wrong choice.
In case of severe acne or impending
scar formation can the benefits
outweigh the benefits of the treatment
the risks.The dermatologist
assesses this together with the patient.
In case of deep, painful inflammations,
rapid scarring or acne
which worsens despite treatment,
is assessment by the general practitioner
or dermatologist important.
Skin therapy treatments
necessary medical
Do not delay care.
Sometimes skin therapy can
and medical treatment
complement each other, but
that calls for a
careful treatment plan.
Do you want to know what the possibilities are?
be there for your acne?
During a free introductory meeting
I look at your skin and discuss
we which skin therapeutic
treatments can be appropriate
his and/or medical assessment
is needed.
With mild to moderate acne,
various parts of
a dermatological treatment plan
be combined.
Which combination I choose,
depends on the appearance of the acne
and the condition of the skin.
In addition, there are proven
drug treatments
which are less drastic
than a course of isotretinoin,
such as certain local
retinoids, benzoyl peroxide
and other medicines
the general practitioner or dermatologist
can prescribe.
Skin therapy can be a complementary
play a role or for that
suitable milder acne
to be part of a
non-pharmacological approach.
When especially blackheads
and closed comedones
be present, can
clean out thoroughly
to be part of
the treatment.
Not for every pimple
to squeeze out,
but for existing
blockages checked
to remove.
In addition, I also look
to home care.
The removal of
has blockages
after all, it makes little sense
when the skin
then again and again
gets clogged
A medical peel
could be interesting
when blockages,
an irregular
skin texture, inflammation
or residual stains
play a role.
In doing so, I choose
not automatically
for the strongest
peeling.
An acne-prone
skin can also
a vulnerable
have a skin barrier.
Treat too intensively
can then actually be extra
cause irritation.
The type of peel,
the strength and
the interval between
the treatments
must therefore
suit the skin.
With the
Lumenis M22
can I use
of a specific
Acne Filter.
This filter is
developed for
the treatment
of inflammatory acne:
acne with redness
papules, pustules
and active inflammation
to be in the foreground.
IPL is not intended
to simply a
to burn away a pimple.
The selected
light wavelengths
be deployed
because of their possible
influence on processes
that for active acne
play a role.
For certain forms
from mild to moderate
inflammatory acne
his positive
research results
described
The probative value is
however more limited
than those of
established
medicinal
treatments
IPL is therefore
no direct
replacement for
isotretinoin.
A treatment
in practice
might take
an hour.
The rest of
the weeks care
the skin itself.
That is why I look
also to the
products that
someone uses at home.
More is for acne
certainly not always
better.
I see regularly
skins on which
various acids,
scrubs, benzoyl peroxide,
retinoids and
drying products
at the same time
be used.
The thought
is understandable:
if something against
acne works,
will more
probably
work better
But a
irritated
skin barrier
can the treatment
actually more complicated
to make.
I advise
therefore rather
a clear overview
routine with
products that
everyone
clear
have a function
Which products
be suitable,
depends
of the skin.
A strong
clogged skin
asks something
other than
a skin
that became inflamed
and is sensitive.
Tried everything,
but does your acne keep coming back?
Then it makes sense.
not just like that
another new one
product or a
new treatment
to choose.
During a
free introductory session
we look
what you already use,
how your skin
responds to that
and which next
step-appropriate
could be.
When the active
decrease inflammation,
is sometimes only
clearly visible
what the acne
has left behind.
That is possible
red or brown
spots are,
but also
changes
in the skin structure.
Red residual spots,
pigment and
real scars
are different
things
They ask
not automatically
for the same
treatment.
With real
acne scars
is the structure
of the skin
changed
Think, for example,
to manholes
which are also visible
stay when
the redness
has disappeared.
My first
priority is
usually to
new inflammations
sufficient under
to gain control.
Treat differently
we existing
scars while
there at the same time
new can
to arise.
When the
active acne
is sufficiently quiet,
can we look
according to the skin structure.
Depending on
the type of scar
can I under
other microneedling,
TCA or
ResurFX 1565 nm
to stake.
Someone can start
with a full skin
blockages and
inflammation.
First we work
quieter
get from
active acne.
In addition, can
home products,
clean out,
a peel
or in certain
dropped IPL
be deployed.
When the
inflammation
reduce,
can the attention
shift to
red or brown
residual stains
and possibly
scars.
That means
not that everyone
all these treatments
needs
The treatment plan
belongs to
change
with the skin.
If you take isotretinoine
considers but
first want to know
which other
possibilities
there for you
to be skin,
can we
there during
a free
introduction
to look at.
I rate
which form
of acne
you have,
what you use
and what you
possibly
already have
tried.
Then
we discuss
which dermatological
treatments
can be meaningful.
When medical
judgement
or treatment
is necessary,
shall I that
also indicate
More information about how it works,
side effects and precautions
of isotretinoin you will find at
the following independent
medical sources.
Dutch Association for
Dermatology and Venereology (NVDV)
Apotheek.nl
Assessment Board
of Medicines (CBG)
This article is intended as
general information and replaces
No medical advice.
Do you use isotretinoin?
and are you experiencing side effects?
Discuss this with your
prescribing physician.
Stop or change prescription
medication not on own initiative,
except when the package leaflet
expressly indicates that
immediate stopping is necessary.
First: what kind of acne do you actually have?
When is Roaccutane a logical choice?
What are the side effects of Roaccutane?
Dry lips, skin, and eyes
Muscle and joint complaints
Changes in liver values and blood lipids
Can Roaccutane cause depressive feelings?
Why shouldn't you get pregnant while on Roaccutane?
When should acne be treated medically?
Which treatments are possible without Roaccutane?
Cleansing for blackheads and blockages
Medical peels for acne
IPL for active inflammatory acne
Home treatment is at least as important
What if the acne calms down, but the spots remain?
And what if there are real acne scars?
Treating acne is often a process, not a single treatment.
Are you unsure about Roaccutane?
Medical sources and further reading
Patient information about isotretinoin,
the treatment, side effects
and necessary checks.
Read the patient information →
Isotretinoin: action, possible
side effects, interactions
and use during pregnancy.
View the medication information →
Official patient information leaflet
for isotretinoin, with
warnings, side effects
and the program for
prevention of pregnancy.
View the official package leaflet →