A 44-year-old member asked:
is there any alternative for isotetrinoin /accutane in nodular acne ?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Arlo Milleranswered
Dermatology 15 years experience
Maybe: Aggressive combinations of oral antibiotics and topical medicines are sometimes effective, but you risk developing more scarring during that time if they fail. Accutane is the most reliable option.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Neal Schwartzanswered
Family Medicine 20 years experience
Yes: Hello,
Traditional texts speak of the failure and risk of topical methods for deeper cysts and nodules. However, new amplified approaches of topicals can predictably, and reproducibly inactivate nodular acne without accutane.
A strategic approach requires a great patient/practitioner relationship. Cortisone injections during the treatment can minimize scarring from large individual lesions.
3.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 42-year-old member asked:
How does Accutane (isotretinoin) work to treat acne?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. M. Christine Leeanswered
Dermatology 28 years experience
Dries up oil glands: It decreases sebum production from the sebaceous glands which is the primary cause of acne formation. It also has an antimicrobial effect on the bacteria involved with causing acne.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Chile
A 23-year-old male asked:
I have been taking isotreitoine (accutane) for about 7 years. Starting the treatment but leaving it when acne stops. What is the main problem of that?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A Verified Doctoranswered
A US doctor answeredLearn more
Return of acne: The biggest problem would just be that the acne would probably return eventually. Once you get it clear, you might try switching to something else, like a topical cream/gel/face wash, etc. To see if that keeps it away.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Last updated Jul 17, 2015
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