Accutance Acne Treatment

Accutane is a powerful drug used in the treatment of acne. It is a potent medication taken for four to five months and usually leads to clearing of acne. It has proven very effective for nearly all types of breakouts.

Accutance claims to be the only "permanent" treatment for acne on the market is Accutane. Unfortunately, Accutane can have multiple side-effects and must be prescribed by a physician. Other acne treatment must to be continued to prevent the acne and lesions from recurring.

Accutane is used for moderate to severe acne, where other acne treatments have failed.

Due to its serious side effects, Accutane is generally only used for severe, scarring acne, and cases where the acne has been present for many years and has not respond completely to antibiotic pills and creams.

In spite of Accutane's many side effects, in some ways it is safer than long-term antibiotic usage.

Most other acne-controlling medicines are antibacterial agents, which are effective only if used daily. Over two million people have taken this drug, providing a lot of information about its safety and effectiveness

Acne Treatments

Treatments such as accutance for the treatment of acne aim at eliminating the existing acne and avoiding recurring acne. This is done using a combination of two treatment protocols:

1. Remove clogged oils and dead skin from the pore
2. Remove bacteria surrounding the pore

Accutance Side Effects

Accutane has some serious side effects including birth defects and depression and suicide.

Birth Defects

The most harmful side effect of Accutane is that it can cause severe birth defects, including mental retardation and physical malformations. A woman must not become pregnant whilst taking Accutance. Doctors generally ask all age bearing women to sign a detailed consent form before taking Accutane. If you accidentally become pregnant while taking the medication, you should immediately consult your doctor.

Other Common Side Effects

More common accutane side effects may include:

• Conjunctivitis (``pinkeye'')
• Dry or fragile skin
• Dry or cracked lips
• Dry mouth, dry nose,
• Itching
• Joint pains
• Nosebleed

Less Common Side Effects

• Bowel inflammation and pain
• Chest pain
• Decreased night vision
• Decreased tolerance to contact lenses
• Delay in wound healing
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Peeling palms or soles
• Rash, skin infections
• Stomach and intestinal discomfort
• Sunburn-sensitive skin
• Thinning hair
• Urinary discomfort
• Vision problems

NOTE: When you first start taking Accutane, it is possible that your acne will get worse before it starts to get better.

More On Acne Medication Treatments

• Clearogen
• Accutance
• Benzoyl Peroxide
• Flavay

Other Acne Treatments

• Light Therapy Pen
• Laser Phototherapy
• Natural Remedies - such as Flavay® from maritime pine bark.

NEXT: Prevention of Acne

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