It is important to note that
Isotretinoin (trade name
Roaccutane) is an isomer of
Tretinoin (trade name
Retin-A) and not an entirely different category of drug. Both drugs have almost similar side-effects and contraindications. In particular, both are contraindicated in pregnancy and women of child-bearing age who are sexually active must take adequate contraceptive precautions.
Early treatment of acne is desirable to prevent scarring and improvement may take a couple of months.
The treatment of
acne depends on its severity.
Mild to moderate acne is generally treated with topical preparations.
Treatment with oral
antibiotics is generally used for
moderate to severe acne or where topical preparations are ineffective, intolerable or difficult to apply. Hormone treatment is also available as an oral preparation
for women only.
Severe acne,
acne not responding to prolonged courses of oral
antibiotics,
acne causing psychological problems or
acne causing scarring must be handled by a dermatologist.
Dr Anthony Solomon
Consultant Physician, Tropical & Genitourinary Medicine
