Accutane often almost a cure for acne

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At some point in your life, you may woken up one morning, trudged to the bathroom, and looked in the mirror, only to discover a brand new, shiny red pimple. Of course, to make matters worse, it commonly appears right in the middle of your forehead, or it perches itself proudly on the end of your nose. If that weren’t enough, your brand new bump seems to enjoy making its debut right before a big date or an important business meeting. As frustrating as such a scenario may be, some could only be so lucky. Some people have acne so severe that is disfiguring, painful and life-altering. Their acne persists, even after trying home remedies, over-the-counter products and many prescription-strength interventions. The men and women who experience acne of this severity may find success with Accutane.

People often refer to acne as pimples, zits, craters, and other such pleasantries. The medical community, however, employs specific terminology to describe the many forms of the illness. In its earliest stage, acne may appear as a microcomedo, or a microscopic blackhead or whitehead. Subsequently, you may experience a comedone, the full-sized version. Blackheads (open comedos) are open clogs of oil and skin cells, while whiteheads (closed comedos) are closed blockages in a hair follicle. Another possibility is a small red bump called a papule, which may blossom into the pus-filled body of a pastule. Doctors often refer to the mild to moderate acne as papulopustular, as it consists of comedones, papules, and pustules. The more severe forms of acne begin with the nodule, a hard, tender lump. Still more severe is the cyst, a tender, fluid-filled lump deep under the skin. Severe acne is nearly impossible to expel manually and doing so could cause significant scarring. The most severe form of acne is nodulocystic acne, and it is significantly disfiguring. This acne produces body-wide cysts that are red and even purple in color, and can require surgical draining.

Victims of moderate to severe acne may feel ostracized, partly because of the myths surrounding its causes. Many are quick to point an accusatory finger, when research concludes that it is only hormones, oil, dead skin cells and bacteria that are to blame. Adolescents often experience the ailment because pubescent hormones are pushing the oil glands into overdrive. Adults break out as well because glands still produce oil, skin still produces cells, and bacteria still lurks. Your internal physiology and genetic makeup ultimately determine your skin fate.

While a number of things do cause breakouts, many things do not, despite popular belief. Perhaps the most popular myth is that chocolate, greasy foods or an unhealthy diet causes acne. The truth is, some people simply experience sensitivity to certain foods. And while a daily fast food diet certainly will not yield the most lustrous skin, it does not spontaneously generate acne either. Additionally, comedogenic grease may transfer to your hands, and if you touch your face, then the grease could clog your pores. It is the transfer of grease, not its consumption, which triggers acne. Similarly, some people claim inactivity as the cause. While everyone should exercise when they can, there is no correlation. Also noteworthy is the myth that washing your face more or scrubbing more will “cure” acne. The integumentary system needs a certain amount of oil to be healthy, and excessive cleansing upsets that balance. To compensate, the oil glands go into overdrive. A gentle cleansing one to two times a day will suffice. Yet another myth is that sun bathing will help. While you should get 5 minutes of daily sun for the Vitamin D, you should never use tanning as an acne treatment. Initially, some existing acne may dissipate, but your vengeful skin will dry out, produce extra oil and break out again. What’s more, your skin will accumulate sun damage and make your skin look worse. Equally as minimizing is the idea that acne is the result of lacking hygiene. Again, it is the inner workings of the skin and its counterparts that are to blame.

For those who have fallen victim to particularly persistent or severe acne, Accutane may be a good option. Accutane is a potent chemical called Isotretinoin, a cousin of Vitamin A. But obtaining the medication is no easy feat. Dermatologists hesitantly employ it as a last resort option because of the staggering risk involved. While some side effects resolve following a course completion, some do not. Generally, those receiving the drug may face problems such as hypersensitivity, allergic reactions, edema, fatigue and weight loss. Cardiovascular side effects include heart palpitations, rapid heart beat and stroke, while one may also have raised cholesterol levels and altered blood sugar levels. The drug also affords a number of potential gastrointestinal problems, including nausea, liver damage, IBS, bleeding gums, pancreatitis, colitis, and ulcers. Some patients may become anemic, while others experience bone and muscular problems such as back pain, calcification, chest pain and arthritis. Neurologically, people may encounter a multitude of ailments, including weakness, malaise, seizures, drowsiness, dizziness and headaches. Studies have also shown that those taking the drug could develop depression, aggression and suicidal tendencies. Women could face changes in the menstrual cycle, while both sexes could face respiratory infections or a change in the voice. The integumentary system is perhaps the most effected of all, with the potential for hair loss, dry skin, lips and nose, peeling, rash, sweating, and fragile skin. Also affected are the senses, as patients may experience hearing loss, tinnitus, poor night vision, conjunctivitis and keratitis.

In addition to all the effects a direct patient may experience, an unborn fetus also has an extremely high chance of developing potentially fatal birth defects of the brain, skull, heart and other organs. To minimize such an occurrence, women taking the drug must commit to several mandatory precautions. First, she has to use both primary and secondary contraceptives without fail. Secondly, she must submit an initial negative pregnancy test and negative pregnancy tests each month thereafter. Finally, she must register and participate in the iPledge program, a monthly test aimed at pregnancy prevention. On the other hand, medical professionals must monitor the treatment each month through the use of blood tests. Upon writing the prescription, doctors must educate patients thoroughly on the risks and proper use, and all patients must read and sign several pages of paperwork.

With such looming risk and regulation, one may have a hard time justifying the use of Accutane. However, acne, when severe enough, can be a struggle that attacks from all angles. For some, it is emotionally, physically and socially heart-breaking. Some become recluse, while others become depressed, anxious or angry. Acne can shatter self-esteem and destroy well-being. Sometimes, people take the risk because acne prevents them from living at all. Acne can be devastating, and Accutane can change people’s lives for the better . . . forever.