Acne treatment Acne treatment

Hormonal Acne and Accutane

Hormones are considered as main culprit of acne. Many researches has been held in this regard, and it is concluded that hormones cause acne thats why in the teen age people normally start to face acne, how? Because in this age hormonal changes occur in human body thats why teens have to face excess hair growth on body, hair loss, acne and other problems.

Acne usually occurs between the age 11 to 14 when the body starts producing male hormones called androgens. Androgens can over-stimulate sebaceous glands and make them produce more sebum. In females Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the reason of acne. One of the four main features of PCOS is testosterone-induced skin and hair changes. These are acne, increased facial and body hair and scalp hair thinning.

Several clues can help your doctor identify hormonally-influenced acne:

  • Adult-onset acne, or breakouts that appear for the first time in adults
  • Acne flare-ups preceding the menstrual cycle
  • A history of irregular menstrual cycles
  • Increased facial oiliness
  • Hirsutism (excessive growth of hair, or hair in unusual places)
  • Elevated levels of certain androgens in the blood stream

There are several treatment options available for women with hormonal acne, including topical retinoids, topical antimicrobials (such as benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics), and oral antibiotics that are prescribed when the inflammation is more severe. A dermatologist also may prescribe isotretinoin commonly known as Accutane for women with cystic acne that is accompanied by scarring.

Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a powerful medication available for scarring cystic acne or acne that doesn't respond to other treatments. It's very effective, but people who take it need close monitoring by a dermatologist because of the possibility of severe side effects. It reduces oil production, clogging of the pores, and bacteria in the skin. Accutane works by altering DNA transcription. This decreases the size and output of sebaceous glands. It also makes the cells that are sloughed off into the sebaceous glands less sticky, and therefore reducing the ability to form blackheads and whiteheads. It also reduces the bacteria counts in the sebaceous gland and on the skins surface. The most common dosing regimen involves starting with a low dose, then increasing after several weeks. One course of treatment over 16 to 20 weeks can completely clear up severe acne permanently.

Beneficial effects:
In improvement of scarring and further reduction of acne lesions is seen for months after treatment is ended. Another beneficial affect of Accutane is that after a course of the drug, the skin usually responds better to conventional acne therapy.

Before taking Accutane, discuss everything with your dermatologist as this medicine has very severe side effects, which includes severe birth defects, including mental retardation and physical malformations in infants. A pregnant woman should not use it. If you accidentally become pregnant while on Accutane, you should immediately consult your doctor. During the course of this drug, dermatologist monitors patient carefully.

Bowel inflammation and pain, chest pain, decreased night vision, decreased tolerance to contact lenses, delay in wound healing, depression, fatigue, headache, nausea, peeling palms or soles, rash, skin infections, stomach and intestinal discomfort, sunburn-sensitive skin, thinning hair, urinary discomfort, vision problems and vomiting are less common side effects.Isotretinoin has also been linked to severe depression, behavioral changes and in some cases suicidal behaviour.

Related Articles

Acne Care


The Physical and Psychological Impact of Adult Acne
Herba Speranskia Tuberculata
Skin Care with Herbal Supplements
Acne Prone Skin
Acne prone skin is characterized by pimples, blemishes, papules, pustules, redness, whiteheads and b...
Infant Acne

Comment «Hormonal Acne and Accutane»