The role of isotretinoin in acne therapy: why not as first-line therapy? facts and controversies
- PMID: 20082946
- DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2009.03.005
The role of isotretinoin in acne therapy: why not as first-line therapy? facts and controversies
Abstract
Acne is one of the most prevalent diseases in dermatology: Millions of people worldwide experience this distressing condition. To determine the appropriate therapeutic strategy, there is a strong need for a standardized classification system of acne. The exact molecular mechanism of action of isotretinoin is not completely understood; however, oral isotretinoin targets simultaneously at all major mechanisms of acne pathogenesis. Various mass media reports about the risk of teratogenicity and depression from isotretinoin usage as well as the creation of intense prevention programs have created an obstacle to the use of the most active available drug against acne, presenting isotretinoin as a very dangerous regimen. According to recommendations of several international experts, which we share, oral isotretinoin may be prescribed not only to patients with severe disease but indications should be broadened to also include patients with less severe forms of acne, especially in cases with scarring, significant psychologic stress, or failure to respond to conventional therapy.
Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Similar articles
-
An expert view on the treatment of acne with systemic antibiotics and/or oral isotretinoin in the light of the new European recommendations.Eur J Dermatol. 2006 Sep-Oct;16(5):565-71. Eur J Dermatol. 2006. PMID: 17101480
-
[Treatment of acne].Ugeskr Laeger. 2000 Dec 11;162(50):6840-4. Ugeskr Laeger. 2000. PMID: 11187138 Review. Danish.
-
Oral isotretinoin for acne, adjusting treatment according to patient's response.J Drugs Dermatol. 2006 Oct;5(9):878-82. J Drugs Dermatol. 2006. PMID: 17039654 Clinical Trial.
-
The effectiveness of intermittent isotretinoin treatment in mild or moderate acne.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2006 Nov;20(10):1256-60. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2006.01784.x. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2006. PMID: 17062042 Clinical Trial.
-
Use of systemic agents in the treatment of acne vulgaris.Am Fam Physician. 2000 Oct 15;62(8):1823-30, 1835-6. Am Fam Physician. 2000. PMID: 11057839 Review.
Cited by
-
Investigating metabolic syndrome markers and body mass index changes in patients with acne vulgaris treated with isotretinoin: A prospective study.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024 Dec;23(12):4343-4348. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16533. Epub 2024 Aug 14. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024. PMID: 39143842 Free PMC article.
-
Comparison of Efficacy of Doxycycline and Isotretinoin on Cutaneous Human Beta-Defensin-1 and -2 Levels in Acne Vulgaris.Indian J Dermatol. 2018 Sep-Oct;63(5):380-385. doi: 10.4103/ijd.IJD_402_16. Indian J Dermatol. 2018. PMID: 30210158 Free PMC article.
-
Intracranial hypertension after rosacea treatment with isotretinoin.Neurol Sci. 2023 Dec;44(12):4553-4556. doi: 10.1007/s10072-023-07039-6. Epub 2023 Aug 30. Neurol Sci. 2023. PMID: 37646978 Free PMC article. No abstract available.
-
Isotretinoin and the Kidney: Opportunities and Threats.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020 Jul 28;13:485-494. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S259048. eCollection 2020. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020. PMID: 32801824 Free PMC article. Review.
-
Cannabinoid Compounds as a Pharmacotherapeutic Option for the Treatment of Non-Cancer Skin Diseases.Cells. 2022 Dec 16;11(24):4102. doi: 10.3390/cells11244102. Cells. 2022. PMID: 36552866 Free PMC article. Review.
Publication types
MeSH terms
Substances
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Other Literature Sources
Medical