Cystic acne, as the name suggests, is acne that has grown into a cyst under the skin and is
believed to be the worst kind of acne any person can contract. In this form of acne small
nodules form under the skin and slowly harden into cysts that are quite painful. Make no
mistake, this form of acne must not be treated by self medication at home, it seriously calls formedical attention, and fast.
Treatment for cystic acne could last for months or years.
The most common treatment for cystic acne is a drug known as 'Accutane'. This is an oral
medication usually prescribed to be taken twice a day for 2 weeks. Accutane acts on the oil
producing glands in the skin and reduces the output of oil marginally. In turn this prevents the pores in the skin from clogging reducing the formation of pimples and other skin eruptions. The existing pimples and cysts are also given time to heal as the irritation is vastly reduced due to less oil in the skin.
Accutane also reduces shedding of skin cells and brings down the stickiness levels of the
follicles the main culprits in the development of cystic acne. Accutone has a few advantages
and these are:
1. Its ability to prevent extensive scarring of the patient suffering from acne.
2. Somewhere between 1 to 2 weeks of treatment acne is visibly reduced and in some patients acne is completely cured.
The disadvantage of accutone is that once one starts the treatment they must go through with the whole course of the treatment. Stop the treatment mid way and acne will return with a vengeance. Apart from this there are other disadvantages of taking this treatment and these must be considered before starting the treatment.
The disadvantages are:
1. Expensive drug. Can burn a hole in your pocket.
2. Decreased blood cholesterol, triglyceride and lipid levels.
3. Abnormal liver enzymes.
4. Dry mouth, nose, and skin
5. Skin itching and painful muscles.
6. Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes and mouth.
Perhaps the most serious side effect of accutone is possible birth defects. This is why women
taking the treatment must take a pregnancy test every month in order to stop the treatment
should they conceive. If you are on Accutone and notice any of these side-effects mentioned
above notify your doctor immediately in order to take preventive measures. Luckily though, the side-effects diminish and disappear after the drug is stopped.
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