Cystic acne is no fun. Those deep, infected nodules are painful, debilitating, and a huge blow to one's self-esteem. Thankfully, there does exist a solution for cystic acne: Accutane. Also known as isotretinoin, it is a strong medicine doctors often prescribe for severe cases. While Accutane works extremely well to treat cystic acne, it has its own good and bad points.
Pros
It is highly effective
Accutane is good at treating cystic acne. It works by reducing the amount of oil produced in the skin, preventing clogged pores, and lowering inflammation, which leads to big improvements in severe cases of acne.
It gives lasting results
Many people get long-term benefits from taking Accutane. Some even completely get rid of their acne, which can work wonders for one's self-esteem. As long as the dosage is calculated correctly and the medicine is taken regularly without missed doses, it should clear one's face dramatically.
It reduces scarring
Acne can cause deep scars on the skin, but Accutane can help prevent severe breakouts and reduce scarring. This can make the skin look better overall.
It improves self-esteem
Accutane can greatly improve a person's quality of life by treating the root causes of severe acne, which can hurt their mental health drastically.
Cons
It has many side effects
Accutane can cause different side effects, some of which can be serious. These might include dry skin, lips, and eyes, muscle and joint pain, mood swings, and more serious mental health issues (though these are rare).
It is dangerous to take during pregnancy
Taking Accutane during pregnancy can lead to serious birth defects. So, it's important for women who could get pregnant to take regular pregnancy tests and use reliable birth control methods while taking this medication.
It requires strict monitoring
Patients taking Accutane need to be closely watched because it can cause side effects. Doing regular check-ups, blood tests, and talking to healthcare providers can help make sure the medicine is working well and isn't causing any problems.
It can cause a stronger relapse
It's important to remember that even after finishing the Accutane treatment, there's a chance that acne could come back. In some cases, additional or different treatments might be needed to keep your skin clear.
Ultimately, it's up to you weight the benefits and risks to see if Accutante is an option for you.
That said, before starting Accutane, make sure to seek the advice of a licensed physician or dermatologist first.
