In today's society, with the increasing pace of life and the increase in environmental stress, many people are facing skin problems, the most common of which is acne. Acne is not only aesthetically pleasing, but can also cause psychological stress to patients. Therefore, finding an effective way to get rid of acne has become an urgent need for many people.
The pathogenesis of acne involves a variety of factors, including androgen levels and sebaceous gland secretion. There are different levels of acne that require different treatments. Topical drugs such as tretinoins and antimicrobials are common choices. Systemic pharmacotherapy includes retinoids and hormonal therapies, such as antiandrogens and glucocorticoids, which regulate hormone levels and reduce inflammation. Physical and chemical treatments such as photodynamic and red and blue light, lasers and intense pulsed light, and chemical peels are also effective.
Isotretinoin softgels, which belong to the retinoid class of drugs, have attracted much attention as an acne drug. Is it really the ceiling of the acne world, as people say, and is it worth trying?
1. The acne effect of isotretinoin softgels
Isotretinoin softgels do do a great job in treating acne. It belongs to the family of retinoids, which mainly achieves acne treatment by inhibiting keratin formation and the growth of P. acnes. The drug is particularly effective in treating conditions such as nodular, cystic acne. Many patients have seen a significant improvement in acne and smoother skin after using isotretinoin softgels under the guidance of their doctors.
However, it is important to note that isotretinoin softgels are not suitable for all acne sufferers. For mild acne, such strong medications may not be needed, and can be achieved by using other medications and improving lifestyle and dietary modifications. According to the Chinese Guidelines for the Treatment of Acne (2019 Revised Edition), the indications for isotretinoin are as follows:
Therefore, the use of isotretinoin softgels should also be strictly in accordance with the doctor's instructions to avoid blind medication without permission.
2. Side effects of isotretinoin softgels
Although isotretinoin softgels are effective in fighting acne, their side effects should not be ignored. According to clinical reports and patient feedback, a variety of adverse reactions may occur with the use of isotretinoin softgels. And in the face of these side effects, it is crucial to deal with them correctly. The following are some common side effects and their corresponding treatments: 1. Skin and mucosal reactions: These are the most common side effects, including cheilitis (incidence up to 98%), dry skin with itching, conjunctivitis, acral desquamation, facial erythema, eczema, etc. Cheilitis is a sign of effective absorption of medications, but it also requires proper care. Symptomatic treatment with artificial tears, moisturizers, and lipsticks is recommended to alleviate skin discomfort.
2. Hyperlipidemia: Some patients may have hyperlipidemia, especially those with high-risk factors such as obesity, hyperinsulinemia, family history of hypertriglyceridemia, family history of diabetes and alcohol addiction. This side effect usually appears in the 1~2 months of treatment and can be recovered 2~4 weeks after stopping drug treatment. Those with mild-to-moderate elevations can be managed by modifying their diet, reducing the dose of the drug, or using lipid-lowering drugs. However, if triglyceride levels exceed the normal threshold of 800 mg/dL or higher, the drug should be discontinued immediately and medical attention should be sought promptly.
3. Abnormal liver function: For patients with a history of liver disease or abnormal liver function, changes in liver enzymes should be paid close attention when using isotretinoin soft capsules. If aminotransferases are mildly elevated, the drug can be continued or the dose can be reduced appropriately. However, if aminotransferases rise to three times or more of normal, the drug should be discontinued immediately and further guidance from a doctor should be sought.
3. Precautions for using isotretinoin softgels
1. There may be interactions between isotretinoin soft capsules and some drugs such as vitamin A, tetracyclines, and carbamazepine. Therefore, when using isotretinoin softgels, one should try to avoid using them at the same time as these drugs to avoid increasing the risk of side effects.
2. Blood should not be donated during the medication period and within three months after the drug is discontinued, so as to prevent pregnant patients from receiving blood containing this drug.
3. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet rays, because the skin will be more prone to sunburn after using isotretinoin softgels.
4. Patients with diabetes, obesity, alcoholism, hyperlipidemia, and lipid metabolism disorders should use this drug with caution.
5. Acne symptoms may be temporarily aggravated in the early stage of treatment, if there are no other abnormal conditions, the medication can be continued under close observation.
6. Pregnant women, lactating women, people with liver and kidney insufficiency and those who are allergic to any of the ingredients of this medicine are prohibited.
4. Is Isotretinoin Softgels Worth Taking? After an in-depth analysis of the acne efficacy, potential side effects and precautions of isotretinoin softgels, we can draw the following comprehensive conclusions:
Isotretinoin softgels are an effective drug in the field of acne treatment, and are undoubtedly a good treatment option for patients suffering from severe refractory nodular acne or cystic acne. Under the professional guidance of a doctor, patients can significantly improve the symptoms of acne by taking this medicine, thereby improving the quality of life and restoring the freshness and radiance of the skin. However, before choosing to use, patients should fully understand its efficacy, side effects and precautions, pay close attention to the body's reaction during the medication, and seek help from a doctor or pharmacist immediately if there is any discomfort or abnormal symptoms. Only with correct and reasonable use can we give full play to its acne effect while avoiding potential risks.
Resources:
1. Guidelines for the Treatment of Acne in China (2019 Revised Edition)
2. Application of oral isotretinoin therapy in acne