TLDR Oral isotretinoin was recommended for a 21-year-old woman with severe acne.
Acne vulgaris is a common chronic skin condition that affects up to 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30, characterized by lesions such as comedones and cysts, primarily on the face, chest, and back. It is caused by a combination of genetic factors, hormonal activity, and bacterial colonization, and can lead to scarring and significant psychosocial issues. The document detailed the case of a 21-year-old woman with severe acne unresponsive to conventional treatments, for whom oral isotretinoin was recommended. The advice for her included taking oral contraceptives to prevent pregnancy due to isotretinoin's high teratogenic risk, along with other considerations like sun protection and monitoring for psychiatric side effects. Other treatments like oral antibiotics and hormonal therapies were not considered the primary choice for her case.
98 citations
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May 2010 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Isotretinoin is effective for severe acne but requires careful monitoring for side effects, especially in women who could become pregnant.
13 citations
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January 2024 in “Cureus” Acne significantly affects both physical health and mental well-being.
76 citations
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November 2009 in “Medical Clinics of North America” Hormones, especially androgens, play a key role in acne, which can be a symptom of systemic diseases like PCOS and may require targeted treatment.
7 citations
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November 2013 in “Pediatrics in Review” Acne is a chronic skin condition not caused by poor hygiene or diet, and it requires long-term treatment and patient education.
January 2019 in “Springer eBooks” Acne is linked to inflammation and insulin resistance, and is associated with various syndromes that require different treatments.
78 citations
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February 2011 in “Canadian Medical Association Journal” Acne treatment varies, with topical and systemic therapies effective, and more research needed on treatment order and long-term effects.
