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6 Steps to Clear, Acne-Free Skin
6 Steps to Clear, Acne-Free Skin Hundreds of medications, treatments, cleansers and cosmetics are available for people with acne, but the most important elements of an acne-fighting program won’t cost you a cent. 1. Nourish your skin by eating a...
Acne - Types, Causes and Treatments
The very first thing you must realize when trying to cure your acne is the type of acne that you actually have. This is important because it gives insight into what may have actually caused the acne outbreak to begin with. And of course, once you...
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA's)
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA's) are widely promoted in Women's and beauty magazines. Much is written about their effectiveness of preventing wrinkles and slowing down the aging processes in your skin... but do you know what they are? Should you use them...
Hair Loss Solution From a Pill
Most people believe the only way to cure their hair loss problem
is from the outside, by using a chemical treatment, shampoo or
other topical treatment. These ways can work for you, but in
recent medical studies the main cause of hair loss, at...
Tips on Choosing the Best Skin Care Product for You
Your face is the first thing that people notice when they meet you. So, it is no wonder that skin care is big business! Millions are spent each year to treat acne, under eye circles, wrinkles, discolorations, and a variety of other ailments. If you...
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Accutane - The Answer To Severe Acne?
Many people of all ages are troubled by irritating outbreaks of acne and are searching for a cure, once and for all. Very often, in severe cases of acne, their search leads them to Accutane. Also known as Isotretinoin, Accutane is taken orally, and is available only by prescription. It is a five month treatment regimen for severe cystic acne.
Taken once daily with food, Accutane works by decreasing the amount of oils produced by the glands. Acne may worsen before it gets better, and it usually takes about two months on Accutane to notice improvements in symptoms.
While it can be very effective, Accutane has many significant side effects, ranging from mildly irritating to severely life-threatening.
The most frequent side effects reported by Accutane users are:
Dry, chapped, or peeling lips
Dry, itchy skin
Dry nose, mild nosebleeds
Irritation of the eyelids and/or dry eyes
Joint and muscle pain
Thinning of the hair
Rash
Intestinal problems
Urinary problems
Headache
Increased skin sensitivity to light and sunburn
Decreased night vision, which may continue after completing treatment regimen
Depression and/or thoughts of suicide.
Accutane may also increase the level of blood
fats (cholesterol), sometimes to dangerous levels, which may interfere with liver function. Prior to starting the Accutane regimen, blood tests are required to rule out pregnancy and establish a baseline for monitoring cholesterol levels. Frequent blood work is ordered by dermatologists to check these levels which, if too high, may cause complications with liver functioning.
The most dangerous side effect of Accutane is severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy. It is strongly recommended to avoid becoming pregnant during treatment and for at least one month after stopping Accutane.
Accutane is not guaranteed to cure acne. Reports have found 1 in 10 Accutane users have reoccurrences of acne one year later and 1 in 4 users after two years. It may be prescribed again for reoccurrences of acne.
Only you -- with your doctor -- can determine if treating your acne problem with Accutane is worth the potential risks involved.
About the Author
Diane Darling, COTA/L, is a licensed and certified occupational
therapy assistant who works with learning-challenged children.
She also has a keen interest in issues of skin care and acne,
and maintains the Treating Acne website located at
http://www.treating-acne.com
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