acne problem

i have been having acnes for three months or more. im 26 years old. i have been to the dermatologist and she has prescribed me ISOTREXIN. i have been using it for three weeks now. i didn't use the gel for just one night and the following day there was acne or whatever it is on my face. Does it mean that if i give up using, i will again have tham:(? I want to make one point that this acne i am mentioning is really diffrent. it is so tough and it hurts when squezeed. It is not like the other acnes. I can notice it when i touch it. It is as if it is a bacteria walking around my face. What is that?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

A daily oral intake of vitamin A derivative isotretinoin (marketed as Accutane) over a period of 4-6 months can cause long-term resolution or reduction of acne. It is believed that isotretinoin works primarily by reducing the secretion of oils from the glands, however some studies suggest that it affects other acne-related factors as well. Isotretinoin has been shown to be very effective in treating severe acne and can either improve or clear well over 80% of patients.

The drug has a much longer effect than anti-bacterial treatments and will often cure acne for good. The treatment requires close medical supervision by a dermatologist because the drug has many known side effects (many of which can be severe). About 25% of patients may relapse after one treatment. In those cases, a second treatment for another 4-6 months may be indicated to obtain desired results.

It is often recommended that one lets a few months pass between the two treatments, because the condition can actually improve somewhat in the time after stopping the treatment and waiting a few months also gives the body a chance to recover. Occasionally a third or even a fourth course is used, but the benefits are often less substantial. The most common side effects are dry skin and occasional nosebleeds (secondary to dry nasal mucosa).

Let us know about how you are doing and what your doctor advises.

Post us if you need any further information.

Regards.