Isotretinoin, Dermatology FAQ

Struggling with Acne: Effective Solutions for Persistent Skin Issues

Acne Hello, doctor: I've been struggling with acne since elementary school and have seen countless doctors. I've also tried traditional Chinese medicine, but nothing seems to improve. Additionally, I have many acne scars, although the pitting is not too severe. My pores...

Dr. Jiang Zheen Reply:
Your acne may be classified as stubborn acne. To treat this type of persistent acne, oral retinoids, specifically isotretinoin, are considered the most effective medication. However, treatment typically needs to be continued for 5 to 6 months. Oral isotretinoin can only be prescr...

Dealing with Severe Acne: Over-the-Counter Solutions and Skin Reactions

Severe acne problem? I started getting acne in middle school, and it fluctuates between good and bad. Although I've heard that not staying up late can prevent acne, I still break out regularly. Most of my acne appears on both sides of my cheeks and is quite red, making it ve...

Dr. Jiang Zheen Reply:
Sometimes the skin on the face is not exactly the same as the skin on the arms, so I suggest you may want to stop using it. As for stubborn acne, the most effective treatment is oral isotretinoin, as it can maintain remission for about 1-2 years. However, this medication requires...

Understanding Persistent Acne: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Tips

Acne-prone skin I have been dealing with acne for a long time since middle school. I am a freshman living in a dorm, so I can't go to the dermatologist every week. I do wear makeup, and recently my acne has become quite severe. I would like to ask the following questions: ...

Dr. Jiang Zheen Reply:
Regardless, it is essential to seek treatment from a dermatologist, especially for severe and stubborn acne. You can ask the doctor to prescribe medication for two weeks, or even obtain out-of-pocket medications for a week. Acne treatment requires several months, so patience is n...

Struggling with Severe Acne: Seeking Solutions for Persistent Breakouts

I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Dr. Jiang, I am an 18-year-old male. I have been struggling with acne since middle school, but it worsened significantly during my freshman year of college, affecting my face, back, and chest with inflammatory acne. My facial acne in...

Dr. Jiang Zheen Reply:
If oral isotretinoin does not achieve the desired effect, there are two possible reasons: either the dosage is insufficient, or it is truly ineffective. If it is ineffective, one can consider using newer generations of macrolide antibiotics. For inflamed cystic acne, localized co...

Managing Acne with Isotretinoin: Common Concerns and Tips

Isotretinoin Hello Dr. Jiang, I am currently a freshman. Since my senior year in high school, I have been experiencing persistent acne on my cheeks. I once saw a doctor who prescribed me tetracycline, which was very effective at first, but after the acne cleared up, I stopped tak...

Dr. Jiang Zheen Reply:
Oral isotretinoin can sometimes cause an initial worsening of acne during the first month of treatment for some individuals. I believe you can stop using your topical retinoids. Dr. Lin Bing-Huang is my senior, and it would be better for you to write down your questions and show ...

Effective Acne Treatments: Expert Advice and Options in Changhua

Acne 1. Could you please recommend a well-known acne clinic or dermatologist in Changhua? (Authority) 2. My acne issue seems to fall into the moderate to severe category, with comedones, many inflamed cystic lesions, and some small red papules. 3. How long does the treatment ...

Dr. Jiang Zheen Reply:
You don't necessarily need to go to a renowned specialist; any board-certified dermatologist can effectively treat your acne. In fact, many patients find that their doctors have limited interaction time. Generally, acne treatment requires 3-4 months. Oral isotretinoin is the...

Should You Use Retinoids for Acne? Insights on OBAGI Products

Is it advisable to use retinoic acid? I have acne-prone skin. Should I use retinoids? Have you heard of the OBAGI brand?

Dr. Jiang Zheen Reply:
Patients with acne can use vitamin A acid. Currently, there are several brands of vitamin A acid available, as it is a prescription medication that requires a doctor's prescription. You should check if the active ingredient is isotretinoin, retinoic acid, acitretin, or adapa...

Struggling with Persistent Acne: Seeking Effective Solutions

Seeking help for acne on the face? Hello, doctor. I am currently seeing a dermatologist, but I have not seen any improvement. I asked the doctor who is treating me why this is happening, and he said my condition is more difficult to manage. He has been prescribing me different to...

Dr. Zheng Lizhen Reply:
Hello, could you please ask your dermatologist to consider applying for oral isotretinoin treatment? Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Li-Chen, Dermatology.

Persistent Acne: Understanding Causes and Treatment Risks

Annoying acne? Hello Doctor: I have been suffering from acne for twenty years now. The affected areas include not only my face, neck, chest, and back, but sometimes also my buttocks. I have consulted numerous traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and dermatologists without f...

Dr. Jiang Zheen Reply:
In your case, oral isotretinoin should be more effective. You can apply for this medication at a teaching hospital. As for why it has persisted for so long, it is likely related to your constitution and lifestyle habits. Some antibiotics can indeed lead to the development of anti...

Is Oral A Acid Making My Acne Worse? Seeking Solutions for Severe Breakouts

Oral isotretinoin? I have been taking oral isotretinoin for about two months at a dosage of 20 mg, but currently, my acne is worse than it was before I started the medication (originally just moderate acne). Now, my face is covered with large cystic acne lesions (about twenty to ...

Dr. Zheng Lizhen Reply:
Hello: It may be necessary to adjust the medication dosage or add another medication for combination therapy. Please visit the dermatology outpatient clinic. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Li-Chen, Department of Dermatology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Is Oral A Acid Effective for Skin Issues? Dosage and Side Effects Explained

Oral isotretinoin Is oral acyclovir really effective? How much does it cost? Are there any side effects? Thank you.

Dr. Jiang Zheen Reply:
Oral isotretinoin is a highly effective medication, with a cost of 40 NTD for a 10 mg capsule. Side effects include increased dryness of the skin, particularly in mucous membrane areas. It is important to avoid pregnancy while taking the medication and for three months after disc...

Understanding Antibiotics and Oral A-Retinoids for Acne Treatment

Could you please provide more details or specify what information you would like regarding acne medications? When I visited the dermatologist, I asked the doctor what medication I was taking, and he told me it was an antibiotic. However, I have a significant concern: isn't i...

Dr. Jiang Zheen Reply:
You first need to understand what constitutes misuse; using a medication as intended is not considered misuse. Antibiotics are the first-line treatment for acne, so they may be necessary, and this is the standard practice among dermatologists worldwide. There is no need to worry;...

Managing Acne: Long-Term Solutions and Concerns About A-Retinoids

Acne I would like to ask, I have been suffering from acne for over 10 years. Every time I visit a doctor, they prescribe antibiotics, which are effective while I take them, but the acne returns as soon as I stop the medication, and they often become quite large, requiring anti-in...

Dr. Chen Yiying Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, since you may have cystic acne, oral isotretinoin is a very effective treatment option. The typical course lasts about three months. If you experience a recurrence after stopping the medication, you may need another course of treatment, and th...

Oral A-Retinoids vs. Glycolic Peels: Risks and Considerations

Oral retinoids and chemical peels with alpha hydroxy acids? During the use of oral isotretinoin, one should avoid undergoing dermabrasion procedures due to the risk of hypertrophic scarring. Is there a similar risk associated with receiving chemical peels, such as alpha hydroxy a...

Dr. Zheng Lizhen Reply:
Hello, yes, there is a risk of hypertrophic scarring when undergoing chemical peels while taking oral isotretinoin. It is generally recommended to wait at least 6 months before proceeding with such treatments. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Li-Chen, Department of Dermatology, Taoyuan Hospi...

Managing Side Effects of Oral A-Retinoids: Tips for Skin Health

Oral isotretinoin Hello, doctor. 1. I recently started taking oral isotretinoin, and my face has become extremely dry and red for the past 10-14 days. I have been using moisturizer, which has helped reduce the dryness, but my face is still quite red. Are there any other methods...

Dr. Zheng Lizhen Reply:
Hello! 1. Strengthening hydration and sun protection can improve symptoms. 2. Applying moisturizer will not affect the efficacy of retinoids. 3. Peeling skin or acne will naturally shed during the face-washing process; do not forcibly remove it to avoid skin injury and inflammati...

Can You Combine AHA Peels with Accutane? Expert Insights and Recommendations

The issue of acne? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if it is safe to undergo glycolic acid peeling while currently taking isotretinoin (Accutane). Should I wait until I finish the treatment before proceeding? Additionally, how long is isotretinoin typically taken? Under normal ...

Dr. Zheng Lizhen Reply:
Hello! During the oral isotretinoin treatment, the physician will adjust the dosage based on individual responses. After completing the treatment, a waiting period of at least 6 months is required before undergoing invasive procedures such as chemical peels or dermabrasion. I...

Are Whitening Products Safe for Pregnant Women? Expert Insights

Is it suitable for pregnant women to apply whitening products? Is it suitable for pregnant women to use whitening products sold at specialty stores? Does medical skincare like L-ascorbic acid have any implications? Should daily sunscreen, hair creams, and powder lipsticks be avoi...

Dr. Chen Yiying Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, generally speaking, the concentration of topical products absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream is limited, so the likelihood of affecting the fetus is extremely low. Common products like L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and sunscreen can ...

Why You Should Avoid Laser Resurfacing While on Accutane

Rocatin and Laser Resurfacing It is said that during the use of Accutane (oral isotretinoin), laser resurfacing should not be performed. Why is that? Also, if one wants to undergo the procedure, how long should they wait after stopping the medication?

Dr. Zheng Lizhen Reply:
Hello! Due to the potential risks associated with "localized hypertrophic scars," it is recommended that patients undergoing Roaccutane treatment and for 5-6 months after treatment should avoid aggressive dermabrasion procedures. Best wishes for health from Dr. Cheng Li...

Managing Nasal Mucosa Dryness and Nosebleeds from Accutane

Dryness of the nasal mucosa? Due to the dryness of the nasal mucosa caused by taking Accutane, which makes it easier to have nosebleeds, how can the bleeding be alleviated? Is it feasible to use petroleum jelly for moisturizing?

Dr. Liao Wenyu Reply:
The use of isotretinoin can cause dryness of the skin and nasal mucosa, so applying petroleum jelly for moisturizing is an appropriate approach.

Understanding Seborrheic Dermatitis and Folliculitis: Treatment Insights

Seborrheic dermatitis and folliculitis? Polytar Liquid is effective for seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp; does it also have the same efficacy for scalp folliculitis? What are the differences between seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp and scalp folliculitis? Currently, I am taki...

Dr. Chen Yiying Reply:
Hello: In response to your question: Folliculitis is caused by the obstruction of sebaceous glands or bacterial infection, and clinically presents as red bumps, which is different from seborrheic dermatitis. Polylactone solution has anti-inflammatory effects, but its efficacy on ...

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