Oral isotretinoin, Dermatology FAQ

Can Patients with Autoimmune Arthritis Use Oral Retinoids for Acne?

Can patients with autoimmune arthritis use oral isotretinoin to treat acne? Hello, due to the severity of my acne, topical treatments have not been effective. I found online that I might consider using oral isotretinoin for treatment, but I have arthritis and am currently undergo...

Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
It should be possible. However, please discuss with a clinical physician and assess its necessity.

Effective Acne Treatments for Teenagers: A Guide to A-Retinoids and Hormonal Therapy

Acne treatment 1. Is isotretinoin suitable for treating severe (widespread) pustular acne in a 14-year-old adolescent? If so, is liver function testing necessary before starting the medication? Are there any long-term side effects associated with its use? (The doctor has currentl...

Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
1. Severe cystic acne can be treated with oral isotretinoin, and it is necessary to monitor lipid levels and liver function tests. Side effects vary among individuals, but the most common ones are elevated lipid levels and liver function tests. 2. Birth control pills are primaril...

Managing Low-Dose Oral A-Retinoids: Safety and Side Effects

Oral isotretinoin dosage? Hello Doctor: I am currently taking a low dose of isotretinoin, 20 mg every other day. I plan to continue this for a while and then reduce the dosage further to about two 20 mg capsules per week, maintaining this until I turn 30. Is this acceptable? Addi...

Dr. Guo Fengsheng Reply:
Oral isotretinoin requires regular blood tests for monitoring and attention to side effects. It should not be taken independently and must be supervised by a dermatologist. Hair loss as a side effect is not common, so there is no need for concern.

Managing Acne: Alternatives to Oral Vitamin A and Hormonal Treatments

Acne Hello, Doctor: I have been taking oral isotretinoin for 3 years, and every time I stop the medication, my condition relapses! Therefore, I have been afraid to discontinue it. However, I am not seeing improvement while continuously taking it. 1. Is the reason for not improv...

Dr. Huang Ruiyun Reply:
Hello: 1. Endocrine disorders are not very common in males. If you have concerns, it is advisable to consult an endocrinologist (a specialist in metabolic disorders within internal medicine). 2. After discontinuing oral medication, there should be a continuation of treatment with...

Understanding Acne Treatment: Is Oral Isotretinoin Right for You?

There are still a few questions? Doctor, after reading your response, I have a few more questions. I have been taking anti-inflammatory and steroid medications for about two months, and I have also been using topical isotretinoin (Accutane) for approximately three months, which h...

Dr. Zhang Zhibo Reply:
Hello: For large painful lesions, local steroid injections can be used for treatment. For deep cystic acne that cannot be drained, oral isotretinoin can be taken, and chemical peels with alpha hydroxy acids can also be used to expedite the removal. Regarding lymph node pain, it i...

Concerns About Acne Treatment: When to Consult a Dermatologist?

About the skin? I would like to ask about my worsening chin condition. I've been taking isotretinoin for over three months, one pill daily, but I don't see any improvement. When I asked my friends, they said they thought my skin looked better before I started the medica...

Dr. Cai Changlin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your question, oral isotretinoin is currently the only medication that effectively inhibits the main mechanisms involved in acne formation, including sebaceous activity, keratin metabolism, inflammation, and Propionibacterium acnes. It is especially the first-lin...

Understanding Skin Health: A Guide to A-Retinoids and Treatment Progress

About the skin? I am currently using one capsule of retinoic acid daily and have started applying Silian ointment for about three months. When can I expect to see improvement, or is it still in the detoxification phase? It feels like the signs of improvement on my face are quite ...

Dr. Cai Changlin Reply:
Hello, regarding your question, I would like to respond as follows: The oral isotretinoin you are using is currently known in the medical field as the most effective last-line treatment for acne. However, even so, patients with cystic acne typically require a longer treatment dur...

Understanding Adult Acne: Causes, Treatments, and Solutions

Acne Hello, Dr. Jiang. Since I was discharged from the military, I've been experiencing sporadic acne breakouts. They would usually resolve in two to three days, but over time, the breakouts have increased significantly, and now my cheeks are constantly erupting with acne. S...

Dr. Jiang Zheen Reply:
Acne is related to one's constitution, and factors such as lifestyle (like staying up late), diet, and stress can exacerbate the condition. For stubborn acne, the most effective medication currently is oral isotretinoin. You can apply to use this medication at a dermatology ...

Understanding the Hidden Causes of Acne: A Patient's Journey

Unable to identify the cause of acne? Hello, doctor... I have been taking medication for acne for over a year. Each time, the doctor says that the causes of acne could be due to hormonal imbalances, diet, emotions, climate, genetics, or chemical products. Since I am vegetarian, i...

Dr. Jiang Zheen Reply:
The fundamental cause of acne is often related to genetic factors. In certain situations, such as sleep patterns, hormonal changes, stress, and weather conditions, these factors can lead to the emergence or worsening of acne. If there are endocrine issues, you may also experience...

Effective Acne Treatment: Oral Medications and Blackhead Removal Tips

Acne I wash my face about three times a day. I have seen a dermatologist who suggested I trim my hair, which I have done, and I am also applying acne medication (Benzoyl Peroxide Gel 1% and B.B. GEL 1%). However, I still have a lot of acne with little improvement. If I need to ta...

Dr. Jiang Zheen Reply:
The first-line oral medication for acne is tetracycline antibiotics. If the condition persists after one month of use, second-line treatments may be considered, including female hormones or oral retinoids. The use of retinoids requires prior approval from the National Health Insu...

Struggling with Acne: Effective Treatments and Doctor Visits Explained

Acne won't go away? Hello... I am very prone to acne... I have been seeing a doctor for over a year... I have spent nearly 20,000 NTD on consultation fees... I would like to ask if I can get a prescription for medication for half a month to a month like chronic diseases when...

Dr. Zheng Lizhen Reply:
Hello: 1. A one-week supply of medication can be prescribed. 2. Oral isotretinoin is effective for acne, but it is covered by health insurance only for severe cases after a special application; otherwise, it must be paid out of pocket. 3. Acne injections? We need to know the ingr...

Persistent Acne: Seeking Solutions for Long-Term Skin Issues

Persistent acne Hello Dr. Hong, I have been struggling with acne for over 10 years. I have consistently seen doctors, and my lifestyle is quite normal; I do not consume sugary drinks or snacks. I have tried various treatments, including a combination of Western and Chinese medic...

Dr. Hong Zhengsheng Reply:
Hello Iven: The acne treatment methods approved by the Department of Health have mostly been mentioned in your letter. My personal suggestion is to find a dermatologist you trust and collaborate with them over the long term, as this may be a better treatment approach for you at t...

Understanding Eccrine Nevus: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Concerns

Eccrine poroma I started noticing small raised lesions on the inner side of my arms, around my abdomen (near the navel), and under my eyes when I was about 22 years old, during my sophomore year in college. Initially, I didn't pay much attention to them, thinking they were j...

Dr. Hong Zhengsheng Reply:
Hello, office worker: I personally do not have any specific suggestions for you. I can only recommend that when your skin exhibits the described symptoms, you should promptly visit a public hospital under the Department of Health in your city or county and consult with a dermatol...

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...

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.

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