Oral isotretinoin, Dermatology FAQ

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...

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...

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 ...

Is Prescription of Oral Vitamin A Acid Approved by Health Authorities?

Oral vitamin A acid In order for a physician at your hospital to prescribe oral isotretinoin (vitamin A acid), is it necessary to obtain approval from the Department of Health beforehand? Do all hospitals and clinics in the country need to go through this approval process?

Dr. Chen Yiying Reply:
Oral isotretinoin is a high-cost medication, and the National Health Insurance Administration requires a prior authorization process, which must include a photo, consent form, and a copy of the medical records. Approval must be obtained before insurance coverage is granted. Gener...

Understanding Oral Vitamin A Acid for Acne Treatment: Benefits and Side Effects

Regarding oral isotretinoin? Hello Dr. Cheng, I have been troubled by acne for five years. I have visited various hospitals and clinics, and have taken various oral antibiotics such as Tetracycline, Minocycline, Erythromycin, Doxycycline, and Cotrimoxazole for about six months e...

Dr. Zheng Lizhen Reply:
Oral isotretinoin side effects: 1. The most common issues are dryness of the skin and mucous membranes, so it is important to maintain skin hydration and frequently apply lip balm. Patients who wear contact lenses may also experience a foreign body sensation due to dryness, so th...

Does Fruit Acid Thin Your Skin? Insights on Acne and Side Effects

Does alpha hydroxy acid thin the skin? Hello, doctor. 1. I have seen online that some users experienced thinning and sensitivity of the skin after using alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Is this a real possibility? 2. Can the use of AHAs improve the appearance of acne scars? 3. W...

Dr. Zheng Lizhen Reply:
1. After an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) peel, it is the stratum corneum that becomes thinner, not the entire skin. On the contrary, the epidermis may actually thicken. Therefore, the notion that the skin becomes thinner after an AHA peel is fundamentally incorrect; those who claim t...

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