Not only is it the largest organ in the human body, but also the first line of defense against external damage, the appearance of acne not only affects the personal image, but also destroys the integrity of the barrier, and it is easy to cause local or systemic infections if not handled well, so acne is not a simple problem, it needs to be paid attention to and accepted in a timely manner.
Isotretinoin soft capsules have a resounding reputation among many acne friends and are a good hand for acne, but its *** also discourages many patients who want to try it, even if the doctor prescribes it after diagnosis and treatment, they hesitate to use it. Today, let's break down the pros and cons of isotretinoin softgels** acne and clear up this fog.
Isotretinoin softgels are natural metabolites of vitamin A and are a powerful inhibitor of lipid synthesis in the sebaceous glands, and studies on the pathogenesis of acne have found that abnormal sebaceous secretion by the sebaceous glands is a prerequisite for the occurrence of acne. A large amount of sebum accumulates in the hair follicle, which not only stimulates the abnormal keratinization of the sebaceous duct of the hair follicle, but also reduces the diameter of the duct; It also causes changes in the composition of sebum, a decrease in linoleic acid content, and an increase in the content of unsaturated fatty acids such as squalene peroxide and wax esters, resulting in poor sebum fluidity, which forms a mixture with the shed epithelial cells and causes clogged pores. At this time, the microenvironment becomes very suitable for the proliferation of microorganisms such as Propionibacterium acnes parasitic in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands, and causes inflammation and immune response in the hair follicles and surrounding tissues, and finally causes acne.
The beneficial side of isotretinoin softgels in acne** is mainly manifested in the following aspects:
1. It can target 4 key links of acne at the same time
Oral isotretinoin softgels can effectively shrink sebaceous gland tissue, inhibit sebaceous gland activity, reduce sebum secretion, and cut off the prerequisites for acne. Isotretinoin soft capsules also have an improvement effect on abnormal keratinization of the sebaceous ducts of hair follicles, and can also reduce lipid embolism of the sebaceous glands and mouth, and improve the ** fatty and hypoxic microenvironment, thereby inhibiting the reproduction of microorganisms such as Propionibacterium acnes. In addition, isotretinoin softgels can participate in the regulation of inflammatory immune mediators associated with acne, selectively binding to retinoids and exerting the role of **acne.
2. Oral **3 4 weeks onset
*In the case of acne, isotretinoin softgels generally take effect after 3 to 4 weeks of use, such as the reduction of acne lesions, the reduction of new skin lesions, etc., which can help patients build confidence in ** and adhere to the completion of the course of medication. The duration of treatment depends on the control of the skin lesions, usually not less than 16 weeks, and the dose of isotretinoin softgels can be appropriately reduced after the skin lesions are controlled**2 3 months or longer.
3. It has the effect of preventing acne scarring
Acne lesions may have sequelae such as pigmentation, depressed scars or keloids after they have subsided, among which acne scars are mostly permanent and have a serious impact on appearance, which is also a manifestation of acne as a disfiguring disease. Isotretinoin softgels have the effect of preventing acne scarring, so patients with scarring tendencies or scarring constitution should use it as soon as possible to prevent and reduce acne scarring to the greatest extent.
The drug effect is two-sided, and the effectiveness of isotretinoin softgels for acne has been reported by a large number of studies, but the adverse reactions and contraindications caused by the drug cannot be ignored
1. Teratogenicity
Isotretinoin soft capsules have obvious teratogenic effects and are also its most serious adverse reactions, so pregnant and lactating women are prohibited from using them, and women of childbearing age and their partners must be strictly contraceptive during and within 3 months before and after medication, and never get pregnant.
Not recommended for children under age
Long-term use of large doses before puberty may cause premature epiphyseal closure, bone hyperplasia, osteoporosis, etc., so it is not recommended for children under 12 years old.
3. Patients with obesity, dyslipidemia and liver disease should use with caution
Elevated blood lipids and abnormal liver enzymes are relatively rare adverse reactions of isotretinoin soft capsules, which usually appear in the first 2 months of **, and most of them are improved and recovered after dose adjustment or discontinuation. Therefore, it is recommended that patients with obesity, dyslipidemia and liver disease should use it cautiously under the guidance of a doctor, and regularly do lipid and liver function tests.
4. Hypopressive tendencies and patients with depression should use with caution
The association between isotretinoin softgels and depression or suicidal tendencies is unclear and should be used by patients with significant depressive symptoms or depression.
5. **Mucosal dryness is a common adverse reaction
Due to the inhibition of the function of sebaceous gland synthesis of sebum, **mucosal dryness is the most common adverse reaction during isotretinoin softgels**, such as lips, nasal cavity, **dryness and desquamation, etc., but this is also a sign that the drug works. You can do this by drinking plenty of water, applying lip balm, body lotion, and applying petroleum jelly with a cotton swab to the lining of your nasal cavity.
Isotretinoin soft capsules are a conventional drug for oral acne, and are recommended as a first-line drug by domestic and foreign guidelines, but there are also certain adverse reactions and precautions. Before taking medication, patients should be evaluated and formulated by a doctor, and take it strictly according to the doctor's instructions, and should not blindly self-medicate. Only by taking isotretinoin soft capsules scientifically and regularly and understanding its adverse reactions and coping methods in advance can we play its due role and minimize the adverse effects.
References:Chinese Acne** Guidelines (2019 Revised Edition).
Instructions for isotretinoin softgels.