Isotretinoin Topular And Antibiotics Acne Medication Controversy Side Effects Answered Honestly

Acne is a common skin condition that can appear not only during puberty but also in adulthood, and even in young children. With diverse causes and symptoms, you likely have many questions about treatment methods. Through this acne Q&A, answered directly by a specialist from Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon, we will learn about proper acne management.

Many people in their mid-30s are concerned about worsening acne. Adult acne is influenced by hormones, but stress and lack of sleep are particularly significant causes. This is because stress hormones are secreted along with acne-causing hormones, exacerbating symptoms.

• Lifestyle Improvement: Sufficient sleep and stress management (exercise, balanced diet) are important.
• Medication Treatment Duration: Acne medication is not taken for life, and the treatment duration may vary depending on the type of medication and symptoms. It can be sufficiently controlled through medication to suppress recurrence.

Recently, more children are visiting dermatology clinics due to the appearance of milia-like acne from early elementary school age. Children's acne also requires active treatment.

• Medication Selection: There are topical medications available for those aged 12 and older, as well as antibiotics or retinoid-based topical medications approved for children aged 2 and older.
• Treatment Methods: Milia-like acne can usually be controlled with topical medications, and if symptoms are severe, various methods such as scaling, extraction, and laser treatment can be considered at a dermatology clinic.

Acne can be broadly divided into red acne and comedonal acne, which feels like small bumps.

• Red Acne: This is inflammatory acne caused by acne bacteria. If touched with hands, the inflammation can worsen and leave scars, so it is crucial not to squeeze it and to calm it with medication.
• Comedonal Acne (Milia-like acne, blackheads, whiteheads): This type of acne occurs when pores are blocked, characterized by the presence of palpable bumps.

Using medications that open pores or acne-specific cosmetics containing salicylic acid can be helpful.

There are many vague concerns and misunderstandings about acne medications.

• Misconception of 'Strong': In the past, antihistamines prescribed at dermatology clinics caused drowsiness, leading to the perception of being 'strong,' but recently, many medications with reduced drowsiness side effects are available.
• Antibiotics: Typically taken for about 3 months; long-term use is not recommended.
• Isotretinoin (Isotretinoin):
  • Side Effects: The fact that many side effects are reported means that it has been extensively studied. Medical professionals can listen to patients' discomforts and suggest appropriate treatment methods.
  • Long-term Use: In some cases, it is taken for over a year, with treatment monitored through blood tests.
  • Low-Dose Therapy: Effective in controlling sebum secretion and balancing skin.
  • Precautions: It can affect the fetus during pregnancy, so women of childbearing age must be especially careful. Also, blood donation should be avoided during use.
  • Discontinuation: After taking until acne completely subsides, tapering (gradually reducing the medication) can lower the recurrence rate.

Many people are concerned about skin troubles when using sunscreen.

• Sunscreen: Contains various ingredients to block sunlight, which can cause skin troubles. It is necessary to test various products directly to find one that suits you. Products containing mineral ingredients are known to cause relatively fewer troubles.
• Men's Cosmetics: Recently, various men's cosmetics have been released, so it is advisable to try them directly and choose products that suit your skin.
• Dehydrated Oily Skin (Su-bu-ji): This skin type has a lot of oil but lacks natural moisturizing factors, leading to dryness. Controlling oil with frequent cleansing and supplementing with products containing moisturizing factor-like ingredients can be helpful.
• Oil Blotting Paper: For oily acne, temporarily removing oil can help prevent worsening. However, it is not a fundamental method for treating acne.

Many inquiries are made about squeezing acne at home.

• Cases to Absolutely Avoid:
  • Red acne, acne with yellow pus: These are severely inflamed states, and touching them can spread inflammation or cause scars.
  • Forced Extraction: Squeezing until blood comes out indicates damage to surrounding tissue and can lead to scars.
• Safe Extraction:
  • Only squeeze white comedonal acne (whiteheads) that are easily extracted.
  • Method: Before extraction, open pores with a steam towel, and gently press using two cotton swabs or an extractor.
  • Fucidin: Its effect on acne bacteria is not significant; it is mainly used to prevent secondary infection in wound areas.

Stieva-A cream is a topical medication effective for various types of acne, including blackheads.

• Application Area: Can be applied thinly over the entire face.
• Precautions: Applying too much initially can cause skin peeling or irritation. It is important to apply a thin layer once a day in the evening, ensuring no white residue remains on the skin.
• Combined Use with Cleocin T: Using it with Cleocin T (topical clindamycin) may enhance its effect, but both medications can dry out the skin, so care should be taken not to over-apply. Some dryness or redness may occur, but severe irritation should be avoided.