Suggest Treatment For Severe Acne
I have severe acne. I take multivitamin (Riconia LP), Natur made omega 3 fatty acids, celin 500mg suppliments. I use adapalene and brevoxyl for topical use. I still see no change. One of my friend suggested Tretiva capsules. Is using tretiva will help me?
Thanks for your help in advance.
Regards, XXXXXXX
Isotretinoin can be considered. Hormonal irregularity needs to be rule out
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I am dr.kakkar (dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.
Moderate to severe grade of acne requires oral treatment in addition to topical anti-acne medications.
Oral treatment options include oral antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline, azithromycin etc) and/ or oral Isotretinoin (Tretiva is irotretinoin). Isotretinoin is a wonderful antiacne medication and is FDA approved for moderate to severe grade of acne, but it should only be taken under supervision of doctor. It requires preliminary blood investigations and lab monitoring during treatment.
Prior to starting isotretinoin, hormonal irregularity also first needs to be ruled out, especially in females. In lieu of that your doctor would enquire about any history of irregularity in menstural cycle and ask you whether you face any problem with coarse facial hair? Your doctor might also do certain laboratory investigations for hormone levels and also order a pelvic ultrasound to look for polycystic ovaries.
Isotretinoin is contraindicated in pregnancy and in married females who may get pregnant during treatment as it can have adverse effects on the developing fetus.
As far as multivitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and Celin (vitamin C ) are concerned, they have no specific role in acne.
Regards