source:flickr by:doug88888

Accutane, also known as Roaccutane or Isotretinoin, is a vitamin A derivative meant to treat severe acne. Taken orally in pill form for anywhere from 15 to 20 weeks, Accutane has been used since 1979 to provide dramatic healing to those experiencing the worst forms of acne. It almost always provides extreme, and sometimes permanent, clarification of the skin, making it one of the best acne treatments on the market. However, Accutane comes with a laundry list of side effects, ranging from irritating to devastating.

Because of Accutane’s efficacy, it’s being prescribed more and more often to those experiencing mild to moderate acne. While this may seem logical, Accutane’s serious side effect risks turn this into a rather controversial issue. Why use an aggressive acne treatment with many known side effects when a gentler acne treatment product would suffice? The answer is unsurprising; patients enjoy the convenience of a pill with the promise of results. Many ignore the side effect warnings, keeping their eyes only on the goal of clear skin. Unfortunately, these patients are often the ones who are later blindsided by anything from allergic reaction to life-threatening conditions.

For the sake of promoting a complete understanding of the health risks associated with Accutane, below you will find a comprehensive list of possible side effects. If you are considering using Accutane to treat your acne, please be sure to research each of these possible risks as thoroughly as you are able.

• Abnormal blood tests
• Abnormal menses
• Alopecia
• Anemia (low iron)
• Arthritis, which can be acute and long-lasting
• Birth defects (Accutane should never be taken by a pregnant or lactating woman)
• Bleeding of the gums
• Blood disease
• Bone overgrowth
• Bumps on the skin that may ooze or bleed
• Calcification of bones, tendons, and ligaments
• Depression, possibly severe
• Dry skin, lips and mouth
• Eczema
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Hair loss
• Hair overgrowth, particularly in women
• Headaches
• Hearing issues
• Hives
• Increased pressure within the skull
• Inflammation of the gums
• Inflammation of the lips
• Inflammation of the pancreas
• Inflammatory bowl disease
• Joint pain
• Low back pain
• Low blood platelet count
• Low white blood cell count
• Muscle pain
• Nail issues
• Neurological issues
• Nosebleeds
• Rapid and severe breakdown of muscle tissue
• Rash
• Reduced blood flow, particularly to the brain
• Respiratory issues
• Severe allergic reaction
• Sun sensitivity
• Tendonitis
• Vision problems
• Yellow deposits on the eyes

Although the range of possible side effects is wide and filled with serious health concerns, Accutane is truly one of the most effective treatments for acne on the market. If you are at low risk for experiencing the more serious side effects associated with Accutane, and you are a sufferer of severe acne, Accutane could be the answer for you. Adversely, if you are experiencing mild to moderate acne, it would be wise to begin with a gentle acne treatment, such as a cleanser and acne spot treatment formulated with salicylic acid, before turning to such an aggressive answer to your breakouts.

Source: flickr.com user rbmay

For the Ladies: Acne, Period.

It’s no secret: most women experience a higher number of acne breakouts during their period, as well as during other times of hormonal imbalance. One of the most common acne FAQs is about hormonally-caused acne. How do you treat hormonal acne breakouts? Can you prevent them from occurring? Which hormones cause the breakout? The questions are endless. Thankfully, there’s a clear answer for every source of befuddlement!

An Overview
There are many hormones which contribute to the formation of acne blemishes. Anabolic steriods, corticosteroids, ACTH, testosterone, and gonadotropins can all have acne-inducing effects. These flare-ups can also be caused or exacerbated by glucocorticosteroids, a hormone that’s increased by higher stress levels. For this basic overview, I’ll stick to the main hormones that lead to a woman’s cyclical acne.

During the menstrual cycle, different hormones experience increase and decrease of production. As a basic overview, the ovaries produce both estrogen (female hormone) and testosterone (male hormone. In the beginning of the menstrual cycle, estrogen levels increase as an egg matures in the ovary. The estrogen has many functions, including masking testosterone in order to allow ovulation to occur. When the egg is released (ovulation), estrogen levels begin to drop. During this time, progesterone, which has qualities of both androgens and estrogen, levels begin to increase in order to prepare the uterine lining for the implantation of a fertilized egg. If the egg is not fertilized and/or implanted, progesterone levels drop, leading to the woman’s period.

The progesterone made during the menstrual cycle is meant to compete with androgens (the main cause of acne). If the progesterone was able to properly control androgen production, the effects of the androgens would never make an appearance in the form of acne. However, some women make too much testosterone (an androgen), making it difficult for the progesterone to win its struggle with your body’s androgens. Other women make too little estrogen, which is essential for masking the body’s testosterone. The most common cause of androgen-related acne, however, is a woman’s natural sensitivity to her body’s normal levels of androgens.

Treatment and Prevention
Hormonal acne can be controlled or prevented by women through birth control and other forms of hormonal supplementation. However, these types of acne treatments do not come without their health risks. In addition, this form of treatment does not always work, and many women cannot use hormonal supplements due health reasons or religious beliefs. If hormonal acne treatment is not an option for you, you can turn to natural acne treatments and topical acne treatment products.

Most adult acne treatments provide great results when used on hormonally-caused acne. If topical treatment doesn’t seem to clear up your monthly acne, it may be wise to up your acne treatment regimen during times of hormonal flare-ups. By adding an acne spot treatment or clarifying night mask, you may be able to get your cyclical breakouts under control without turning to hormone treatment therapy.