Zentrum für ästhetische Medizin
Lasertherapie und
Dermatologie
Rämistrasse 37
8001 Zürich
Telefon 044 256 19 50
Fax 044 256 19 51
info@causadermis.ch
Lasertherapie und
Dermatologie
Rämistrasse 37
8001 Zürich
Telefon 044 256 19 50
Fax 044 256 19 51
info@causadermis.ch
Oral Therapies
Oral acne treatments are chosen for more severe forms of acne. More severe acne is acne with large inflammatory lesions, acne that leads to scarring, acne unresponsive to other types of treatments, or forms of acne that interfere with the psychic well-being.
Basically three oral treatments against acne are at our disposal : antibiotics, retinoids and certain birth control pills.
Antibiotics
In general, antibiotics are used in inflammatory juvenile acne. In adult-type acne they often are not of sustained efficacy. Because of side effects and antibiotic-resistance they should not be used for more than three months.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin (Roaccutan® and generics) is an oral retinoid that has been successfully used in acne and rosacea treatment for more than 25 years. A treatment with isotretinoin is typically evaluated in severe forms of acne.
Isotretinoin influences all aspects of acne and rosacea: Hyperactivity of sebaceous glands (the site of acne), prevents comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and is highly anti-inflammatory. The treatment effect of isotretinoin is usually sustained after cessation of therapy.
We have a long-standing experience with low-dose isotretinoin-therapy. Contrary to higher dosage, the common side-effects (dryness of the skin and mucosa) are much less pronounced. Before and during isotretinoin-therapy, blood tests are performed. Blood-changes with low dose isotretinoin are extremely rare. Women in child-baring age must not get pregnant during this regimen and one month after cessation of therapy, because isotretinoin is teratogenic.
Common Side Effects of Isotretinoin
For various reasons, some people consider an isotretinoin-therapy a risky way to treat acne. In the right hands and in the right dosage, however, isotretinoin is a reliable therapy for acne, with a limited risk-profile. Side effects that always occur are:
- Dryness of skin and mucosa: isotretinoin turns down the production of sebaceous glands. The intensity of dryness people experience from isotretinoin depends on various factors: the dosage, time of the year, individual factors. At times it can be problematic to wear contact lenses during the treatment. To improve dryness, daily cleansing and moisturizing routines should be adapted. Our cosmetician will show you how.
- Enhanced aptness to sun-burns: During isotretinoin therapy the uppermost layer of the skin is thinned, hence UV-rays may penetrate more easily into your skin. You should adapt sun-protective measures accordingly.
- Pregnancy: isotretinoin in women in child-baring age may only be taken if they cannot get pregnant during the whole course of therapy and one month upon cessation of isotretinoin. It is a teratogenic drug which would necessitate a medically indicated abortion. In men isotretinoin does not have teratogenic effects.
- Enhanced vulnerability of the skin: During isotretinoin therapy the upper layer of the skin is temporarily thinner. Your skin may be more prone to trauma, e.g. when waxing hair, which is not recommended during the treatment.
- Isotretinoin and other drugs: Should you be taking other medications during isotretinoin therapy inform your doctor. Some antibiotics should not be combined with isotretinoin; also some birth control pills may not be effective during isotretinoin intake. Should you notice any mood changes, it makes sense to stop isotretinoin therapy and contact us immediately.
Duration of Isotretinoin-Therapy
Until some years ago it was thought that higher daily and cummulative doses of isotretinoin would be necessary to reach a sustained effect. Sometimes it is necessary to repeat isotretinoin therapy in stubborn forms of adult-type acne.
Whether or not an isotretinoin treatment is an option for you does not depend only on your form of acne but also from you intention to follow the whole course of the treatment.
We can also offer you anti-acne treatments on the basis of laser- und other light sources
Examples
1.0 News
Fractionated laser therapies have revolutionized our treatment options for atrophic scars and wrinkles.
2.0 News
Hyaluronic acid: wrinkles and atrophic scars are not only treated symptomatically: it has been known for some time that collagen tissue is stimulated by hyaluronic acid. Also, a new injection technique results in an even better outcome.
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