Acne – a skin condition that can have so many debilitating effects and one that can lead to Life long scarring and emotional issues
Here is a recent Government report published this week
As a kid, it affected me too, but in the 1980s – it wasOxy10 and get on with it – I suppose my mum could have found a dermatologist if she could but back then, you didn’t; the doctors weren’t interested, either and the drug Roaccutane was pretty new.
The risks of depression and Suicide and other side effects were and have continued to be very much in the news as they have been throughout my growing years, and so only the very severe cases of acne should ever be prescribed it, but for those patients, it really can be life-changing.
When My Kids started to have spots (and severe ones, too ), and medications didn’t clear things, I, of course, had the knowledge and contacts to seek help – I will be ever grateful to Our Island Dr Hepburn for helping listening – and he only ever listened to my children ( never me ) on how their skin had started to affect their Life.
4 Of them all went on Roaccutane for a period of 3- 9 months, and I’m glad to save that the drug helped save their skin. I think their confidence from a lifetime of issues – with scarring, pitting and simply an embarrassment.
So let’s have a look at the drug – and its development
Roaccutane, or isotretinoin, is a medication used to treat severe acne. It was first developed in the 1970s by the pharmaceutical company Roche and was approved by the US FDA in 1982. Roaccutane reduces the amount of oil the skin produces, which can help prevent acne from forming.
Roaccutane was initially approved for treating severe cystic acne that had not responded to other treatments. However, it has also been used to treat different types of acne, such as moderate acne that has not responded to other treatments.
Roaccutane has been linked to a number of side effects, including dry skin and lips, nosebleeds, muscle and joint pain, and increased sensitivity to the sun. It has also been linked to more serious side effects, such as birth defects, depression, and suicidal thoughts or actions. For this reason, Roaccutane is only available with a prescription from a healthcare professional, and patients must be closely monitored while taking the medication.
In the UK, Roaccutane is available on the NHS for patients with severe acne that has not responded to other treatments. However, the use of Roaccutane is closely monitored by healthcare professionals due to its potential side effects. Patients are required to sign a consent form before starting treatment, and female patients are required to use two forms of contraception while taking the medication, as it can cause birth defects.
However, I was pleased to read that after a 3-year review by the Government of the drug Roccautane, a government investigation has concluded that the benefits of Roccautane outweigh the risks of Suicide. Still, other measures will be implemented, including diagnosis, access and ongoing review.
In my personal experience with my children and others who have taken this drug, I can advise that this drug can have Life changing outcomes.
The drugs do not come without serious side effects.
Dry, cracking skin, Itching redness Skin as the drug works by stopping the sebaceous glands from. Working. Contraception is also essential due to the effects it can have on the foetus
The drug is strictly controlled, having to be prescribed by a dermatologist, and liver function etc., monitored, but again, as a mum, “it saved my Kid’s Skin.”
Acne can be a terrible disease
I see daily posts on Facebook with acne remedies and potions being touted, but In severe cases, I would always advise assessment, referral to a dermatologist and consideration of Roaccotane.
Personally, My kids never became depressed or suicidal on the drug, Yes they hated the dry skin, the Cracking at first, and the blood tests, but they also loved the fact that, quite simply, their skin ” cleared up ” and no longer became an issue.
I’m also excited about the Development of Aviclear on the market, a laser that Stops sebaceous glands from working to be introduced Sept this year by ….
Time and research teach us many things, and thank you to the Government for this research that can. However, not remove the risk entirely, reassure patients and often parents that Roaccutane is still a drug that can have Life changing effects and, as I often say to a patient, ” save your skin and yourself ” from a lifetime of misery and treatments – in simply a few months – for me my acne scars remain for my kids I kept them to a minimum- although they all told me the dryness and cracking of their skin and lips at first was almost unbearable but once that resolved things got better
The Video you will see Shows Meg going through those stages daily with Roaccutane – her skin is now so much better and with minimal scarring.
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