November 2018 - Zel Skin & Laser Specialists - now Schweiger Dermatology Group
Accutane treatment

Accutane for Acne Treatment

Sometimes patients come to us with very severe acne that consists of nodules, cysts, and pustules on the skin. Many times, this deep cystic type of acne has already left scars on the skin and is causing distress to the patient. Often, we will see patients with acne that has been treated for years with different oral antibiotics, topical creams, washes, and other in-office procedures, yet it still does not improve. Severe, painful acne can significantly affect your quality of life. Grades may suffer, social isolation may occur, and job performance may suffer. In cases of severe or unresponsive acne, a medication – Accutane ® (Isotretinoin) – may be a curative option.

Accutane is a pill form of Vitamin A that helps reduce oil production, inflammation, bacteria levels, and clogged pores. For many, treating acne in this way provides a curative option for the acne that has been plaguing them for years.

Regulations

Accutane is a highly regulated medication. It can cause side effects such as headache, dry eyes and skin, nosebleeds, vision changes or mood changes. Women who are planning a pregnancy, currently pregnant, or breastfeeding cannot use Accutane. There is a high risk of harm to the baby. In many cases, Accutane also causes significant skin sensitivity. Excess sun exposure, facials, and skin waxing should be avoided while you are on the medication.

Most patients who complete a course of Accutane with a licensed, trained dermatology provider see results within a few months and finish the total treatment course within 6-8 months. Accutane is commonly one to two pills per day. Every month that you are on this medicine you will see your dermatology provider.

If you have been suffering from painful, severe, scarring acne or have been using prescription medications for your acne that have not been working, contact us today. Accutane may be an option for you.

When should your child see a dermatology provider?

There are many reasons a child may need to see a dermatologist ranging from rashes to bug bites to acne. One of the most important reasons for your son or daughter to be seen in clinic is to monitor moles that are worrisome.

Most moles seen on children’s skin are generally not too concerning. As your child grows, it is normal for the moles to grow along with them and even sometimes change in color. Some moles may disappear completely as your child continues to grow. In an otherwise healthy child, melanoma and other skins cancers are quite rare; however, there are some times when a mole should be checked by a trained dermatology provider.

If you see more than 50 moles on your child’s skin.

Large numbers of moles may indicate a higher risk for melanoma. When caught early, melanoma is very treatable and your child should be seen yearly for regular skin exams to monitor the moles.

If your child’s mole is bleeding or painful.

Address this immediately. If your child is experiencing any discomfort from a skin lesion, they should have it checked out.

If your child has two or more different colors in it or looks jagged around the edges.

These moles may indicate cancerous or precancerous change and should be evaluated in clinic.

If your child has a very large mole.

Most moles and freckles on the skin are pencil eraser sized or smaller. In some instances, children may develop or be born with large moles that may cover a significant portion of their skin. These moles should be monitored by your dermatology provider, as there are melanomas that can arise from these moles. Early detection is essential for good treatment outcome!

If your child’s mole is changing.

Perhaps you’ve noticed a small brown mole on your child’s leg that has been present since birth. If this mole looks the same and never changes, most likely it is nothing to worry about. If the mole all the sudden turns very dark brown or changes color, or all the sudden has a different shape or grows dramatically – it’s time to have it checked in the office.

Regular yearly monitoring for atypical moles is part of a healthy, whole-body approach to skincare no matter your age. To schedule a skin exam for you or your child, call (952) 929-8888 or visit our contact page.

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2 Carlson Parkway N., Suite 100
Plymouth, MN 55447

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