Maskne is a compound word of mask and acne and refers to acne caused by a mask. In fact, it has been revealed that the number of patients visiting hospitals with facial skin problems has increased since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (Corona 19) infection. There are many different treatment methods for acne and there are medications used for acne that are not treated well by other treatments. This is isotretinoin. I reviewed the drug “Isotretinoin”, which has side effects as obvious as its effects.
MaskneㅣSource: Getty Image Bank
Acne is the main cause of excessive sebum secretion. Sebum is secreted by the sebaceous glands and hormones called androgens act on receptors in the sebaceous glands to promote secretion. Isotretinoin inhibits the secretion of sebum, inhibits the formation of comedones due to hyperkeratinization of the pores, inhibits the proliferation of acne bacteria, and blocks all four mechanisms of acne, making it a very effective acne treatment. However, the side effects of isotretinoin are as well known as its effects.
The Ministry of Food and Pharmaceutical Safety (Ministry of Food and Pharmaceutical Safety) provides very long precautions for use as a reserve and allows the treatment of this ingredient to be prescribed only to patients with severe acne. Isotretinoin is an ingredient that requires confirmation of the patient’s pregnancy and guidance on safe use prior to prescribing. Guidelines for safe use include ▲ confirmation of pregnancy ▲ explanation of risk of fetal malformation ▲ period/explanation of contraceptive method ▲ no blood donation/no sharing ▲ up to 30 days prescription/up to 7 days prescription.
The side effects of isotretinoin known so far are very diverse, such as cheilitis, itching, dermatitis, skin diseases such as skin peeling, dry eye syndrome, dry nose, fatigue and intestinal discomfort. Haidak Lee Jeong-chan (Seoul Joint Internal Medicine Clinic) internal medicine advisory physician warned, “This drug has side effects of increasing triglycerides and lowering HDL cholesterol, so you may need to take drugs for hyperlipidemia if necessary”.
Isotretinoin intake is contraindicated for all pregnant women, women planning pregnancy and breastfeeding women due to the high risk of birth defects. The main fetal malformations include ▲ cranial anomaly ▲ cerebral malformation ▲ cerebellar malformation ▲ hydrocephalus ▲ anencephalic hydrocephalus ▲ microcephaly ▲ cranial nerve abnormality ▲ external ear abnormality ▲ minor ophthalmia ▲ cardiovascular system abnormality ▲ facial dysplasia ▲ cleft palate ▲ thymic and of the parathyroids. Therefore, women of childbearing potential should inform whether they are pregnant or not.
In addition, patients with impaired renal and hepatic function, patients with excess vitamin A, and patients with excessively elevated blood lipid levels are also contraindicated. It is also not recommended for children under the age of 12, and caution is advised for adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17.
The Ministry of Food and Pharmaceutical Safety recommends following six rules for using isotretinoin safely.
1. Consultation with a doctor is essential
2. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant
3. Observe the contraceptive period before and after taking
4. Choose an effective contraceptive method while taking it
5. No blood donation
6. No sharing
Contraception must be used from at least one month before taking isotretinoin until at least one month after the last dose and it is recommended to use two or more contraceptive methods together if possible. The same goes for donating blood. Do not donate blood from the start of treatment until at least one month after the last dose. Also, you are advised not to distribute isotretinoin left over after taking it to others or selling it on the Internet. Quite a few people actually want to get this medicine online because it is excellent for acne treatment.
Help = Medical Consultant Haidaq Lee Jeong-chan (Seoul Joint Internal Medicine Clinic Specialist)
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