[Treatment of acne by isotretinoin (general course)]

Acne is a chronic disease which evolves under periodic eruptions. Resolution occurs around the late teens. Conventional treatment clears the lesions, but treatment by isotretinoin alone can achieve long remissions indeed definitive clearing. Indications are nodulo-cystic acne and resistant acne to a conventional treatment of at least 3 months duration. This drug is prescribed in cures, a cure is the period during which the patient receives a continuous treatment. The daily dose is computed according to the patient's weight and varies between 0.5 and 1 mg/kg. To prevent relapses, it is recommended to cumulate a dose between 100 and 150 mg/kg. No other topical or systemic treatment is needed. Side effects exist, among which teratogenicity is the most severe. Very strict contraception is necessary for women of child-bearing age. The most important mucocutaneous side effect is dryness and has to be counteracted by emollients. It is recommended that the drug be prescribed by doctors having a fair experience of oral retinoids and a perfect understanding of the teratogenic risk of the drug.