[Roaccutan in acne and rosacea]

Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a lately developed synthetic oral retinoid for treatment of severe forms of cystic acne resistant to therapy. Its pharmacological effect principally consists in decreased size of the sebaceous glands, reduced sebum production, as well as alteration of the bacterial micropopulation. At a dosage of 0.5 mg up to 1.0 mg/kg body weight daily, isotretinoin led to significant reduction of the inflammatory skin eruptions and long-lasting remission after discontinuation of the drug. With regard to 18 patients suffering from rosacea, the application of Accutane brought about satisfactory results, as well. Mucocutaneous side-effects were almost compulsory, but did never lead to discontinuation of the treatment. Because of its teratogenity, isotretinoin must not be applied in case of gravidity. Accutane offers new modes of therapy with respect to patients suffering from nodulocystic acne or severe rosacea which did not respond to common forms of treatment.