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A Cure Can Cause More Problems

Almost every day it seems like there is a new treatment out to cure one of America's most hated disease: acne. Whether it is a new face wash, a miracle cream, or a skin care system such as Proactive, the sufferers with the most severe cases have no use for these products. They are turning to their dermatologists for help, and are usually being prescribed Accutane. Is Accutane the one and only cure, or are doctors over-prescribing this drug while acne could be more safely treated before utilizing this as a last resort?
Acne is caused by an excess of dry skin and oil which plugs the skin's pores. As oil continues to try to reach the surface of the skin the pore becomes infected because it is blocked. This results in a blemish and is often red and swollen. For many years, dermatologists have known that the hormonal differences at puberty trigger an overproduction of sebum. This overproduction is also a result of an over-production of androgens (male hormones) in women over the age of twenty. (Taylor). Some people may only have a few blemishes at a time while there are other people who have a more severe form of acne, which can cover the face and cause scarring. For this form of acne, many dermatologists will prescribe Isotretinoin, more commonly known as Accutane. This is supposed to be used as a last resort drug.
Accutane does not come without any serious side effects. In the package insert for the drug it states
Birth defects which have been documented following Accutane exposure include abnormalities in the face, eyes, ears, skull, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and thymus and parathyroid glands. Cases of IQ scored less than 85 with or without abnormalities have been reported. There is an increased risk for spontaneous abortion and premature births have been reported.
There are less serious side effects, such has dried skin and nasal passages, peeling skin, thinning hair, brittle nails, joint pain, high blood lipid levels,...