Certain Acne Treatment could cause birth defects

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Certain acne treatment could cause birth defects, says the new guidelines of America Academy of Dermatology. The use of oral isotretinoin in fighting serious and moderate acne demands caution. The new American dermatologist guidelines warned

women who might want to be pregnant to stay away from the use of isotretinoin because of its association with birth defects. Some ”studies have suggested a connection between oral isotretinoin and inflammatory bowel disease or depressive symptoms, the evidence is not conclusive; however, patients should be aware of these risks and carefully follow their doctor’s treatment advice” they warned.

Acne is the most bothersome and common skin problem among male and females. Fortunately there are several treatment options available to help the manage this condition. “There are a variety of effective treatments available for acne, and dermatologists have found that combining two or more treatments is the best option for the majority of patients,” says board-certified dermatologist Andrea Zaenglein, MD, FAAD. “Recommended treatments include topical therapy, antibiotics, isotretinoin and oral contraceptives.” he said.

The new published dermatologist guide line suggested that when antibiotics are used for the treatment of moderate to severe acne, it should be combined with topical therapy. ”Once a course of antibiotics is complete, patients should continue using topical treatments to manage their condition. Topical medications, such as retinoids and benzoyl peroxide, also may be combined with one another to create an effective treatment regimen” .

Oral contraceptive have also been recognized to improve acne in some women with some other combined treatment. On laser treatments or chemical peels and tea tree oil the guidelines did not recommend the procedure even for routine acne treatment because limited data are available on their efficacy.

 High glycemic index high in sugar and carbohydrates had been associated with acne but the guidelines said the data were not enough ”to recommend dietary changes for acne patients.”

In conclusion “acne is a highly visible condition that can have a major impact on patients’ quality of life,” says board-certified dermatologist Mark Lebwohl, MD, FAAD, president of the AAD. He also recommended a visit to a dermatologist for people with acne as they will find ”safe and effective treatment options that work for them.”

Source

AAD