Today, almost every acne can be treated excellently and with good cosmetic success.
In the acne consultation, we try to clarify the cause, i.e. when the condition started, what medication you have taken so far, and with what success. We also examine your skin in detail to determine how severe your acne is.
Treatment of acne scars with e.g. CO2 laser in the procedure room.
Isotretinoin is a highly effective medication that is used for acne and occasionally also for other sebaceous gland disorders. It is available in Switzerland under various brand names (Roaccutan® , Tretinac® , Isotretinoin Mepha® , Liderma® , Curakne® and others).
Isotretinoin is a vitamin A acid preparation that permanently inhibits the activity of the sebaceous glands. It also regulates the keratinization of the uppermost layer of the skin, which is causally involved in the development of acne. Isotretinoin is used to treat acne forms that do not respond to other common therapies or that are associated with increased scarring. In over 80% of patients, isotretinoin completely heals even severe acne. In most cases, the effect is long-lasting and relapses are rare. However, isotretinoin has no effect on existing scars.
The most important side effect affects women: Isotretinoin causes damage to the unborn child during pregnancy. Women may only take the medication if a medically supervised pregnancy test has been carried out before treatment and if they are using effective contraception at the same time as the treatment. Effective contraceptive methods include the pill, the IUD with simultaneous use of condoms and surgical sterilization. Condom use alone is not enough! You must continue to use contraception for at least two months after the end of treatment. Afterwards you can get pregnant again without any danger. If you become pregnant during treatment with isotretinoin, a termination of pregnancy must be considered.
For men, taking isotretinoin has no adverse effects on fertility or on a conceived child. Almost all patients who take isotretinoin experience unpleasant but harmless side effects such as dry lips, dry skin, dry nasal mucosa and dry eyes, which can be particularly annoying for contact lens wearers. These side effects can be alleviated by applying lip balm, moisturizing lotions, nasal ointment and eye drops. You also become more sensitive to sunlight and need to protect yourself accordingly.
Occasionally, increases in blood lipid levels (cholesterol etc.) and liver values occur during treatment with isotretinoin, which normalize again after the end of therapy. At the start of treatment, these values must therefore be checked every four to six weeks by taking a blood sample.
Rarer side effects include nosebleeds, slight hair loss and joint and muscle complaints. You should report these side effects to the doctor treating you.
The treatment is carried out in a dose individually adapted to your weight and the severity of the acne over several months, usually five to nine months. The entire daily dose of capsules can be taken at once without chewing with a meal.
During the treatment period, your doctor will check your blood lipids every four to six weeks by taking a blood sample and discussing the treatment of any side effects with you. As part of the check-ups, women are always given a pregnancy test. Under no circumstances may you pass the medication on to other people.
If you are taking other medication at the same time, you must inform your doctor. In particular, certain antibiotics must not be combined with isotretinoin. You should also not take any additional vitamin A-containing preparations (e.g. multivitamin tablets) of your own accord. External treatments can irritate the skin and are not necessary during treatment with isotretinoin.
You can also order a printed version of the acne patient brochure.
Order brochure
Director of Department, Department of Dermatology
Send a photo of the affected skin area and fill out the short questionnaire. Within 24 hours on weekdays, you will receive a reliable diagnosis from our experts. Your data will be transmitted to us encrypted and treated confidentially.
Easily assign your patient online.