What Are the Treatments for Acne Conglobata?
Acne congloblata is a form of severe acne that causes thick abscesses and sores and pus-filled cysts to develop on your face, back or chest. Because it can be very painful and disfiguring, acne conglobata requires medical treatment to reduce the appearance of blemishes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types of Treatment
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The primary form of treatment for acne conglobata is the prescription oral medication isotretinoin. In some cases, doctors prescribe topical corticosteroid medications and oral antibiotics as well.
Function
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Isotretinoin works by preventing your sebaceous glands from producing oil, which prevents the formation of new blemishes. Antibiotics weaken bacterial cells that contribute to the appearance of conglobata acne, while corticosteroids reduce inflammation.
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Time Frame
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Isotretinoin is usually needed for at least five months to treat acne conglobata, reports the New Zealand Dermatological Society. Corticosteroids and anitbiotics are usually prescribed only for a few weeks at the beginning of treatment.
Risks
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Isotretinoin has the potential to cause severe depression and poses a risk for suicidal thoughts or self-harmful behaviors, warns RxList. The most common side effect of oral antibiotics is diarrhea, while topical corticosteroids can cause your skin to become thin and may cause allergic reactions in some people.
Considerations
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Isotretinoin has been found to cause birth defects when taken by pregnant women. Because of this significant risk, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires women who take the drug to treat acne conglobata must take a pregnancy test and use birth control throughout treatment.
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