Accutane Side Effects Exposed

Accutane Side Effects Exposed: Side Effects of the Miracle Drug and the Alternative to Accutane

If you suffer from severe case of acne that has failed to respond to conventional treatments such as antibiotics, then your dermatologist may recommend the use of the popular Accutane or Isotretinoin. Accutane is a potent oral drug from Hoffman-LaRoche that has been proven highly effective for reducing acne symptoms dramatically after only one course of 15-20 weeks.

With its undoubting success at battling even the toughest cases of acne and ever-growing popularity among teens as a miracle drug, why is Accutane still considered the most controversial pharmaceutical on the market? The answer: a documented list of severe and sometimes permanent side effects.

Although some of the side effects associated with the use of Isotretinoin are mild and tolerable (dry lips, dry eyes, nosebleeds, extremely dry skin, increased sensitivity to the sun and thinning hair) there is in fact a long list of serious side effects that have been reported due to the use of Accuttane which persisted even after the drug therapy was stopped. Among those are: Severe aches and pains in the lower back and large joints, severe allergy reactions that include moderate rashes and difficulty to breath, vision problems, hearing loss, permanent liver damage, persistent migraines and headaches and skeletal hyperostosis which is an excessive bone growth that occurs along the sides of the spine.

But perhaps, the two most bothersome of all Accutane side effects are its potential to cause severe birth defects if taken by pregnant women or women that became pregnant while taking the drug and the suggested link between the intake of Accutane and the changes in mood, severe depression and suicidal thoughts.

Since, Isotretinoin can be harmful to the fetus, it should not be used during pregnancy and women should avoid pregnancy for at least a month after the use of Accutane. Additionally, because of its severe side effects, nursing mothers must avoid the drug completely.

Although researchers still argue whether Isotretinoin causes depression or not, Roche the manufacturer of Accutane, openly shares information claiming that Accutane and its generic, isotretinoin, can alter mood: "Synthetic derivatives of vitamin A, can negatively impact brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin."

The FDA website warns: "All patients treated with isotretinoin should be observed closely for symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts, such as sad mood, irritability, acting on dangerous impulses, anger, loss of pleasure ... mood disturbance, psychosis, or aggression."

Moreover, statistics show that between 1989 and 2003, there were 216 reported drug-linked suicides among U.S. teens younger than 18. Of these, 72 suicides were linked to Accutane (isotretinoin). The next highest number of suicides in that time period -- 55 -- involved Prozac (fluoxetine).

Accutane works by reducing the size and output of the sebaceous glands and thus stops excess oil production. The problem is that Accutane damages your skins sebum glands and liver function in the process. By the time you stop taking the drug, your skin oil glands will return to function but your liver will not be able to properly balance your hormones and prevent the over production of sebum.

Isotrteinoin also normalizes your keratinization (the shedding of dead skin cells), improves fat metabolism and reduces inflammation. But all of these benefits can be easily achieved using all natural dietary, supplementation and skin care alternatives and without the side effects. For example: Foods that are rich in Vitamin A and Beta Carotene can help reduce the secretion of oil by the sebaceous glands. Simple home made peels made of Papaya can easily replace the peeling action of Isotrerinoin and sleep optimization, and regular exercising including vitamin, C, E, Zinc and Colostrum can boost the immune abilities of the body and thus reduce inflammation.

Accutane is not the solution to acne. Not only does it treat the symptoms of the disease and not the internal cause, stopping your skin's natural oil production, can in most cases, result in extra dryness combined with the acceleration of the skin's aging process (yes! your skin will look older). Moreover, Accutane severely damages your liver function among other side effects, which in turn destroys your delicate inner balance and your natural healing abilities. Hence, it is doing the opposite of curing.

A long-term acne solution should address the internal cause of acne by tackling all acne contributing factors and neutralizing the acne environment - the only, safe, natural and effective way you could ever achieve lasting acne freedom.

Mike Walden is a certified nutritionist, independent medical researcher, natural health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, "Acne No More- Open The Door To An Acne Free Life." Mike has written dozens of holistic health articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide. For information on Mike's Holistic Clear Skin program, visit:Click Here!

Acne No More:How to Avoid Acne

" Acne No More! Cure your acne, end the breakouts and regain your natural inner balance ... Guaranteed! -- Discover how Mike Walden has taught thousands of people to achieve acne freedom faster than they ever thought possible... Even if you've never succeeded at curing your acne before... Right here you've found the clear skin success system you've been looking for Click Here!

How to Avoid Acne

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Common acne (aka "acne vulgaris") is a skin condition characterized by what are often called pimples or zits. It can occur anywhere on the body and at any age, though it typically affects teenagers on the face and back. Some factors, such as being in puberty, can't be altered, but you can take steps to avoid and prevent acne. Keep yourself healthy and presentable by removing factors that contribute to acne.

Steps

1. Remove bacteria from your pores. Your skin can become "allergic" to this bacteria. Use anti-bacterial products containing benzoyl peroxide by rubbing, twice daily, into the pores over the affected region or washing with a medicated wash. Do not use bar soap(it can clog the pores). Keep in mind that this may cause dryness, local irritation and redness. Warm water cleans your pores very well. So you should fill the sink with warm water, pull your hair back and put your face under water for about 10 seconds.
   
2. Avoid exposing your skin to other sources of oil and irritants.
   
   • Break the habit of touching your face.
     
   • Keep bangs off of your forehead. The oil in hair as well as hair products in general may clog pores. Or use oil absorbing sheets.
     
   • If you use a phone a lot, don't let it touch your face.
     
   • Change your pillowcases and sheets once a week to prevent the build-up of oils and bacteria that can re-occupy your pores.
     
   • Use non-comedogenic moisturizers and makeup. Choose cosmetics that are water-based and hypoallergenic. Avoid oil-based products, coal tar derivatives, and heavy creams. Make sure you wash your skin thoroughly every night to remove makeup residue.
     
3. Review your diet and the research surrounding the links between diet and acne. The relationship between food and acne is a debatable topic. Your diet may or may not have an effect on acne.
   
   • Stay hydrated.
     
   • Studies have shown a correlation between milk and acne. Try substituting with soy milk and other calcium-rich foods.
     
   • Excessive consumption of foods high in iodine, such as seafood, may worsen acne, but probably won't trigger it.
     
   • Research suggests--but does not prove--that a diet with a low glycemic index may reduce the likelihood of acne. High glycemic foods to replace with healthier alternatives include:
     
     • soft drinks (drink water instead)
       
     • sweets (substitute with fruit)
       
     • white bread (replace with whole wheat bread)
       
4. Dermabrasion removes the redness. A simple natural home remedy for this is to use the skin inside of an egg shell. Google "dermabrasion with eggs".
   
5. Consult a dermatologist regarding your acne. Minimize use of medication containing halogens (iodides, chlorides, bromides), lithium, barbiturates, or androgens.
   
6. Keep your bed sheets clean. Wash your pillow case on a regular schedule to reduce the transfer of natural body oils.
   
7. Wash your face one time a day. Don't over-wash , because that will cause only more production of oil on your skin. Or use very gentle cleansers for normal skin that don't dehydrate the skin and wash twice a day.
   
8. Make sure to do these weekly to avoid lying on dirty items!!
   

Video

Tips

• As with any common condition, keeping your body hydrated is sound advice.
  
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol (especially beer) and eating spicy food. These increase the level of heat within, believed by the Chinese to be linked to acne. Salads, avocado etc will help.
  
• Drink herbal or green tea at least once a day to help detox your system.
  
• Try Dan's regimen of gently washing your face twice a day, then applying generous amounts of benzoyl peroxide and finally putting on a good non-comodogenic moisturizer.
  
• Cleanse the colon by taking psyllium husks with water once or twice per day. This is another excellent way of detoxing the body. Psyllium can be found at most chemists, pharmacies, and drugstores.
  
• Sometimes the best way of taking care of this condition is by doing it naturally, as in using natural products. Witch Hazel can help when applied with a cotton swab after washing your face.
  
• Some people believe that green apples are extremely good for preventing and fighting existing acne both on your face and around the body. To avoid acne, eat one green apple a day (cut it into slices if need be and eat it throughout the day). And to reduce existing acne, cut a green apple into quarters and rub two of those quarters over the acne areas. If needed, use the rest, or just eat them. Combine this with drinking plenty of water to achieve clear skin.
  
• If all else fails and you have severe problems: Accutane (also referred to as Roaccutane) removes the underlying root of Acne and will in many cases rid you of the problem forever. It does however have several side effects and potential severe ones.
  
• If you have glasses wash them so that all the oil is off your face.
  
• There are no perfect creams or medicines that make your face smooth, soft and acne-free.
  
• Try sleeping upright as often as possible (with your back facing the bed)
  
• If you smoke, quit smoking, as nicotine, an ingredient found in cigarettes, has been tied to the eruption of acne on the skin. Quit smoking, and notice your skin becoming clearer.
  
• Consult your dermatologist, he can help you get rid of the problem better than you can do it yourself.
  
• Oily skin may be a bad thing now. Fortunately, the oils on your skin will slow down the aging process so you wont have many wrinkles when your older.
  
• Always wash your face when you are sweaty. The oils in your skin can cause more breakouts, stress also takes a part of breaking out. When you are stressed, the chances of breaking out are 55.5%.
  
• Also, if you have bangs, wash them every 2 day's to stay with a clean forehead.
  

Warnings

• Do not make any drastic changes in your diet or skin routine without first consulting a medical professional!
  
• Anything beyond very gentle cleansing can actually worsen existing lesions and even encourage new ones by damaging or over-drying skin.
  
• You should only scrub your face if you have no existing pimples. Scrub lightly; avoid scrubbing too much or with too much pressure.
  
• Benzoyl peroxide can have a bleaching effect on clothes and hair. It may also increases sensitivity to the sun, so you might find that you burn faster!
  
• Hydrating creams and lotions clog pores.
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Get Rid of Acne Without Using Medication
  
• How to Stop Acne Reinfection
  
• How to Make Your Own Acne Treatment
  
• How to Get Rid of Acne on Your Chest and Back
  
• How to Get Rid of Scars and Cuts Left by Acne
  
• How to Make an Egg Facial Mask
  
• How to Add Natural Ingredients to Face Cleansers for Healthy Skin
  
• How to Create a Hot Compress for Acne Treatment and Skin Health
  
• How to Get Rid of Acne
  

Sources and Citations

• Wikipedia on acne - More background information about acne vulgaris; what causes it, what's a myth and what's not, and more treatment options.
  

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Avoid Acne. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Acne No More:How to get rid of Acne & Acne Marks

Acne No More Information Click Here!

How to get rid of Acne & Acne Marks

by mariasmith

If you want to know how to get rid of acne marks, one of the best ways is to rub olive oil in the area. Olive oil has many beneficial properties and one of them is the ability to even out the skin. Olive oil is also known as a good moisturizer for the skin. You can also use Vitamins E oil which is also a known skin moisturizer. You can simply buy Vitamin E supplements, open it up, and then dab the oil on your skin.


If you want to know how to get rid of acne naturally then you should not neglect good hygiene. By washing your face regularly, you are preventing germs from accumulating on your skin. Germs are actually one of the cause of many skin infections including pimples. There is one way to get rid of germs and that is to clean your face regularly. One of the most effective homemade treatment is icing the affected area especially if it is swollen and painful. The cold from the ice will subdue the inflammation of the skin due to pimples.

Acne No More Information Click Here!


If you have tee tree oil at home then using it is another good eradicate acne. Tea tree oil is a known antiseptic and has been used for years in treating wounds and other skin infections. You can get tee tree in its pure form or you can get products that contain this so-called "miracle oil."A teenager should be allowed to know how to get rid of acne and have clear skin confidence. However, a very effective method of getting much clearer skin, is to drink plenty of water. Water works wonders for your skin, and when you're a teenager on acne products, your skin can become excessively dry, causing more irritation. Aim to drink about 8 glasses each day, to keep your skin fresh and hydrated.


Vitamin A is needed to protect the skin. A deficiency of vitamin A can lead to rough, dry and cracked skin. Furthermore, it helps reduce the production of sebum. Too much sebum production is one fundamental cause of acne.Getting enough vitamin E is essential for a healthy immune system. It also works with vitamin A to produce dermatological beneficial effects. You will find both vitamin A and E in facial creams. Vitamin E also helps to reduce the production of sebum.


Here are a few home treatments.
The first solution is using lemons. As crazy as it sounds the citrus in them are a natural bacteria destroyer. You basically apply the lemon juice to the acne scarred area and it kills the bacteria and begins healing the skin. For the best results apply it before going to sleep, and in the morning wash the area the lemon was on with clean water.

Article source: ArticlePros.com

About the author Must read about constipation treatment, increase male libido at herbal remedies http://www.home-remedies-world.com

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How to Get Rid of Scars and Cuts Left by Acne

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

So you popped a zit, it starts to bleed, and then it turns into a wee scratch. To top it off, a few days later you have this little dry scab. Well, here are some ways to prevent the rupturing of Acne, and a bit of aid in the healing scars.

Steps

1. Stop popping! It's tempting, but honestly, it make things worse. If you absolutely must pop, make sure that the area and your fingers are clean and disinfected. Best method of dealing with acne scars and cuts is just to let your body do the works. Keep the irritated area clean and use as little make-up on the area as possible.
   
2. Use a Scar Treatment. For post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation (brown or red marks on the skin) try something like "Zenmed's Scar Treatment Kit", Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel. Mederma is also a good "spot" treatment. For "ice picks" or "crater-like" scars, which are actual dents in the skin, often the most effective treatment is seeing a doctor.
   
3. Moisturize and protect. Always use an oil-free moisturizer that has SPF. Try Body Guard Exquisitely Light SPF 30 For Face & Body.
   
4. Triple Antibiotic ointment If you put this on overnight, it will fade your scars and get rid of them. Don't put too much on in one spot, it can cause your skin to get overly oily.
   

Video

How to Heal Acne Scars - cosmetic options

Tips

• Avoid touching your face. Your hands can transfer additional oil to an infected area.
  
• Scars tend to be more noticeable on pale skin. You can combat this with a safe self-tanner (not to be confused with tanning booths which are unhealthy for your skin). You could also buy a natural redness - countering concealer.
  
• Neosporin is ideal for speeding up healing time thus causing lesser scarring. There is also Neosporin Scar Solution.
  
• You can use plain yogurt to help fade scars. Apply it to your face twice daily. It will moisturize your face, purify it and your skin will heal much faster.
  
• Apply aloe vera or vitamin E; it will speed up the healing process.
  
• Cocoa butter is a rich moisturizer that is very effective. Try Palmer's Scar Serum. It contains Cocoa butter, Vitamin E, Shark Liver Oil, Silicone, and Allium CEPA and is around $15 available from most chemists.
  
• Use lemon on scars daily, but use moisturizer before going to bed as the lemon may cause dry skin.
  
• Honey Mixed with lemon & almond oil and milk = acne free
  
• Moisture helps scars heal, so be sure to moisturize (But be careful of heavy moisturizers that can clog pores).
  
• Do TCA peels of 12% three weeks apart. Amazing, effective, and inexpensive.
  
• Aloe-vera often helps. If you rub the gooey inside of an aloe-vera plant on the affected area, you will see results in a matter of days. Do it once or twice a day, and simply leave it on. Aloe-vera also helps to eradicate acne scars.
  
• For mild scars and cuts, using Neoporin works well. Put a little on each morning and night after cleansing your face.
  

Warnings

• Picking at the scabs and scars will only make things worse.
  
• If your acne ruptures even when you don't touch it, you need to see a dermatologist. Bleeding or excessive acne is not natural, and may be the result of an infection or allergies. Get treatment as soon as possible.
  
• Acne is caused by a bacterial infections - more times than not. So understand that popping zits only spreads the infection.
  
• Excessive sun exposure without using SPF can make scars darker and more permanent.
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Correctly Apply Self Tanner
  
• How to Care for Your Skin as a Guy
  
• How to Exfoliate Your Body for Soft Skin
  
• How to Get Rid of Acne on Your Chest and Back
  
• How to Get Soft Skin on Your Legs
  

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Get Rid of Scars and Cuts Left by Acne. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Apply Makeup for Acne Suffering Skin

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Do you suffer from minor acne? Have you ever wanted that soft smooth look that the girls in the magazines have? Now you can if you follow these simple steps!

Steps

Skin Care Before Applying Makeup

1. The best thing to do is try to cure the acne. Skin care is the key!
   
2. Wash you face gently with warm water and soap.
   
3. Rinse soap with a cold water. this closes the pores and keeps dirt out!
   
4. PAT dry with a clean towel or rag of some sort.
   
5. if you would like to use only powder foundation follow the steps below. If you wish to use liquid, skip down past these steps.
   

Powder Foundation

1. Take your powder and pour just a little bit into your hand.
   
2. Find some lotion and mix a dab of it in with the powder.
   
3. Take a fine makeup brush and dab it in the powder.
   
4. Dab onto face evenly.
   
5. Using your fingers, the brush, or a disposable foam triangle pad, pat the foundation in evenly.
   
6. Remember you can use more if needed.
   

Liquid Foundation

1. Take a liquid foundation of your choice and dab a little on the back of your hand.
   
2. Now take a makeup brush and dab just a little foundation onto it.
   
3. Dab it onto your face where needed.
   
4. Take the brush and mix the foundation in with it.
   
5. You may also use your fingers, or a triangle pad.
   
6. Apply a loose powder for a nice overcoat.
   
7. Remember you can use more if needed.
   

Tips

• Do not apply too much foundation, because it might make you look orange
  
• Be sure to use clean and safe makeup and makeup appliers.
  
• Do not share makeup.
  

Warnings

• Be sure to wash your face before you go to bed or it might make acne worse
  
• Use safe makeup that doesn't clog pores because that might make acne worse too.
  
• Foundation is not edible.
  

Things You'll Need

• Liquid foundation
  
• Powder foundation
  
• A makeup brush
  
• A triangle pad if wanted
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Apply Eye Makeup
  
• How to Apply Mineral Makeup
  
• How to Apply Makeup
  
• How to Apply Makeup (for Teen Girls)
  

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Apply Makeup for Acne Suffering Skin. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.