Ask the expert: my severe Acne is worrying me

I’m an 18-year-old girl of English origin and have been suffering from severe acne for the last six years. I’ve been prescribed gels, creams, even oral antibiotics, but they have not helped. The condition has left me quite depressed and with low self-esteem. Please help.

Acne is an extremely common skin disorder among teenagers. From your letter

I assume you’re suffering from Nodulocystic acne, which is usually more severe and more resistant to routine treatments.

If so, you’re a suitable candidate to be treated with oral isotretinoin (Roaccutane), a prescription-only drug, if there are no contraindications involved. The daily dose and duration of treatment would depend on your body weight, your treatment tolerance potential and response of acne.

Roaccutane belongs to the retinoid group of drugs, commonly known as Vitamin

A derivatives. It was marketed as the only ‘acne specific medication’, but in recent years has also been successfully used in treating a few other skin ailments. It has revolutionised the treatment of severe acne.

An experienced dermatologist would be able to offer you the right treatment protocol and closely monitor you for any potential side effects from the medication.

I’m sure that your acne is treatable and also believe that a successful treatment will help you emerge from the negative psychosocial impact that you are finding yourself trapped in.