Action of isotretinoin in acne rosacea and gram-negative folliculitis.

Abstract

Good to excellent clinical results have been obtained in the treatment of severe inflammatory acne (acne conglobata, acne fulminans, and acne conglobata with hidradenitis and dissecting cellulitis of the scalp) with orally administered isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid). Similar promising results have been obtained in patients with severe rosacea and gram-negative folliculitis. Isotretinoin probably has multiple modes of action, including (1) inhibition of sebaceous gland activity, (2) inhibition of the growth of Propionibacterium acnes within the follicle, although the retinoid is not antibacterial, (3) inhibition of inflammation, and (4) alteration of the pattern of keratinization within the follicle, as demonstrated by light and ultrastructural studies.

• Authors: G Plewig, J Nikolowski, H H Wolff
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 6 Issue 4 Pt 2 Suppl Pg. 766-85 (Apr 1982) ISSN: 0190-9622 [Print] United States
• PMID: 6461680 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Tretinoin
• Isotretinoin

Topics

• Acne Vulgaris (drug therapy, microbiology)
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Enterobacteriaceae Infections (drug therapy)
• Female
• Folliculitis (drug therapy, etiology)
• Humans
• Isomerism
• Isotretinoin
• Male
• Rosacea (drug therapy, pathology)
• Skin (microbiology, pathology)
• Tretinoin (therapeutic use)