Accutane and Bacteria. Can You Explain if the Bacteria is Killed?

Question

Can someone please explain if accutane only kills bacteria in the skin to fight acne or if it kills all bacteria in the body. I am confused as to how it works and can be so effective in halting acne where antibiotics fail. Thank you

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Isotretinoin isn't an antibiotic. Any medication, including antibiotics, target only specific strains of bacteria. There are many good bacterias that are needed in the body, so no medication can kill all types of bacteria. Isotretinoin's exact mechanism of action is unknown but several studies have shown that isotretinoin induces cell death in the sebaceous cells glands for treating acne.

Accutane and Bacteria. Can You Explain if the Bacteria is Killed?

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Accutane and Bacteria. Can You Explain if the Bacteria is Killed?

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Everything you need to know about Accutane

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