ABSTRACT

In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficiency and side effects of intermittent low dose isotretinoin therapy in moderate acne.

Patients followed up at our acne outpatient clinic between September 2007 and April 2009 were evaluated. Those treated with 20 mg/day isotretinoin three times a week were included in the study. Relevant data were recorded from patient files. We recorded the age and weight of the cases, duration of acne, previous treatments, acne grading based on global acne scoring system, side effects and pretreatment and posttreatment Dermatology Life Quality Index scores. Hemogram, liver function tests, lipid profiles at baseline and monthly follow-ups were noted.

Global acne scoring of complete response rate in 94.3% of 35 patients was achieved after one year of therapy. The partial response rate was 5.7%. The earliest clinical response was observed after four weeks. The Dermatology Life Quality Index was 7.8 at baseline and 1.8 at the end of the treatment. Cheilitis was the only side effect observed. We observed mild degree relapses in 5 cases in the evaluation 17 months after the end of the treatment.

Our results show that low dose intermittent isotretinoin therapy is an effective and tolerable treatment in moderate acne. (Turk J Dermatol 2012; 6: 7-12)