Isotretinoin is a form of Vitamin A that is prescribed by dermatologists for severe acne that has not improved with other milder therapy. It is especially recommended if cysts are present and when the body (e.g. chest and back) is affected rather than only the face.

Acne is caused by inflammation of the skin. It primarily affects teenagers, but it also affects adults. Severe acne causes permanent scarring of the skin. The inflammation is caused in part by an increased secretion of sebum (oily substance) from glands in the skin (sebaceous glands). The sebum provokes inflammation, and the inflammation resolves (heals) with the formation of a scar (keratinization).

This medicine makes the sebaceous glands less productive, reduces the size of the sebaceous glands and reduces the inflammation (redness and swelling) of the skin in acne. It affects the development of pimples and blackheads and reduces the amount of the bacteria "Propionibacterium acnes".

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