Abstract
Backgrounds and Objectives: Acne is a chronic inflamatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit which in some cases may accompanied by scarring, pigmentory changes and Cosmetic problems. In these cases social and behavioral disturbances would be unticipated. Current treatments of mild and moderate forms of acne is often less effective in sever acne. Recently, isotretinoin has revolutionalized the management of sever and resistant acne.
Side effects of isotretinion particulary cheilitis & xerosis are mather of concern and sometimes patients do not welcome this treatment. In this survey the roles of Vit E and cod liver oil in reducing side effects of isotretinoin were compared.
Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 60 patients on 0.5 mg/kg/day isotretinoin treatment for 6 months. All enrolled were divided into two gender, age & severity matched groups. The first group recieved 800 Iu/ day Vit E during treatment and the second group recieved 800 Iu/ day cod liver oil capsules. All patients were observed for the complications at 1th, 4 st and 6 th weeks during treatment.
Results: The mean age of patients was 22 years. Female to male ratio standed at 3/2 . In 40% of patients, the face was the only site affected and in remainings the shoulder & the trunk were mainly involved. Cheilitis was the most common side effect among these patients ( 69%). Epistaxis was the second side effect in both groups (22%). Other side effects were xerosis, pruritus, epigastric pain and nail fragility. The frequency & the severity of complications were less common at 4th and 6th weeks of treatment.
Conclusion: Isotretinoin is an effective drug in sever acne. So minimizing its side effects will help the physician not to interrupt the therapy. Regarding the other benefits of Vit E supplement and its probable effects on reducing the complications of isotretinoin and ministring vit E to these patients would be a proper decision.