A Cure for Severe Acne Possible With Isotretinoin Alternative
Naweko San-Joyz
July 23, 2007
When it comes to acne, it seems as if facial oil secretion plays that role as an eternal nemesis that invites unwanted bacteria and pimples to the skin. But that's not an accurate description of facial oils.
In fact, facial oils serve several beautifying tasks including: protecting the skin's barrier, maintaining microbes in balance, transporting antioxidants to the skin's surface, and helping to contain (and sometimes incite) inflammation.
Because facial oil is such a multi-tasker, some developing acne drugs are now focusing on pinpointing and downplaying facial oil's inflammatory properties while still allowing this natural protectant to coat the skin.
One such drug is Zileuton, a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor (targeted inflammation reducer). According to a study published in Dermatology, Zileuton reduces the number of inflammatory acne lesions and prevents the creation of facial oils.
Besides acne, Zileuton is used to treat asthma by blocking the formation of substances that cause inflammation in the lungs. Side effects of using Zileuton appear to be less severe than those associated with the most potent drug for severe, cystic acne called isotretinoin. Digestion problems, dizziness liver conditions could result from using Zileuton while isotretinoin usage could result in birth defects, liver damage, dry skin and nose bleeds.
While Zileuton is not labeled as an acne treatment, the need for more affordable alternatives to isotretinoin may led more physicians to examine oil reducing and inflammation controlling effects of Zileuton.
Sources:
Zouboulis, C. Acne and sebaceous gland function. Clinics in Dermatology, September-October 2004; vol 22, no 5, pp 360-366.
Zouboulis, C; A Saborowski & A Boschnakow. Zileuton, an oral 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, directly reduces sebum production. Dermatology, 2005; vol 210, no 1, pp 36-38.
In fact, facial oils serve several beautifying tasks including: protecting the skin's barrier, maintaining microbes in balance, transporting antioxidants to the skin's surface, and helping to contain (and sometimes incite) inflammation.
Because facial oil is such a multi-tasker, some developing acne drugs are now focusing on pinpointing and downplaying facial oil's inflammatory properties while still allowing this natural protectant to coat the skin.
One such drug is Zileuton, a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor (targeted inflammation reducer). According to a study published in Dermatology, Zileuton reduces the number of inflammatory acne lesions and prevents the creation of facial oils.
Besides acne, Zileuton is used to treat asthma by blocking the formation of substances that cause inflammation in the lungs. Side effects of using Zileuton appear to be less severe than those associated with the most potent drug for severe, cystic acne called isotretinoin. Digestion problems, dizziness liver conditions could result from using Zileuton while isotretinoin usage could result in birth defects, liver damage, dry skin and nose bleeds.
While Zileuton is not labeled as an acne treatment, the need for more affordable alternatives to isotretinoin may led more physicians to examine oil reducing and inflammation controlling effects of Zileuton.
Sources:
Zouboulis, C. Acne and sebaceous gland function. Clinics in Dermatology, September-October 2004; vol 22, no 5, pp 360-366.
Zouboulis, C; A Saborowski & A Boschnakow. Zileuton, an oral 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, directly reduces sebum production. Dermatology, 2005; vol 210, no 1, pp 36-38.
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