Question

The treatment of nodulocystic acne is?

• A. Erythromycin
• B. Tetracycline
• C. Isotretinoin (Retinoic acid)
• D. Steroids

Hint:

Severe scarring acne needs the oral vitamin A derivative.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Nodulocystic acne is the most severe form of acne, with deep inflamed nodules and cysts that scar. It often resists conventional topical and oral antibiotics.

Step 2: Oral isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid) is the drug of choice for severe nodulocystic acne. It shrinks the sebaceous glands, reduces sebum production, normalises follicular keratinisation and reduces Cutibacterium acnes, addressing every step of acne pathogenesis.

Step 3: Erythromycin and tetracycline are oral antibiotics useful for mild to moderate inflammatory acne but are not adequate alone for severe nodulocystic disease. Steroids are not a primary treatment for ordinary acne.

Step 4: Hence the treatment of nodulocystic acne is isotretinoin. It needs strict contraception monitoring as it is teratogenic.