Acne medicine clear up - what you have to say: your comments on slimming soups, nutrient-depleting drugs, and more - Letter to the Editor

Natural Health, April, 2002 by Annette J. Gottlieb

I was very disappointed to read your simplistic and inaccurate description of Accutane ("Side Effects of 3 Medicines for Kids," News & Notes, October/November 2001). As a practicing dermatologist with more than 12 years of experience treating patients, I find the appropriate use of Accutane to be no less than miraculous in numerous individuals.

You state that it "destroys acne-causing bacteria." This is completely untrue. First of all, acne is not caused by bacteria. Secondly, Accutane does not work by destroying bacteria. Although the exact mechanism of Accutane is unknown, the clinical effect seems to involve a reduction in sebaceous gland size and decreased sebum secretions.

Annette J. Gottlieb, M.D.
Beverly Hills, Calif.