Is isotretinoin indicated for which condition?

• A. Severe nodular acne in non-pregnant patients 12 years and older
• B. Mild acne in pregnant patients
• C. Eczema
• D. Hair loss

Answer: (A)

Isotretinoin is reserved for severe nodular acne in patients who are not pregnant and are at least 12 years old. It’s a powerful systemic retinoid that works by dramatically reducing oil production in the skin and suppressing inflammatory acne, which helps clear deep nodules and prevents scarring when other treatments haven’t worked. Because of its high risk of causing serious birth defects, it must not be used during pregnancy and requires strict contraception and monitoring (such as programs like iPLEDGE). It isn’t used for mild acne, eczema, or hair loss, which are managed with far less potent therapies.