Acne is a common skin condition that typically appears during adolescence and may continue into adulthood.

 

However, it often decreases naturally with age.

 

For severe acne, dermatologists often prescribe a medication called isotretinoin—sold under brand names such as "Isotynon" or "Nimegen" in Korea.

 

But did you know that these medications, Isotynon and Nimegen, may potentially cause premature closure of the growth plates (epiphyseal plates) in adolescents?

 

Side Effects of Acne Medications on Growth Plates

The following study was published in an endocrinology journal in 2022.

 

According to the research, isotretinoin—a derivative of vitamin A—may potentially cause premature closure of the growth plates.

Although the exact mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated, there is a hypothesis that isotretinoin may disrupt the growth hormone–IGF (insulin-like growth factor) axis.

 

In other words, isotretinoin may inhibit the action of growth hormone and potentially affect the final height of adolescents.

 

 

 

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Potential Effects of Oral Isotretinoin on Growth Plate and Height

by Adriane A. Cardoso-Demartini

 

In addition, several case reports have documented that when high doses of isotretinoin are used to treat neuroblastoma in adolescents during their growth period, it can induce premature closure of the growth plates, ultimately resulting in reduced final height.

 

Is it only high doses used in cancer treatment that are problematic?

 

Given this information, one might assume that such side effects would not occur at the lower doses used for acne treatment.

 

However, according to a literature review, premature closure of the growth plates has also been observed even at standard acne treatment dosages, such as 0.5 mg/kg/day.

Analysis of the effects of isotretinoin on the premature epiphyseal closure in pediatric populations: a literature review

 

In this way, even in acne treatment, regardless of dosage, those concerned about their final height should be cautious when using isotretinoin.

 

Conclusion

 

Acne is a very common skin condition among adolescents during their growth phase, and in many cases, oral medication is prescribed without much consideration.

 

However, as shown in the studies mentioned above, even low doses of isotretinoin used for acne treatment can potentially cause premature closure of the growth plates.

 

Therefore, especially in younger patients, physicians should be cautious about casually prescribing vitamin A derivatives such as isotretinoin.

 

Topical (applied) forms of isotretinoin have minimal systemic effects, so if it is absolutely necessary to use a vitamin A derivative, treatment with a topical product is recommended.

 

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3-line summary

1. Acne commonly appears in adolescents during growth, and vitamin A derivatives like Isotynon or Nimegen are often prescribed.

2. However, even at low doses for acne treatment, these medications have been associated with premature growth plate closure.

3. Therefore, for adolescents, topical treatment is recommended over oral medication 😊

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We hope this information is helpful to many people.

 

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a like or comment — we’ll be happy to respond kindly and thoroughly.

Thank you!

 

📍 Primi Clinic
3F, 52 Seongsuil-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Primi Clinic)

 

📍 Primi Clinic
서울특별시 성동구 성수일로 52 3F (Primi Clinic)