Ann Dermatol Vener
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We report a case of severe infantile cystic acne, which required a treatment with oral isotretinoin. ⋯ The etiology of infantile acne is not clearly defined, but may result from a persisting androgen-driven stimulation of sebaceous glands. Oral isotretinoin is safe and effective in case of recalcitrant infantile acne, but close monitoring is necessary because of the well-known side effects of oral retinoids.
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The effect of isotretinoin on muscle is considered to be uncommon and benign. We analyzed the files of all our patients given isotretinoin over a 5-year period and determined the incidence and gravity of its effect on muscles. ⋯ Myalgia and elevated CPK signal skeletal muscle involvement. These signs were more frequent in our series than in reports in the literature, probably because we systematically looked for them. Besides use of isotretinoin, one case of viral infection and sports activities, no other explanatory cause could be found. Isotretinoin could have a potentializing effect on other myotoxicity inducers (drugs, infection, fever, muscular exertion...). The benign nature of the muscle effect appears to be validated although there were some patients who had persistent and/or severe signs.