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I. What is Isolutrol?
It
is a substance that is extracted from the aqueous solutions of the liver
or gall bladder of a shark. This acne medication was discovered by Professor
Takuo Kosuge of Shizuoka Pharmacy College Japan. He discovered this
substance when he heard of reports about Japanese fisherman rubbing
shark liver to the face to clear acne.
II.
How does topical Isolutrol work on acne?
Isolutrol
has the ability to normalize hyperseborrhea or excessive production
of sebum on the oil glands. The normalization of oil production also
results in reduced proliferation of blackheads and whiteheads. Reduction
of sebum also corresponds to a decrease in the population of P. acnes
bacteria. Isolutrol is able to reduce the "shine" and "greasy
appearance" on people with very oily skin.
Advantages
- Most chemicals
that affect oil production are prescription anti-androgenic drugs like
Dutasteride and Finasteride. These drugs are for female use only and
cannot be taken by males. Isolutrol is over the counter and can be used
by males or females.
- Hypoallergenic
Disadvantages
- Although
very impressive at least on paper, there has been a limited study on
the efficacy of Isolutrol in the reduction of sebum output on human
oil glands. Users often report of mixed results.
Efficacy
It would take
approximately 4 to 6 weeks to see improvement on acne when you are using
this product. In my opinion the efficacy of isolutrol is not as good
as current mainstream anti-acne products like benzoyl peroxide.
-
"We
have performed a double-blind clinical trial on 70 patients to evaluate
the efficacy and skin tolerance of isolutrol 0.15 g/100 mL (Ketsugo)
in the treatment of mild to moderate acne when compared with 5% benzoyl
peroxide lotion. The results from this study showed that both isolutrol
and benzoyl peroxide significantly improved patients' acne by reducing
the number of inflamed lesions. Isolutrol did not significantly reduce
the numbers of non-inflamed lesions whereas benzoyl peroxide did.
Fewer side effects were experienced by patients treated with isolutrol
when compared with benzoyl peroxide. These results indicate that isolutrol
may be a useful adjunct in the treatment of acne, particularly in
patients with inflamed lesions".
( Source: A comparative study of isolutrol versus benzoyl peroxide
in the treatment of acne Katharine J Dunlop11Department of Dermatology,
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
and Ross StC Barnetson11Department of Dermatology, Royal Prince Alfred
Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia1 )
-
"Isolutrol
1991 Volunteer Studies on 20 people with facial acne vulgaris",
Dr David Fenton, St John's Dermatology Centre, St Thomas' Hospital,
London: 20 volunteer patients participated in this open study and
applied Ketsugo lotion (containing Isolutrol) twice daily, in the
morning and before retiring. Fifteen of the twenty volunteers completed
the two month study. Results demonstrated that 14 out of the 15
patients completing the study showed some improvement in their facial
acne. The greatest improvement (reduction in acne severity and grading)
was seen within the first month and this was either maintained at
the same level throughout the second month of treatment or improved
further. 1 patient of the final 15 failed to show any improvement
throughout the trial period".
( Source: Gazette Medicale No 36 27 Oct au 2 Nov 1989)
III.
Forms, Dosage and Administration
- Available
in topical solutions and sprays at 0.15g/100mL (0.015%) concentration.
Typical application frequency is twice daily. Clean the your face gently
with an antibacterial soap then pat dry with towel. Spray Isolutrol
gel on affected areas or apply a thin layer of Isolutrol gel.
IV.
Precautions
- Users who
may have severe allergic reactions to Isolutrol (rare)
V.
Side Effects
Brand
Names
Ketsugo™
References
- Gazette
Medicale No 36 27 Oct au 2 Nov 1989
- The
Australasian Journal of Dermatology 1995 Feb;36(1):13-5
Page
last modified: January 07, 2008
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