Omega-3 fatty acids mitigate isotretinoin-induced cheilitis

Abstract

Whilst isotretinoin is an effective treatment for severe acne vulgaris, isotretinoin induced cheilitis is one of the most troubling side effects of the treatment. In their excellent review, which briefly covers the treatments for isotretinoin induced cheilitis, Narayaran et al have overlooked the utility of Omega-3 Fatty Acids (O3FA). O3FA, a cluster of long-chain and very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that the human body cannot synthesise intrinsically, have demonstrated efficacy in improving specific conditions characterised by inflammation, dryness, and moisture loss.