Isotretinoin is used primarily for severe cystic acne and acne that has not responded to other treatments. Many dermatologists also support its use for treatment of lesser degrees of acne that prove resistant to other treatments, or that produce physical or psychological scarring.
It is also somewhat effective for hidradenitis suppurativa and some cases of severe rosacea.
Isotretinoin can be used to help treat harlequin ichthyosis, lamellar ichthyosis and is used in xeroderma pigmentosum cases to relieve keratoses. It has been used to treat the extremely rare condition fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.
It is also used for treatment of neuroblastoma, a form of nerve cancer.
Isotretinoin therapy has proven effective against genital warts in experimental use, but is rarely used for this indication as there are more effective treatments.
