title: Lip abscess associated with isotretinoin treatment of acne vulgaris.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Isotretinoin is frequently prescribed for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Among the numerous documented adverse effects, most common are xerostomia and cheilitis. Lip abscesses as a consequence of cheilitis present dramatically and may pose a diagnostic challenge.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present a case of a 15-year-old boy with a severe lip abscess requiring incision and drainage and hospital admission for intravenous antibiotic treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. We discuss the pathophysiologic characteristics of isotretinoin therapy and the likely causative role that the medication played in the development of the lip abscess.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although rare, lip abscesses related to isotretinoin therapy present with substantial morbidity and should be promptly recognized. Misdiagnosis of mucositis and angioedema may delay appropriate therapy.
authors.affiliation: Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California.
authors.forename: Kevin C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Huoh
authors.forename: Kay W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Chang
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy; D000293:Adolescent; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008047:Lip Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D015474:Isotretinoin