Acne Medication Potential Side Effects

Patients with mild or occasional acne may be able to treat themselves without the use of prescription medication.  Such remedies may include an alteration in diet and exercise habits, regular cleansing to remove residue and buildup on the skin, choosing the right cosmetics and eliminating stress.  But for some individuals, this simply isn’t enough.  For those who suffer from moderate to severe acne, a stronger medication may be needed in order for that individual to find relief from their condition.

There are several different types of medication that are commonly used to treat acne, each of which may contain the potential for certain side effects.  As is the case with most over-the-counter acne medication, prescription medicines are usually available as gels, creams, lotions or solutions.  In determining which is the best choice for the patient, a physician will study the skin type, severity of acne and the patient’s likelihood of having a negative reaction to any medication.  Once a prescription is written, the physician will explain how often to use the medicine and how to properly apply it to the skin.

As mentioned previously, it is not uncommon for individuals to have a reaction to strong acne medication.  For some it is only temporary, but others may require a change in their prescription.  The most widely seen reaction is that of the skin’s condition actually worsening.  Many physicians agree that most medications will cause the skin to worsen before it actually improves, which may take 6-8 weeks of using a medication.  However, additional side effects may include extreme redness, burning, stinging, peeling, soreness, scaling or a discoloration of the skin.  If individuals notice these side effects becoming increasingly worse or if they do not go away after a specified period of use, which should be indicated by a physician, the medication may need to be changed.

Individuals who take oral medications for the treatment of acne may face an entirely different set of potential side effects, including an upset stomach, dizziness and skin discoloration.  Certain types of medication can be dangerous to women who are pregnant or children under a certain age, so individuals should report any possible conditions to their physician prior to accepting a prescription.

As with any medication, there are often risks and benefits of it’s use.  The best way to learn of these is to speak with a physician, ask about any potential side effects and completely disclose your current medical condition and any medications that you are currently taking.  In some instances, medications may negatively react with one another and this can be very dangerous to the patient.  Acne medicine is no different and the patient should have a complete understanding of how it operates before using it.

The information in this article is intended for informational purposes only.  It should not be considered as, or used in place of, medical advice or professional recommendations for the cause, diagnosis or treatment of acne.  If necessary, individuals should consult a medical doctor or dermatologist for information regarding the use of acne medication or other effective treatment methods.

Acne Causes and Treatment

Acne is one of the most common skin problems affecting people worldwide.  A big misconception is that acne affects only teenagers, but many are surprised to learn that adults also suffer from this same inconvenience.  Among the many causes are clogged pores resulting from makeup, everyday air particles and often a simple case of hormonal changes.  While acne is a part of life for many individuals, it can be effectively treated.

One of the best natural remedies for acne is to wash your face at least twice on a daily basis.  Early in the morning and late at night are both good times to cleanse the face.  A moisturizing soap will be the most gentle for your skin whereas others with a harsh ingredient may strip the skin of it’s natural moisture and may even cause itching and/or redness.

Many people choose to use retail acne treatment products, which can be effective if used properly.  It is very important, however, that consumers read and understand the instructions and/or warning labels found in the packaging.  All acne treatment creams, pads or face wash products should be kept away from the eyes and are for external use only.  This is not only true of retail products, but prescribed medications as well.

For a recurring or severe case of acne, many sufferers turn to a dermatologist for a more aggressive treatment.  In most cases, a prescribed routine and medication can help to treat acne.  In most cases, a follow-up visit will be scheduled so that the doctor may monitor the patient’s progress and determine whether additional steps should be taken to treat the problem.

It is very important to avoid aggravating, or disrupting, any and all acne blemishes.  Otherwise, the sufferer will face a possible bacterial infection from dirt and/or germs that may reside underneath the fingernail.  Many believe that just because their fingernails appear clean, there is nothing to worry about.  That’s simply not true.  There are many germs and bacteria, which are not visible to the naked eye, that reside underneath the fingernail.  This is why an acne sufferer should avoid any direct contact between their hand and the blemish area(s).

The information in this article is intended for informational purposes only.  It should not be considered as, or used in place of, medical advice or professional recommendations for acne diagnosis and/or treatment.  If necessary, acne sufferers should consult a dermatologist or qualified physician for acne treatment.