Most of us often suffer from mild to moderate forms of acne break outs. It is quite usual that we go for over the counter medications or topical treatments for its treatment. They are quite successful in this process and can give you significant relief from those painful zits and other symptoms, but you may also have to mind those severe side effects that they may bring to you. Treatment for acne comes in the form of pills, ointments, creams, lotions, gels etc and many among these focus on reducing inflammation and destroying the bacteria that resides in the skin. Most of the acne medications are far more effective in treating acne problems, but it is equally vital that you be informed about the potential side effects.
Side effects from acne medication can be sometimes as difficult as having acne. So always consult a dermatologist prior to going for any treatment. Besides self treatment also can be an extremely dangerous thing to do. Though topical treatments are normally used to treat mild to moderate forms of acne, they are also found to bring certain side effects due to the chemicals within them. Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in most of them and it works to destroy the acne causing bacteria residing in skin. Prolonged use of these kinds of topical treatment can cause drying up of skin, itching, peeling of skin and burning sensation. Topical treatments normally have Acids, peroxide or anti-biotics as their ingredient.
Oral over the counter medications used in treating acne can bring more side effects than topical treatments. Accutane or Isotretinoin is generally used for severe forms of acne. It can bring severe side effects including depression, urinary problems, chapped skin, joint pain, headaches, and decreased night vision, birth defects and suicidal tendencies. Retin-A, a prescription medication used in acne treatment is found to make the skin swollen, crusted and ca also change its color. Your skin can be very much sensitive while using it.
Antibiotics like tetracycline are also used as acne medicine to fight against acne causing bacteria. But frequent use of it can lead to development of drug resistant bacteria. Side effects also include nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting dizziness, gastrointestinal problems, accumulation of toxins in the body and yellowing of teeth. Estrogen is also used as an acne medicine to treat the hormonal imbalance leading to acne. It can bring side effect like It also has side effects like water retention, darkening of akin, depression, melasma, risk of heart attack, blood clotting, breast cancer etc. Taking your dermatologists suggestions and being well informed about the potential side effects can save you from risk involved.
