Acne Medication Side Effects

Acne is a blight, which can mar the face of any man or woman. Though, everyone at one point of time suffers from pimples, there are many unfortunate ones who are not able to get rid of these nasty blots from their face. Acne is caused by the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes which clogs the pore of the skin causing inflammation and pus formation. Those who have higher level of testosterone or androgen in their body are more prone to have acne, as it increases the sebum secretion in the body, which congests the pores. Numerous medications are available in the market to treat the acne and ward off pimples. Some of them are applied directly on the affected area of the skin, i.e., topical medications, and others are taken in the form of pills or oral medications. Some may take years for the complete treatment of acne. Prolong use of any medication can have an adverse effect on the body, so is the case with medications for acne. Most of the side effects of anti-acne creams are temporary, and get reduced with discontinuation of the medication. But there are fallouts which can do permanent damage to your body.

Adverse Effects of Topical Acne Medicine

Many antibiotics can be bought from the market in the form of creams, gels or lotions and even ointments. Common antibiotics for acne treatment are benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, clindamycin, erythromycin, Metronidazole and many more. Topical antibiotics act on the skin to kill the bacteria and reduce the inflammation. As it is applied locally, it can lead to many skin related complications like:

• Irritation of the skin, swelling and flaking of skin
• Redness and peeling
• Dry and chapped skin
• Darkening of the skin on exposure to sun
• Burning on the medicated area etc.

These side effects might be temporary, but there can be serious complications too, which may develop due to prolong usage of medicines.

• Intestinal problems can occur as the body becomes prone to bacteria called Clostridium difficile, which disrupts the intestinal functions in the body.
• Accumulation of toxins can occur in the body.
• An antibiotic called tetracycline causes dental problems like yellow teeth and discoloration of skin.
• Most antibiotics are known to cause vaginal yeast infection.
• Antibiotics during pregnancy should be avoided, as it might lead to birth defects, etc.
• Such creams should not be applied on the mucous membrane and its nearby areas.

Adverse Effects of Acne Pills

Oral medications for pimples and acne are often used by women and men, but it might be too perilous to use in spite of its effectiveness. The above mentioned antibiotics are prescribed by the doctors in the form of pills. Other than that, isotretinoin is another medicine administered for severe acne. Though isotretinoin is considered as one of the best acne treatments, it might not be the case, as it might pose the risk of side effects like depression, suicidal tendencies, liver and kidney damage and birth defects, if taken during pregnancy. Estrogen is also used to treat hormonal disorder causing acne. Nausea and tenderness in the breast are a few side effects of this treatment. The common side effects of acne medicines when taken orally are:

• Hair falling
• Nausea and dizziness
• Decreased sexual activity
• Depression like symptoms
• Weight problems
• Cramped legs
• Irregularity in menstrual cycles
• Risk of heart diseases
• Tendency of blood clotting
• Pigmentation of the skin

Anti-acne drugs are effective, yet have a downside to it as well. It should be used cautiously and only under the guidance of a dermatologist or a doctor. The side-effects of these medicines can lead to serious damages, if taken without prescription and knowledge. Therefore, consult your doctor in case you see any of the above mentioned symptoms. Inform your doctors about your overall health including pregnancy, and if you are on some other medication too. Following the advise of your doctor can lead to an acne-free life for you.