Prescription
Acne Medication Can Have Some Side Effects
When acne rears its bumpy head,
most people will try almost everything to control the problem. There
are various over-the-counter topical creams and lotions on the market
that can work wonders for those with mild acne flare-ups, but those
with serious acne problems may seek a stronger yet possibly riskier
solution. Sometimes when someone who suffers from acne sees no alternative,
they’ll consider taking prescription acne medication.
There is a variety of prescription acne medication out on the market
today that is widely used by teenagers and adults alike. They can
also be topical creams, gels, lotions, or they can come in pill
form. Here are a few of the options you can choose from when looking
into prescription acne medication, and most have side effects:
- Adapalene—this is a gel that is applied
to the skin once a day. This prescription acne medication prevents
pores from clogging by slowing down the accumulation of dead
skin cells. Side effects include redness, scaling, burning and
itchiness. This occurs for up to 40 percent of users.
- Azelaic Acid—is also a gel that is
applied twice daily. This prescription acne medication claims
to renew the skin quickly and therefore prevents dead skin cells
from clogging the pores. It is also supposed to kill acne-causing
bacteria. Side effects like itching, stinging and burning happen
to about 5 percent of users.
- Clindamycin—this prescription acne
medication is an antibiotic that comes in a gel or lotion and
is applied twice daily. It is said to kill acne-causing bacteria.
Side effects include burning, peeling, and in serious cases,
bloody diarrhea and inflammation of the colon have been reported.
- Erythromycin—also an antibiotic that
comes in gel or ointment form. This prescription acne medication
is applied twice daily. This product claims to prevent bacteria
from growing. Side effects are burning, skin irritation, dryness
or oiliness.
- Isotretinoin—a very popular prescription
acne medication, this is a derivative of vitamin A and taken
in pill form. Users must take this prescription acne medication
for 15 to 20 weeks and it is prescribed in cases of severe nodular
acne that doesn’t respond to other treatments. This pill
is supposed to reduce the amount of oil production coming from
the oil glands. Side effects for this prescription acne medication
are numerous and potentially dangerous. This prescription acne
medication can possibly cause depression, mood swings, tooth
discoloration, headaches, a decrease in hearing and suicidal
tendencies.
Anyone considering prescription acne medication
should consult their dermatologist first; trying a friend’s
prescription acne medication could expose you to major and even
life-threatening side effects.
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