Topical acne products can cause side effects

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that using certain acne products containing the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can cause allergic reactions, which are rare but in some cases. life-threatening situations or severe irritation.

Currently on the market there are many different types of acne creams. The cream's active ingredient is what makes it effective for a specific disease or condition:
Acne medication containing Benzoyl Peroxide: Helps kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin P. Acnes, Dry and slough off dead cells, clean pores, reduce inflammation and clear acne. Benzoyl Peroxide is especially effective in treating whiteheads and blackheads. Acne medicine with Salicylic Acid: This active ingredient has the ability to dissolve oil, so it will go deep into the pores to thoroughly clean the skin, support to kill bacteria and remove excess oil, improve congestion. clogged pores. Moreover, salicylic acid also has strong anti-inflammatory properties, so it will be quite antibacterial for the skin. Although the role of acne medications cannot be denied, in rare cases, acne treatments that include the two ingredients above can cause severe allergic reactions, even even life-threatening. FDA issued notice of potential hazards of topical acne creams to both consumers and healthcare professionals
Between 1969 and January 28, 2013, the FDA received 131 reports Reports from both consumers and manufacturers of adverse reactions, including allergies and hypersensitivity, have resulted from the use of these products. Approximately 42% of reactions occurred within minutes to 24 hours of administration. Affected people range in age from 11 to 78 years old.
This severe allergic reaction is different from the milder irritations listed on the product information label, such as burning, dryness, itching, peeling, redness, and mild swelling where the product was applied. There is currently no mention of the risk of serious allergic reactions on the product labels, said a medical officer at the FDA. Therefore, it is important for consumers to be aware of this risk as well as what to do if an allergic reaction occurs.

FDA-warned acne products are being marketed as over-the-counter (OTC) and topical (topical) acne creams, under different brand names, such as Proactiv, Neutrogena, MaxClarity, Oxygen, Ambi, Aveeno and Clean & Clear... in the form of gels, lotions, cleansers, solutions, makeup removers, toners and facial scrubs.
Consumers can find out if an over-the-counter acne cream contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid by reading the active ingredients sections on the information label on the product's packaging.

Among the reports, 40% experienced severe allergic symptoms, such as throat tightness, difficulty breathing, wheezing, low blood pressure, fainting or collapse. Isolated cases, such as urticaria, itching of the face or body (even the parts of the body that do not apply the drug), swelling of the eyes, face and lips... are also mentioned. There were 44% hospitalizations and no deaths reported.
According to experts, FDA will continue to closely monitor and evaluate safety issues. The agency also encourages manufacturers to use drug labels to advise consumers on how to check a product's safety before first use.
For example, new users should test a small amount of acne cream on a small area of ​​​​the skin for 3 days. If no discomfort occurs, you can follow the instructions given on the label for normal use.

The expert adds that there are a number of actions that are necessary to ensure safety and combat an allergic reaction, including:
Avoid using the product if you have had previous allergic or hypersensitivity reactions. there. Stop using the topical acne cream product if you develop a rash or itching on your face or all over your body. Stop using the product and seek immediate medical attention if you have a sore throat or swelling of your eyes, face, lips or tongue, feel dizzy or have trouble breathing.

In addition, FDA also encourages consumers to report any negative reactions or side effects from the use of these topical acne cream products to the relevant supervisory authority.
Finally, before deciding to use an acne cream, or when encountering many acne problems or side effects of acne cream, you should prioritize visiting a hospital with a dermatology specialist, Consult your doctor and get the best treatment for the best results.
When acne appears, you need to find a way to treat it immediately, because acne not only makes you lose confidence in life, affects your appearance, but over time, acne easily leaves scars, making your skin age faster.
Vinmec International General Hospital currently has a team of highly qualified, experienced, psychological and dedicated dermatologists who will help you have the most effective acne treatment regimen, without affecting you. to skin aesthetics. Early treatment always brings good results, limiting skin damage and shortening treatment time.

Reference source: fda.gov