Having acne is never fun and because it doesn’t discriminate, both teens and adults alike have suffered this common skin condition. While there are plenty of acne treatments available today, it is important to do research to understand the possible side effects that may occur when using various treatments. The more you know beforehand, the better your chances are of avoiding a bad experience.

Acne treatments work differently for everyone so it is important to find the right method for your acne problems. The most commonly used acne treatments include creams, antibiotics (taken orally), astringents, lasers, surgery and cosmetic procedures. While it is up to your doctor or dermatologist to decide which method is right for you there is no harm in being aware of the common side effects so that you know what to expect ahead of time.

Acne creams are highly popular and generally ideal for treating light to moderate acne cases. This type of acne treatment tends to cause an allergic reaction in some users, which can result in redness, irritation, itching, dryness or inflammation of the skin where the cream has been applied. This may be the case if you have sensitive skin, which you should be sure to tell your doctor about. In some cases users may experience a burning sensation. These side effects tend to be temporary but if the conditions continue or get worse, stop using the cream right away and tell your doctor. There are more severe side effects that require immediate medical attention such as tightness in the chest, problems with breathing and extreme swelling of the tongue, mouth, lips, and face.

Oral antibiotics are also used to treat acne but if used for a long period of time it can produce a number of side effects. Most antibiotics for acne can result in nausea, dizziness, photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight), diarrhea and abdominal pain. Additionally, taking this type of acne treatment for too long can cause bacteria to become resistant. In women, prolonged use of antibiotics can cause a yeast infection and can lessen the effectiveness of birth control.

Astringent side effects are similar to acne cream and involve dryness, swelling, burning, itching and redness. Hyperpigmentation (skin discoloration) can also occur.

Laser treatments are for more moderate to severe cases of acne and involve using lasers to destroy the glands that are overproducing sebum (oil). Some minor discomfort may occur as well as swelling and redness afterwards. Topical ointment may be prescribed to take care of the swelling or redness. Skin discoloration is another common side effect. For severe acne, surgery is an option with scarring being the most common side effect. Using cosmetic procedures to treat acne involves the use of chemical peels and creams to remove damaged skin layers and stimulate new skin tissue. Scarring, blisters, skin discoloration and redness are common side effects.

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