Can acne treatment cause bowel disease?

Some acne treatments could lead to bowel disease, researchers reporting in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.

Researchers in the US studied antibiotics which are often prescribed to people with severe acne. Patients taking the drug were more likely to suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases, including Chron’s disease, which causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. Severe diarrhea, malnutrition and abdominal pain can result.

Doctors say antibiotics prescribed to treat acne, which include isotretinoin, are “exceedingly effective” in combating the common skin condition. Around 90% of teenagers and adults suffer acne problems, and for many, these antibiotics are beneficial. However, Dr David Margolis, who led the latest study, said that “the potential risks should be considered,” before people take acne treatments. Dr Margolis pointed out that severe acne itself may cause bowel disease, rather than the treatments.

A bad disease

The expert called severe acne a “bad disease” and said that people with bad spots “have lots of concerns about their health, their appearance and how they function in society, and they are at an increased risk of depression."

Acne is usually caused by a hormonal imbalance, where the body produces too much testosterone. There is a lot of misunderstanding about acne. Acne isn’t caused by a lack of washing – experts say this is just a cruel myth.

Washing your face routinely, getting some sunshine (which is good for the skin) and avoiding too much harsh soap will give you better skin. If a spot is red, you should avoid touching it – you’ll only make things worse. If it is yellow, you can squeeze it, but you should make sure to stop when all puss has been extracted. Only squeeze if you have clean hands, and dab the skin area with a mild antiseptic afterwards.