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Have Gout. Taking Allopurinol. Have Dry Skin On Face And Bad Pimples. Help?
Question: Take allopurinol for gout 1 tablet per day I get dry skin on face and very bad pimples
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
All medication have potential side effects. These are effects that may or may not occur.
Allopurinol can potentially affect different systems in the body including the skin. It can cause itchiness, hair loss, skin rash.
Dry skin and acne are rare but possible side effects of this medication. Acne is seen in approximately 0.01 to 0.04 % of persons using this medication , dry skin is seen in approximately 0.46% of persons on the drug.
Every one reacts differently to medication. If you notice that the use of allopurinol is producing these changes to your skin, and these effects are intolerable then you may want to consider speaking to your doctor about altering it.
Alternatively you can initiate treatment for the dry skin and acne.
Acne occurs due to 4 different factors: (1) excess sebum production (this is an oily waxy substance made by glands in the skin)
(2)blockage of follicles
(3)presence of a particular bacteria
(4)inflammation of the skin and follicles
You can consider the use of a mild facial wash twice daily to remove any excess oils.
In addition there are creams that combine benzoyl peroxide with antibiotics that can be applied.
The antibiotic would treat the bacterial part of the acne.
Benzoyl peroxide has different effects. It reduces the inflammation, reduces the blockage and also effects the bacteria.
It may be difficult to treat both conditions because dry skin would require the use of a moisturiser that may increase the risk of acne.
YOu may want to consider visiting a dermatologist if you decide to remain on the medication.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
All medication have potential side effects. These are effects that may or may not occur.
Allopurinol can potentially affect different systems in the body including the skin. It can cause itchiness, hair loss, skin rash.
Dry skin and acne are rare but possible side effects of this medication. Acne is seen in approximately 0.01 to 0.04 % of persons using this medication , dry skin is seen in approximately 0.46% of persons on the drug.
Every one reacts differently to medication. If you notice that the use of allopurinol is producing these changes to your skin, and these effects are intolerable then you may want to consider speaking to your doctor about altering it.
Alternatively you can initiate treatment for the dry skin and acne.
Acne occurs due to 4 different factors: (1) excess sebum production (this is an oily waxy substance made by glands in the skin)
(2)blockage of follicles
(3)presence of a particular bacteria
(4)inflammation of the skin and follicles
You can consider the use of a mild facial wash twice daily to remove any excess oils.
In addition there are creams that combine benzoyl peroxide with antibiotics that can be applied.
The antibiotic would treat the bacterial part of the acne.
Benzoyl peroxide has different effects. It reduces the inflammation, reduces the blockage and also effects the bacteria.
It may be difficult to treat both conditions because dry skin would require the use of a moisturiser that may increase the risk of acne.
YOu may want to consider visiting a dermatologist if you decide to remain on the medication.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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