Some over-the-counter (OTC) products for the treatment of acne were suspected to be sold without proper registration as pharmaceutical products.
This came to light in the course of a Consumer Council survey of OTC acne products in common retail outlets.
It was found that these products may bear medical claims, that are required to be registered as pharmaceutical products under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance.
No registration number, however, was found on these products. The Council has referred these cases to the Department of Health for follow-up action necessary.
Product that contains Chinese medicine(s) and fulfills the definition of proprietary Chinese medicine (pCm) in the Chinese Medicine Ordinance should apply to the Chinese Medicines Board under the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong for registration as pCm.
The common ingredients of OTC acne products were found to include: benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, resorcinol, sulphur, cetrimide, alpha hydroxyl acid and tea tree oil.
Amongst these ingredients, according to dermatologists and pharmacists, there are more clinical experience on the effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid on acne treatment.
If the acne is severe, people are advised to consult doctors for prescription drugs.
But a word of caution for the pregnant women or women planning to be pregnant in the use of isotretinoin (an oral retinoid which effectively works on the factors that predispose a person to acne): isotretinoin has been known to cause severe birth defects in a developing fetus.
Doctors prescribing this drug should ensure that their patients are fully aware of the hazards and the precautions to be taken before use.
The US Food and Drug Administration requires women of childbearing age to take two pregnancy tests prior to beginning isotretinoin therapy.
For those intending to take the drug, an effective contraception must be practiced at least one full month before and after treatment; avoid blood donation during treatment and for at least one full month after treatment.
Women wishing to be pregnant after taking isotretinoin should consult their dermatologist and gynecologist.
A common belief in acne formation is that diet plays a role in it. But there is no sufficient scientific evidence to suggest that food causes or influences acne. Chinese medicine, however, emphasizes on a diet light and fibre-rich in content with plenty of water.
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