Acetone

Acetone and alcohol combination is used by those suffering from acne or any other skin problem to get relief from oily and greasy skin. It is an over the counter drug which is available in the form of liquid and an easy to apply pad.

Patient is the authoritative figure when it comes to any medical procedure or any drug therapy. It is important for the patient to know all the details about Acetone before starting it. Doctor also has a duty to bring out answers from the patient which play an important role in treatment like history, any allergy or any medical condition the patient has.

For this purpose, it is important to have a detailed session between the patient and the physician before starting Acetone to sort out all the details.

• Detailed history of a patient is extremely important prior to any medical therapy and in this case, it is more likely that a drug be started after it. Allergies or any history of allergy to any drug, food, preservatives, dyes or animal products; history of drug usage, past medical or surgical procedure should also be kept in record to predict any drug interaction.
• Physical examination should be done before starting this drug so that any physiological or pathological condition with which this drug may interfere may be ruled out.
• Age specific analysis is vital to have information about side effects of different age groups. This medication should not be used in children up to 8 years of age while its use in children older than this age is similar to that of adults. There are not enough studies regarding its use in geriatric patients.
• Drug interactions are the effects on the therapy or the condition for which the drug is used by other drugs used concomitantly. It is necessary that no drug be started without consulting a physician as other drug may cause alteration in the effect of drug or its removal from the body. Patient should not start any new medication, even over the counter drugs, without consulting the physician to avoid such interactions. The effects of certain foods, alcohol and tobacco on the drug activity should also be asked prior to therapy.
• Medical conditions, other than the condition for which this drug is used, may also affect working of the drug and cause harm. It is important for the patient to give detailed history, and important for the doctor to derive such details from the patient to avoid such circumstances. The conditions which may interact with this drug include burns and wounds. The application of this drug on burns and wounds will lead to severe irritation.

It is better to use Acetone as advised by the doctor.

Being a non-prescription drug, it is easily available and can be applied by anyone. Wash or clean the area on which the drug has to be applied. Soak a cotton gauze or ball and apply it on the affected skin. Avoid washing this area to make sure that the drug is absorbed properly.

Precautions are the part and parcel of any treatment and patient must adhere to these to improve the outcome. It is the duty of the doctor or any medical care provider to make the patient aware about these tips as an aid to the therapy.

• Do not use near heat or flame as this medicine in flammable.
• Do not rinse the area after application of drug.
• Abrasive soaps and cleaners should not be used along.
• Any other acne medication should not be started.
• Use water based cosmetics to avoid drying of skin.
• Avoid alcohol containing agents while being on this therapy.
• Do not apply any other topical agent on skin.
• Store it in dry environment at room temperature. Keep it away from the reach of children.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Acetone. Some drugs are relatively safe for use while for some drug, the patient should be cautious as these drugs may cause more harm than good. Patient should always get medical help in case of any adverse effect, no matter how trivial it is.

Due to its topical application, this drug does not pass through body systems and is much safer as compared to other drugs. Some side effects associated with this combination drug include allergic reactions, itching, burning sensation and mild discomfort.