FDA: Acne products can cause severe allergic reactions

Some popular over-the-counter acne treatments can occasionally cause serious, even life-threatening, allergic reactions, the Food and Drug Administration warned Wednesday.

The products contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid and are sold under brand names including Proactiv, Neutrogena, MaxClarity, Oxy, Ambi, Aveeno, and Clean & Clear, FDA says.

The agency says that since 1969 it has received 131 reports of adverse reactions in consumers using such gels, lotions, face washes, solutions, cleansing pads, toners and face scrubs.

Forty percent of those reactions included severe allergy symptoms such as throat tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, low blood pressure, fainting or collapse, FDA says. Some users also reported hives, itchy faces or bodies, swollen eyes and swollen lips. None died, but some were hospitalized.

Severe allergic reactions are not listed on the products' warning labels, FDA medical officer Mona Khurana says in a statement. "It's important that consumers know about them, and that they know what to do if they occur."

In case of a severe reaction, users should seek immediate medical attention, she said. Anyone who has had a reaction should stop using the products.

Khurana suggests new users apply a small amount to a small area for three days to make sure no discomfort occurs.