
Hyaluronic acid injections are widely used by people to prevent signs of aging and joint disorder conditions. However, with benefits come the side effects. Read on, to learn about hyaluronic acid side effects and uses.
Hyaluronic acid is a major ingredient in many medical and anti-aging therapies. It is also found in the human body like in the vitreous humor of the eye, in the synovia of joints and in the subcutaneous tissue where it acts as a cementing agent. It is a jelly like substance that fills the space between the collagen and elastin fibers. It provides mechanism of transport to the essential nutrients from the bloodstream to the living skin cells; hydrates the skin by holding water and acts as a cushioning as well as lubricating agent against mechanical and chemical damage.
Role of Hyaluronic Acid
It is classified as a glycosaminoglycan, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous properties. The main function of glycosaminoglycan is to aid in the body’s water maintenance, providing essential moisture for all the body processes and for molecular transport. With age the level of hyaluronic acid decreases in the body that results in wrinkles and common joint pains. Since hyaluronic acid has such an important role in keeping us young and healthy, it is now widely used in skin care and anti-aging treatments. It is very effective in reducing scars and contours of the skin.
Uses of Hyaluronic Acid
This acid is used during specific eye surgeries. They are generally used during corneal transplantation, cataract removal and for repairing eye injuries. Introducing hyaluronic acid in the eye helps to replace the natural fluids in the eye. Also, this acid treatment is used to treat joint disorders like osteoporosis. Healthcare professionals recommend patient hyaluronic acid oral medications or inject this acid to the affected joint.
There are features and facial lines like frown lines that run between the eyebrows, smoker’s lines which are vertical lines on the mouth, marionette lines at the corner of the mouth, worry lines across the forehead, crow’s-feet at the corner of the eye and deep smile lines that run from side of the nose to the corners of the mouth. All of these can be corrected with the intake of hyaluronic acid. Lip border can also be redefined and acne and normal scars can also be got rid of. The intake of hyaluronic acid injections is increasing by the day. But, people are not bothered about the side effects this can have.
Side Effects of Hyaluronic Acid
There are very few cases when a patient experiences side effects on getting a hyaluronic shot into the knee or at a particular body area. But, they are enough as a warning bell. There are many side effects due to hyaluronic knee injections or oral medications which have been noticed.
- Sometimes people are injected with the hyaluronic acid gel to prevent themselves from aging which are supposed to be non-allergic and they definitely do not transfer animal diseases. However these injections can be painful, as they do not contain an important ingredient called lidocaine
- There is usually temporary inflammation that results to swelling and redness as the lip area is injected with hyaluronic acid gel
- Vitamin E supplements, aspirin, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and St John’s Wort can actually increase the bleeding and swelling after the injection of hyaluronic acid. So it is advised to the patients to stop the intake of these kinds of drugs as least a week before the acid injection
- Necrosis and acne are also some of the side effects that can be seen
- Most of the time consumers feel a kind of dizziness and a feeling of faint quite severely
- Blue color or a flush of red noticed after few doses
- Problems in swallowing
- Patient at times feel feverish
- Pain at the place where hyaluronic acid has been injected
- Skin rashes and irritation is also noticed
- Swelling in the eyelids, face and lips
- People often face difficulty in breathing
- At times patient suffers from diarrhea
- Sometimes, acute headache is experienced
- Blue or purplish patches are seen on the skin
- Loss of appetite accompanied with a nauseating or queasy feeling
- Swelling of the knee can also be noticed
- Stomach ache
- Itching
- Coughing
- Stuffy nose
Studies are required to firmly establish the short-term and long-term side effects of this medication. Hyaluronic acid injections are considered safe during pregnancy, but topical application and oral intake are not. Also, during breast-feeding it is important to avoid using hyaluronic acid treatment, because it can be dangerous to the health of the infant. So, if you are going for hyaluronic acid treatment, make sure you take it in the recommended dosage to avoid side effects. Also, discuss with your doctor before starting on this treatment.