Understanding Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is a topical prescription medication. It is available as a cream, foam, and gel. Doctors will prescribe the form that best suits the patient's condition! Most patients using the cream must apply it twice daily in a thin layer. Children can take this medication, and their doses are determined on a case-by-case basis! Patients see improvement between one to three months on this medication. They must inform their doctor if this does not happen! Of course, patients will have follow-up appointments when they are prescribed azelaic acid.
Azelaic acid is a common prescription acne treatment! Many patients even use it as an acne scar treatment. However, this is not the only treatment for acne. Many patients take antibiotics for acne. Home remedies for acne are also helpful! In addition, this is not the only use for azelaic acid. It is a rosacea treatment as well! Of course, patients need to know how azelaic acid cream functions first.
How It Works
Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid medication. This medication class lowers how much keratin an individual's body makes! This is vital, as evidence indicates keratin encourages the growth of bacteria that cause acne. This medication also prevents a hyperactive protease action. The action is the ones that coverts cathelicidin into LL-37, which is a skin peptide! This function helps reduce swelling that is linked to rosacea. This medication is also a tyrosinase inhibitor. This type of medicine reduces melanin synthesis. Thus, azelaic acid uses this to treat skin discoloration and hyperpigmentation!
Continue reading to reveal the major uses of this medication next.
Uses
Azelaic acid is an effective option for treating mild or moderate inflamed acne. This medication also treats rosacea! Of course, it does so for mild to moderate cases. Azelaic acid treats the irritation and redness linked to acne by alleviating inflammation. This makes acne less visible on the patient's skin! This medication also destroys acne-causing bacteria in the pores. Furthermore, it treats acne scars by boosting the patient's skin cell turnover rate. A faster turnover rate equates to faster healing! Thus, many doctors prescribe it to patients with acne scarring who do not have active acne.
This medication also treats hyperpigmentation and melasma. As mentioned, it reduces swelling caused by rosacea! It will make blood vessels at the treatment site less visible. Many patients use this medication as an alternative to hydroquinone. Of course, individuals need to discuss this medication with their doctor first. This is especially important when it will be used 'off-label.'
Discover the side effects next.
Side Effects
Azelaic acid has several side effects associated with it. The most common are skin changes! For instance, patients often deal with a tingling or burning sensation after applying this medication. Sometimes, patients experience itchy, red, or dry skin! Peeling skin is not as common, though it does occur. Patients need to keep their doctor informed of these side effects! Blisters, flaking, swelling, severe redness, and soreness are also side effects. Thankfully, they are less common ones! Skin lightening at the treatment site is another side effect. Patients must tell their doctor right away if it happens to them! Certain individuals need to stop using azelaic acid due to that side effect.
Some individuals are allergic to this medication. Thus, they cannot use it! Warning signs of an allergy include breathing problems and hives. Patients also deal with swelling of the tongue, lips, or face. Emergency attention for an allergic reaction to azelaic acid is necessary! Rare side effects include joint pain, hoarse voice, tightness in the chest, eye swelling, fever, and an elevated heart rate. All of these symptoms require an immediate doctor's evaluation!
Get information on this medication's precautions next.
Precautions
Azelaic acid is not safe for some patients. Thus, individuals need to review their medical history with their doctor! This medication worsens asthma symptoms. Patients with this condition can still use azelaic acid. However, they need additional monitoring when they do so! Individuals must avoid skin products that cause dry skin or irritation, since they worsen these side effects of azelaic acid. Thus, they must avoid using products that contain alcohol. This includes astringents and cleansers! Patients using this medication as a gel or foam need to avoid chemical peels and other abrasive products as well.
Patients using the foam form must do so away from open flames. They cannot smoke when they apply it either, as this form of the medication is flammable! Individuals are allowed to apply makeup over this medication. However, they must wait until it has dried before doing so. Additionally, they cannot wrap or bandage the application site unless specifically directed to do so by a doctor. Many individuals need to avoid spicy food, hot drinks, and alcohol when they are on this medication.
Uncover the medication interactions next.
Medication Interactions
Azelaic acid has no severe medication interactions. However, there are mild ones! Thus, patients need to let their doctor know about all of the medicine they take, including supplements. They also need to list the skincare products that they use! This helps patients avoid seeing increased side effects. For instance, this medication increases dry, red, and peeling skin when used with isotretinoin. Patients cannot use these two medications at the same time!
Additionally, individuals often need to reduce how much they take of certain supplements or medications. Some doctors will ask them to stop taking these supplements completely while they use azelaic acid! Patients need to inform their doctor of the side effects that they experience, especially when they are taking any other medication or supplement.