Azelaic Acid
About Azelaic Acid
Azelaic Acid is a topical gel used to treat skin conditions like acne and inflammatory rosacea. This medicine works by targeting the bacteria that cause breakouts and by helping to clear the pores on your skin. It also helps to calm the redness and swelling associated with inflammatory skin bumps. Azelaic Acid is available in different strengths and formulations, such as 15% gel and 20% cream. Your doctor will choose the most appropriate product based on the skin condition being treated.
You should apply this gel consistently, exactly as directed by your doctor. This topical treatment is applied directly to the skin and is not affected by food intake. For the best results, it is important to maintain a simple, gentle skincare routine and avoid lifestyle habits that trigger skin flushing, such as consuming very spicy foods.
While using Azelaic Acid, you might experience mild, temporary skin reactions like a slight burning or itching sensation when you first apply it. These common side effects usually fade as your skin adjusts to the treatment. If you experience severe irritation, a rash, or any signs of an allergic reaction, stop using the gel and consult your doctor right away.
Before starting this medication, talk to your doctor if you have very sensitive skin, eczema, or a history of asthma, as this medicine may occasionally affect these conditions. Do not use this medicine if you have a known allergy to any of the ingredients in the gel.
Tell your doctor about any other topical products or skin treatments you are using, as combining them may cause excessive dryness or irritation. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider before starting this treatment to ensure it is safe for you.
Uses of Azelaic Acid
• Treatment of papulopustular rosacea: Reduces the inflammatory papules and pustules associated with mild to moderate rosacea.
• Relief from papulopustular acne: Treats mild to moderate acne with inflammatory pimples and pus-filled areas.
• Reduction of skin redness: Reduces visible redness and irritation associated with rosacea and acne.
• Antibacterial action: Azelaic Acid kill bacteria on the skin that contribute to acne and rosacea flare-ups.
• Improves skin clarity: Promotes clearer, smoother skin by reducing pore blockage and inflammation.
Medicinal Benefits
Azelaic Acid helps treat acne and rosacea by reducing inflammation, controlling bacteria, and preventing clogged pores. Regular use can help improve skin appearance and promote a clearer complexion.
- Treats Acne: Helps reduce acne-causing bacteria and prevents clogged pores, reducing the formation of new pimples.
- Reduces Redness and Inflammation: Helps soothe redness, swelling, and irritation associated with acne and rosacea.
- Promotes Clearer Skin: Supports the healing of existing blemishes and helps improve overall skin texture and appearance.
- Helps Even Skin Tone: May reduce post-acne marks and improve uneven skin tone with continued use.
- Provides Localised Treatment: Acts directly on the affected skin with minimal absorption into the bloodstream.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safe and effective use.
- Take the advised amount of Azelaic Acid and apply it as a thin layer on the clean and dry affected area as prescribed by your doctor.
- Azelaic Acid is for external use only.
- Avoid contact with the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. If Azelaic Acid comes into contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse with water immediately.
Storage
Side Effects of Azelaic Acid
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Mild burning, stinging, or tingling sensation at the application site
- Dry, peeling, or flaky skin
- Mild redness or skin irritation
- Itchiness
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away)
- Severe burning, redness, or swelling of the treated skin
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as a severe skin rash, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Worsening of asthma symptoms, such as wheezing or shortness of breath
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Check the Product Before Use: Do not use the gel or cream if the tube is damaged, the seal is broken, or the product has expired.
- Avoid Contact with Sensitive Areas: Keep Azelaic Acid away from your eyes, mouth, and inside the nose. Rinse thoroughly with water if accidental contact occurs.
- Do Not Cover the Treated Area: Avoid using airtight bandages or dressings over the treated skin unless advised by your doctor.
- Allow the Medicine to Dry: Let the medicine dry completely before applying moisturisers, cosmetics, or other skincare products.
- Avoid Harsh Skincare Products: Limit the use of exfoliants, peeling agents, alcohol-based products, or other irritating skincare products unless recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Follow Up if Symptoms Persist: Contact your doctor if your skin condition does not improve after 8 to 12 weeks, worsens during treatment, or if you develop severe irritation, swelling, difficulty breathing, or other signs of an allergic reaction.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines or skin treatments, as they may interact with Azelaic Acid:
- Other topical peeling agents: Combining this medicine with other peeling products (such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide) may increase the risk of severe skin dryness, redness, and irritation.
- Abrasive cleansers: Using medicated or abrasive soaps while using this gel can worsen skin sensitivity.
Drug-Food Interactions
Certain foods and beverages may affect rosacea symptoms while using Azelaic Acid, including:
- Spicy foods and alcohol: If you are treating rosacea, consuming these can trigger facial flushing and potentially reduce the visible benefits of the treatment.
Drug-Disease Interactions
Inform your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions before using Azelaic Acid, as special precautions may be required:
- Asthma: In rare cases, this medication may cause a worsening of asthma symptoms.
- Eczema: Patients with active eczema or highly sensitive skin may experience severe localised skin irritation.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorThe interaction of Azelaic Acid with alcohol is unknown. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor before using Azelaic Acid if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorThere are limited studies on how Azelaic Acid affects breastfed infants. Please consult your doctor before using Azelaic Acid if you are breastfeeding. If you need to apply Azelaic Acid on your breasts, don't do this shortly before giving a feed.
Driving
not applicableAzelaic Acid usually does not interfere with your driving ability and is safe to use.
Liver
consult your doctorLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver disease before using Azelaic Acid.
Kidney
consult your doctorLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney disease before using Azelaic Acid.
Children
cautionAzelaic Acid is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy is not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Identify skin triggers: If you are using this gel for rosacea, avoid common triggers like spicy foods, hot beverages, and alcohol, which can cause skin flushing.
- Use gentle skincare: Avoid harsh facial scrubs, alcohol-based toners, or astringents that can worsen skin dryness and irritation while using this treatment.
- Protect your skin from the sun: Apply a broad-spectrum, non-comedogenic sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily, as sunburned skin can be highly sensitive to topical treatments.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Special Advise
Consult your dermatologist if you do not notice any improvement after 4-6 weeks of treatment with Azelaic Acid.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acne: Acne vulgaris is a skin condition caused when the hair follicles are plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cysts, and nodules are all types of acne. It commonly occurs in teenagers, although all age groups are affected. Symptoms include blackheads, pus-filled pimples, and large/red bumps. Break-outs can happen on the face, neck, back, shoulders, and chest. The risk factors for acne are hormonal changes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), poor sleep, stress, smoking, dermatological and cosmetic products with high oil content, and genetic conditions. Treatment involves antibiotics, retinoids, and topical products with diet and lifestyle changes.
Rosacea: Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects the face. It causes redness, tiny visible blood vessels, and red lumps that resemble pimples. It typically appears on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead and might come and go over time.
FAQs
Azelaic Acid is used for the treatment of mild to moderate papulopustular acne and papulopustular rosacea on the face.
Azelaic Acid contains 'Azelaic acid,' which is a bactericidal (kills bacteria) agent. It is a naturally occurring aliphatic dicarboxylic acid that helps stop the growth of acne-causing bacteria and reduces keratin production, which helps prevent the formation of comedones (clogged pores).
Your doctor may advise the initial dose as once daily in the evening. The dose may be increased to twice or thrice daily in the morning and evening.
It is advised to limit the use of products that contain large amounts of alcohol (astringents, shaving creams or after-shave lotions), hair removal products, and products containing lime or spices if you are using Azelaic Acid.
It is not recommended to use Azelaic Acid for the treatment of melasma. Azelaic Acid is only useful in treating acne, rosacea and its associated conditions.
Apply the advised amount with clean and dry hands to the skin's affected areas. Gently massage the medicine into the skin with your fingers. Wash your hands before and after applying. Do not put dressing or bandage on the affected areas.
It's generally recommended to use Azelaic Acid for several weeks or months after your acne clears to prevent recurrence.
Common side effects of Azelaic Acid include dryness, peeling, burning, irritation, itching, and dermatitis. These side effects may not occur in every patient using this medication and may differ individually. If the side effects persist longer or worsen, please seek a doctor's advice.
Azelaic Acid is generally not recommended for children. It's essential to consult with a paediatrician for appropriate acne treatment options.
While it's generally safe for long-term use, it's essential to consult a dermatologist to assess your needs and monitor for any potential side effects.
Yes, you can wear makeup. However, you must let the gel dry completely on your skin before applying any cosmetics. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about choosing gentle, oil-free makeup options.
You should consult your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks to decide if it is safe for you. Talk to your doctor for personalised advice.
Yes, using a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturiser can help manage dry skin or peeling caused by this gel. Always let the gel absorb completely before applying your moisturiser. Talk to your doctor if dryness persists.
Yes, mild skin peeling and dryness are common side effects, especially during the first few weeks of starting the treatment. If the peeling becomes severe or highly uncomfortable, talk to your doctor.
While this gel does not make your skin highly sensitive to sunlight like some other acne treatments, it is still recommended to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin. Talk to your doctor for advice on sun protection.
If the gel accidentally gets into your eyes, rinse them immediately and thoroughly with large amounts of cool water. If eye irritation or redness persists, contact your doctor right away. Talk to your doctor for further guidance.
Using other topical acne treatments at the same time can increase the risk of skin irritation. You should consult your healthcare provider before combining this gel with any other skin medications. Talk to your doctor about your options.
