Lactic Acid
About Lactic Acid
Lactic Acid is a topical medication used to treat dry, rough, and scaly skin conditions. It works by increasing moisture levels in the skin and helping to dissolve dead skin cells. Doctors commonly prescribe it for conditions like xerosis and ichthyosis. Lactic Acid is available in different topical formulations, including creams, lotions, gels, and solutions. The suitable formulation depends on your skin condition and your doctor's recommendation.
To get the best results, you should apply this medicine consistently as directed by your doctor. It is typically applied to the affected areas twice daily or as suggested. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding long, hot showers can also help keep your skin hydrated.
While using Lactic Acid, you may experience mild side effects like temporary stinging or redness. These effects are usually harmless and go away on their own. However, if you experience severe skin irritation, burning, or signs of an allergic reaction, you should stop using it and consult your doctor immediately.
Talk to your doctor before starting Lactic Acid if you have extremely sensitive skin, eczema, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, or skin infections. People with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised individuals) should also seek medical advice before use. Do not use this product if you have a known allergy to any of its ingredients. It should not be applied to open wounds, raw, peeling skin, or near the eyes (including the delicate skin around the eyes). People with diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, reduced skin sensation, or conditions that affect wound healing should consult their doctor before use, as they may not notice irritation or skin damage early.
This medicine may interact with other topical treatments like peeling agents or harsh soaps, which can cause severe skin irritation. It is safe to use for most adults, but you should consult your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing skin conditions in elderly individuals.
Uses of Lactic Acid
Medicinal Benefits
Lactic Acid helps relieve the discomfort of dry and scaly skin by improving moisture levels and supporting smoother, healthier-looking skin. The key benefits of Lactic Acid are as follows:
- Relief from Dry Skin: By increasing moisture levels in the skin, Lactic Acid helps soothe irritation, reduce roughness, and improve skin softness.
- Smoother Skin Texture: By gently removing dead skin cells, Lactic Acid helps smooth rough, scaly patches and improves the overall texture of the skin.
- Helps improve keratosis pilaris: Regular use of Lactic Acid can help soften rough bumps caused by keratosis pilaris and improve skin texture gradually. Visible improvement may take several weeks, and consistent application is important for maintaining results.
Directions for Use
- Use Lactic Acid once or twice daily; however, follow your doctor's recommendation regarding the dosage and duration.
- Apply Lactic Acid evenly on the affected area. Massage it gently until it gets absorbed completely.
- For external use only. Wash your hands before and after applying Lactic Acid.
Storage
Side Effects of Lactic Acid
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Mild stinging or burning when applied
- Temporary skin redness
- Mild skin peeling or flaking
- Slight irritation or dryness
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away)
- Severe burning, redness, or pain at the application site
- Blistering or peeling skin
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Avoid damaged skin: Do not apply this medicine to raw, sunburnt, or broken skin.
- Avoid covering treated areas: Do not cover the treated area with tight bandages or plastic dressings unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
- Avoid sensitive areas: Keep the medicine away from your eyes, mouth, nose, and other sensitive areas; rinse thoroughly with water if accidental contact occurs.
- Monitor your skin condition: Stop using the product and speak to your doctor if your skin condition does not improve or gets worse after a few weeks.
- Check the product before use: Always check the product container before use to ensure it is not damaged or expired.
Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines, as they may interact.
- Other topical peeling agents: Combining Lactic Acid with other exfoliating skin treatments or retinoids may increase skin irritation, redness, and peeling.
- Urea-based moisturisers: Lactic Acid is sometimes used along with urea-containing moisturisers for conditions like xerosis and ichthyosis. Combining these products may increase moisturising and exfoliating effects but should be done under your doctor's guidance to avoid excessive skin irritation.
- Harsh or drying soaps: Using medicated or abrasive soaps on the same area can lead to excessive skin dryness and burning.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of Lactic Acid with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a physician before consuming alcohol while using Lactic Acid.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult a physician if you are pregnant before using Lactic Acid. Lactic Acid is given to pregnant women if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionThe excretion of Lactic Acid in human milk is unknown. Lactic Acid is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the physician thinks benefits are greater than risks.
Driving
safeLactic Acid usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
consult your doctorLactic Acid is safe in liver patients. If you have any concerns regarding the use of Lactic Acid in patients with liver problems, please consult a physician.
Kidney
consult your doctorLactic Acid is safe in kidney patients. If you have any concerns regarding the use of Lactic Acid in patients with kidney problems, please consult a physician.
Children
cautionLactic Acid should be used with caution in children if recommended by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your skin's moisture levels from the inside out.
- Use lukewarm water: Avoid hot showers or baths, as hot water strips natural oils from your skin and worsens dryness.
- Pat dry gently: After bathing, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing it vigorously.
- Protect your skin from the sun: This medicine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear protective clothing and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily on treated areas exposed to the sun.
Special Advise
- Consult your dermatologist if you do not notice any improvement after 4-6 weeks of treatment with Lactic Acid.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hyperpigmentation: It is a skin condition in which patches of skin become darker in colour than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening of skin occurs when an excess of melanin (hormone), the brown pigment that produces normal skin colour, forms deposits in the skin.
Dark spots: These occur when some skin areas start producing more melanin(a natural pigment that gives colour to eyes, hair, and skin), which can range from light to dark brown.
Dry skin: It is a condition in which skin becomes dry and marked by itching, cracking and scaling, especially in winter.
Sensitive skin: It refers to the skin that has a more strong reaction when coming in contact with dyes, fragrances and other products.
FAQs
Lactic Acid is used to treat Hyperpigmentation, Wrinkles, Photoaging, and Dry skin.
Lactic Acid contains Lactic acid that works by breaking down a skin protein known as keratin and removes dead skin cells, thereby softening the skin.
You can leave Lactic Acid overnight on the skin if you are using cream/gel/lotion formulations. However, if any irritation occurs, please stop usage and consult your physician.
No, it is not advised to stop using Lactic Acid even after your symptoms are relieved. You should complete the full course of treatment. You might see improvement in your symptoms, but the disease might not be cured completely.
Lactic Acid can make your skin more sensitive to the harmful effects of sunlight. Hence it is advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while using Lactic Acid. It is recommended to avoid tanning booths and sunlamps.
You are recommended to use Lactic Acid for as long as your doctor has recommended it. However, if the condition persists or worsens after 6 weeks of treatment with Lactic Acid, please consult a doctor.
If you forget to apply Lactic Acid, use it as soon as you remember it. But, if it is time for your next application, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dose. Do not apply extra to make up for a missed dose. If you still have any concerns, contact your doctor.
Lactic Acid is safe when used according to your doctor's instructions, and it's important to inform your doctor if you experience any side effects.
Side effects of Lactic Acid are skin irritation, redness, burning or tingling sensation. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
You should only use the Lactic Acid on your face if your doctor specifically instructs you to do so. The skin on your face is delicate and more prone to irritation. Talk to your doctor for advice.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should consult your doctor before using this medicine. They will help you weigh the benefits and risks. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
If accidental contact occurs, rinse your eyes immediately and thoroughly with plenty of cool water. If irritation, redness, or pain persists, seek medical help. Talk to your doctor if you experience ongoing discomfort.
It is generally best to let Lactic Acid absorb completely into your skin before applying other products. However, check with your doctor to make sure your makeup or skin care products will not irritate your skin. Talk to your doctor for personalised advice.
Children's skin is thin and highly sensitive. Do not use this medicine on children unless specifically suggested by a paediatrician. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to find safe alternatives.
No, you should not apply this product to open wounds, deep cracks, or bleeding skin, as it can cause severe pain and irritation. Wait until the skin has healed before applying. Talk to your doctor if your skin is cracked and painful.
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