Azelaic Acid
About Azelaic Acid
Azelaic Acid belongs to the class of 'anti-acne medication', primarily used to treat acne (pimples) and rosacea (redness and visible blood vessels on the face). Azelaic Acid has antibacterial, keratolytic (removes warts, calluses and other lesions), comedolytic (inhibits the formation of blemishes), and anti-oxidant activity. It is used to clear bumps, lesions, and swelling caused by rosacea. Acne is a skin condition caused when the hair follicles are plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It can cause whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. Rosacea is a skin disease that causes redness, flushing, and pimples on the face.
Azelaic Acid contains 'Azelaic acid,' which is a bactericidal (kills bacteria) agent. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of microbial cellular proteins. Azelaic Acid clears the pores of bacteria that cause irritation and breakouts. It reduces inflammation making acne less visible, less red, and less irritated. Azelaic Acid also helps the skin renew itself and reduces pimple and blackhead formation.
Azelaic Acid is for external use only. Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, lips, mouth and nose. If the medicine comes in contact with any of these areas, rinse with water immediately. Common side effects of Azelaic Acid include dryness, peeling, burning, irritation, itching, and redness at the application site. These side effects may not occur in every patient using this medication and differ individually. If the side effects persist longer or worsen, please seek a doctor’s advice.
Please tell your doctor if you are allergic to Azelaic Acid or its components that may cause skin irritation. Azelaic Acid can make the skin change colour, especially when the skin is dark in colour. Please 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 while using Azelaic Acid. Keep Azelaic Acid away from flames and extreme heat. It is essential to let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or a breastfeeding mother.
Uses of Azelaic Acid
Medicinal Benefits
Azelaic Acid treats acne (pimples) and rosacea (redness and visible blood vessels on the face). It contains 'Azelaic acid', a dicarboxylic acid with antibacterial, keratolytic (removes warts, calluses and other lesions), comedolytic (inhibiting the formation of blemishes), and anti-oxidant activity. Azelaic Acid is bactericidal and inhibits the synthesis of microbial cellular proteins. It clears the pores of bacteria that cause irritation and breakouts. It also reduces inflammation making acne less visible, less red, and less irritated. Azelaic Acid also helps the skin renew itself and reduces pimple and blackhead formation.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Azelaic Acid
- Dryness
- Peeling
- Burning
- Irritation
- Itching
- Redness at the application site
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
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 though 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.
FAQs
Azelaic Acid contains 'Azelaic acid, an antibacterial medication used to treat acne (pimples) and rosacea. It kills bacteria, reduces inflammation and unplugs blocked pores. Azelaic Acid acts as a bactericidal agent and kills the bacteria that causes acne. It also has keratolytic (removes warts, calluses and other lesions), comedolytic (inhibits the formation of blemishes), and anti-oxidant activity.
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.
Azelaic Acid usually improves your skin condition in four weeks of treatment. If you notice no improvement after a month of treatment, please reach out to your doctor. For best results, the doctor may advise you to use Azelaic Acid regularly for several months.
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.
Azelaic Acid works by killing the bacteria responsible for acne. It also clears the pores of the skin and helps in reducing blackheads and whiteheads.
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.
