Health Conditions

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide if often used to treat mild to moderate acne, and can produce a response in as few as five days. It is available in several strengths, some of which are only available by prescription. Benzoyl peroxide is available in soaps, lotions, washes, gels, and creams. Gel formulations are typically the most potent. Care should be taken when applying products containing benzoyl peroxide to avoid bleaching hair, sheets, towels and clothing. A common side effect of benzoyl peroxide is dryness and irritation of the skin. To help avoid this side effect, start with a lower potency formulation (2.5%) and increase the strength (5% to 10%) as needed for acne control. You can also start by applying every other day then work up to a maximum of twice daily applications. Applying benzoyl peroxide products to cool, clean, dry skin will also decrease irritation. If you have sensitive skin, benzoyl peroxide and other topical acne treatments may be applied as a ?spot? treatment to pimples only, reducing irritation to the skin surrounding acne lesions.

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic Acid is a cream used in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. It has antibacterial effects and may help with skin inflammation. Azelaic acid is generally well tolerated with a low incidence of temporary side effects such as skin redness, itching, and burning. Darker complexions may develop hypopigmentation during treatment. Azelaic acid should be applied to clean, dry skin.

Sulfur, Sodium Sulfacetamide and Salicylic Acid

Sulfur, sodium sulfacetamide, and salicylic acid products are not considered as effective as benzoyl peroxide but may be tried for treating mild acne. Many of these products are available without a prescription. These products are less irritating than benzoyl peroxide, but some have a strong smell and may cause the skin to turn brown.

Topical Antibiotics

Topical antibiotics are used to treat moderate to severe acne when acne is resultant from bacteria. Topical antibiotics include clindamycin and erythromycin. These antibiotics are available in lotions, solutions, gels, and disposable pads, and are typically applied twice daily. Topical clindamycin and erythromycin are most effective when they are combined with other acne medications (such as benzoyl peroxide). The combination also helps decrease the risk of the bacteria becoming resistant to the antibiotic. Topical antibiotics, while effective, can cause occasional skin irritation and stinging upon applications.

Tretinoin

Tretinoin is a topical retinoid available in various strengths and forms (creams, gels, solutions, a microsphere gel, and liquid polymer). It works by preventing the formation of microcomedones and has anti- inflammatory actions. For mild acne, weaker strengths are typically used first and increased as needed for moderately severe forms of acne. A "flare" of acne may occur after starting tretinoin, but clears after about 8 to 12 weeks of therapy. Tretinoin works well for moderate to severe acne when combined with benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics, and oral antibiotics. Tretinoin can cause skin irritation, redness, and peeling which are usually noticed within the first week of use but can be minimized by slowly increasing application frequency. The doctor may recommend you use it every other day and, over a period of time, increase to a maximum of twice daily. Tretinoin can also increase sensitivity to sun, wind and cold.

Adapalene

Adapalene is a topical retinoid available as a gel, cream or solution and is used to treat mild to moderate acne. Adapalene is typically used as an alternative to tretinoin in patients who cannot tolerate tretinoin. It can also be used in combination with topical and oral antibiotics. Improvement is generally seen by 12 weeks of therapy. Some patients may notice redness of the skin and peeling. It is recommended that patients avoid contact with mucus membranes, including the eyes, mouth, and nostrils. Patients should also try to avoid UV ray exposure through sunlight and tanning because drying of skin, scaling, redness, burning, and itching may occur after exposure.

Tazarotene

Tazarotene is a topical retinoid, available as a gel or cream, and used to treat mild to moderate acne. Although it is effective for acne, it can cause skin irritation, itching, burning, and redness (similar to tretinoin). It is recommended that patients avoid other medications or cosmetic products that have strong drying effects as these could further irritate the skin.

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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.