Skinoren - indications, use, side effects, action

Skinoren, generically known as azelaic acid, is a topical medication used for treating mild to moderate acne. The action of Skinoren is twofold. On one hand, it inhibits the growth of skin bacteria that are involved in the development of acne, the Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, by interrupting their cellular protein synthesis. On the other hand, it normalizes the keratin process which leads to an abnormal thickening of the skin, preventing the formation of comedones.

Its anti-inflammatory properties also play a crucial role in its action. Skinoren reduces the inflammation associated with acne by inhibiting the production and release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are responsible for inflammation and redness in acne.

Moreover, Skinoren does not lead to antibiotic resistance which is a common issue with many acne treatments, making it a sustainable choice for long-term acne management. It is important to note that the effects of Skinoren become visible after about 4 weeks of use, with further improvement over time.

Skinoren, also known as Azelaic Acid, is a topical medication primarily indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate acne. It works by killing the bacteria that cause acne and by keeping the skin pores clean.

Some specific indications for use of Skinoren are:

• Inflammatory and non-inflammatory forms of acne: Skinoren is indicated for the treatment of symptoms of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. This includes the blackheads, whiteheads, papules, and pustules that are commonly found in acne conditions.

• Rosacea: Skinoren cream may also be used for the treatment of rosacea, a skin condition that causes redness and pimples on the face. However, it should be noted that while Skinoren helps to treat the bumps, lesions, and swelling caused by rosacea, it does not cure the redness caused by this condition.

It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting treatment to ensure that Skinoren is the appropriate treatment for your skin condition.

While Skinoren is generally well-tolerated, it has certain contraindications that must be considered before starting treatment. It is not advisable to use Skinoren if you are allergic to azelaic acid or any of the other ingredients in this medication. An allergic reaction may cause symptoms such as itching, redness, or swelling of the skin.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before starting treatment with Skinoren. Although studies have not shown any harmful effects on the fetus, it is still recommended to use it cautiously. Breastfeeding mothers should avoid applying Skinoren on the chest area to prevent the baby from ingesting the medication.

Patients with a history of asthma should use Skinoren with caution as it may cause worsening of asthma symptoms. If you experience shortness of breath or wheezing after applying Skinoren, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

• Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes.
• Do not use on areas of the skin that are broken or severely inflamed.
• Stop using Skinoren if you develop severe irritation or allergic reaction.

Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins to avoid potential interactions.

When using Skinoren, some side effects may occur, although they might not happen to everyone. It's crucial to be aware of these potential complications in order to seek medical attention promptly should the need arise.

The most common side effects, affecting more than 1 in 10 patients, include: burning, pain, itching and redness on the skin. These reactions typically occur at the start of treatment and generally subside within a week. If they persist, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

• Burning sensation
• Pain
• Itching
• Redness on the Skin

Less common side effects, which may affect up to 1 in 10 patients, include: dryness, peeling, discolouration of the skin, warm skin, rash, hives or bumps on the skin.

• Dryness
• Peeling
• Skin discolouration
• Warm skin
• Rash
• Hives
• Bumps on the skin

Rare side effects, which may affect up to 1 in 1,000 patients, include: severe skin reactions, allergic reactions which may include swelling of the face and/or lips, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, feeling faint or fainting.

• Severe skin reactions
• Allergic reactions - swelling of the face and/or lips
• Difficulty breathing
• Low blood pressure
• Feeling faint
• Fainting

If you experience any of these side effects, stop using Skinoren and seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, you should report any side effects you notice to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed above.

By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

The dosage of Skinoren largely depends on the severity of the acne or rosacea and the patient's response to treatment. However, the general guideline is to apply a thin layer of Skinoren cream or gel to the affected areas twice daily, preferably in the morning and evening.

Before applying Skinoren, the skin should be cleaned with mild soap or a soap-free cleansing lotion and dried thoroughly. The cream or gel is then gently massaged into the skin. It's important to avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes.

If you are using Skinoren for the first time, you may experience a slight burning sensation on your skin. This is normal and should subside as your skin becomes used to the medication. If the burning sensation persists or if you experience severe redness, itching, or peeling, you should discontinue use and contact your healthcare provider.

It's important to remember that Skinoren is not a quick fix for acne or rosacea. Results can usually be seen after 4 weeks of treatment, but it may take up to 12 weeks to see significant improvements. Continual use is necessary to maintain the benefits of Skinoren.

It's also important to note that excessive use of Skinoren does not lead to faster or better results, and can actually cause irritated skin. Therefore, always use Skinoren as directed by your healthcare provider.

Skinoren is primarily used in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. The key component, Azelaic Acid, possesses antibacterial properties that kill the bacteria associated with acne, Propionibacterium acnes, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Additionally, it helps to reduce the growth of keratin surface skin cells that can block pores leading to acne.

To use Skinoren, wash the areas of skin affected by acne with mild soap and water, and dry thoroughly before application. Apply the cream or gel form of Skinoren onto the affected areas and massage gently until it is absorbed. It is advisable to apply Skinoren twice daily, preferably in the morning and evening. It is important to avoid contact with the eyes, nostrils, or mouth when applying the product.

The duration of use varies depending on the severity of acne but visible improvements are often noted after four weeks of consistent use. However, to achieve the best results, treatment with Skinoren should continue for several months. If there is no significant improvement after one month of use or if the acne worsens, consult a healthcare professional.

Some precautions to keep in mind while using Skinoren include avoiding exposure to sunlight, or using a high protection sun cream. It is not recommended for use on eczematous skin or on open wounds. Additionally, it is unknown whether Skinoren can transfer through breast milk, so breast-feeding mothers should consult a healthcare professional before use.

when using Skinoren, there are several precautions that need to be taken into consideration. Whilst it is generally safe for most people, it is important to use this medication as directed by your healthcare provider. Misuse or overuse may lead to unwanted side effects or reduced effectiveness.

Firstly, Skinoren should not be applied to broken, irritated, or sunburnt skin. This could result in the medication being absorbed more rapidly into the bloodstream, potentially causing systemic side effects. With this in mind, it is also advisable to avoid sun exposure, UV light, and harsh weather conditions as much as possible while using Skinoren.

Another important precaution is to avoid getting the Skinoren cream or gel in the eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes. If accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. It is also important to wash your hands after applying the medication to prevent unintentional spreading.

Moreover, Skinoren may cause skin to be more sensitive to sun exposure. Therefore, it is recommended to apply sunscreen or protective clothing if you are going to be out in the sun.

Lastly, Skinoren should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if the benefits outweigh the risks and only under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Skinoren, whose active ingredient is azelaic acid, can interact with other medications, impacting its effectiveness or leading to other health issues. It's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and skincare products you're currently using before starting Skinoren treatment.

Although Skinoren is primarily used topically, it's important to be aware that it can potentially interact with orally administered drugs. This is especially relevant if these drugs have a narrow therapeutic index or are metabolized via the same enzymatic pathways as Skinoren.

While specific drug-drug interactions are not well documented due to the topical nature of Skinoren, it's still essential to be cautious. For instance, avoid using other topical medications (including over-the-counter treatments) on the same skin areas as Skinoren unless your healthcare provider gives you the go-ahead. This is to prevent potential cumulative irritation effects.

Also, since Skinoren can cause skin dryness or irritation, using it alongside other skin-drying products (like medicated or abrasive soaps, shampoos, or cosmetics) can heighten these effects. Inform your doctor if you're using any such products. They may recommend adjusting their use or monitoring your skin condition more closely while you're on Skinoren treatment.

As always, it's important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions on the application and timing of Skinoren and any other skincare products you're using. This will help to minimize potential interactions and maximize the effectiveness of your treatment.

When considering the use of Skinoren, it's important to factor in its price. The cost of Skinoren can vary depending on a few factors such as the place of purchase, whether it's bought online or from a physical pharmacy, and the country in which you're purchasing. Also, it's worth noting that the price can change based on the formulation (cream or gel) and the concentration (20% azelaic acid or 15% gel).

In the United States, the price for Skinoren cream is around $100 for a supply of 30 grams, depending on the pharmacy you visit. However, some online pharmacies might offer it at a lower cost. In the UK, Skinoren is a prescription-only medication and the cost is covered under the National Health Service (NHS). Prices in other countries might vary.

It's always advised to compare prices from different vendors before making a purchase. Also, check if there are any discounts or offers available. Some manufacturers provide coupons or patient assistance programs to help lower the cost.

Finally, remember that the effectiveness of Skinoren should not be measured by its price alone. It's crucial to consider its benefits in treating your specific skin condition and the advice of your healthcare provider.

While Skinoren is a popular solution for acne problems, there are alternatives available in the market that can be used as substitutes. These substitutes have similar ingredients and can have effects comparable to that of Skinoren. However, it is important to consult a doctor or a dermatologist before switching from Skinoren to any of its substitutes, as they may have different side effects or interactions.

Here are some of the substitutes for Skinoren:

• Aziderm Cream: Aziderm Cream has the same active ingredient as Skinoren, azelaic acid. It works by killing the bacteria that cause acne and by reducing inflammation.
• Finacea Gel: Finacea Gel also contains azelaic acid. It is used to treat mild to moderate acne and rosacea.
• Azelex Cream: Azelex is another cream that contains azelaic acid. It is used to treat mild to moderate acne.

Remember, these are just substitutes and may not work for everyone. It is best to consult with your healthcare provider about the best alternative for you based on your skin type and condition.