Acne or rosacea. How to distinguish and what to do

Pharmacological effects of Azelik-gel

The main active ingredient of Azelik gel is azelaic acid. Penetrating deep into the layers of the epidermis, it produces a number of positive effects:

• antibacterial
  - the drug has a detrimental effect on pathogenic microorganisms that cause acne (strepto- and staphylococci, propinobacteria acnes);
• anti-inflammatory
  - due to inhibition of the production of inflammatory cells;
• keratolytic
  - prevents keratinization of the upper layers of the epidermis and the formation of comedones;
• brightening
  - the gel suppresses the activity of pigment cells.

As a result of eliminating the bacterial flora and stopping inflammation in damaged structures, blood circulation is normalized. Nutrients and beneficial microelements penetrate cells better, improving metabolic processes and accelerating regeneration.

Bacterial organisms are not resistant to azelaic acid, so there is no need to worry that the medicine will be addictive.

During treatment with the gel, excess sebum secretion is eliminated, pores and skin are cleansed, facial relief is evened out, and redness disappears. The drug eliminates free radicals, thereby preventing premature age-related skin changes.

Acne treatment

Acne is a disease caused by many factors. A significant role in its occurrence is played by genetic predisposition, hormonal disorders, improper care and unbalanced nutrition. In order to get rid of acne, it is important to find out the cause of their appearance and only then begin treatment.

Common to the treatment of all types of acne is proper skin care and the use of products with azelaic acid - Skinoren or Azelica.

Azelaic acid, which is part of these creams, has a keratolytic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect.

The principle of its operation:

• The product penetrates into keratinocyte cells, disrupts the structure of their DNA, slows down growth and division, thereby preventing excessive keratinization of the skin.
• Excessive keratinization leads to blockage of the gland duct, accumulation and oxidation of sebum, and hence to the formation of acne and blackheads. By reducing the thickness of the stratum corneum, the function of the sebaceous glands is normalized, and the skin remains clean.
• Azelaic acid molecules, in addition to epidermal cells, also enter the cells of pathogenic microorganisms - bacteria and fungi, leading to their death, which means they have antimicrobial properties.

Skinoren and Azelik are the most commonly prescribed effective acne creams by dermatologists. Despite the almost identical composition, there are differences between these two drugs, and a specialist should choose the drug suitable for treatment after a thorough examination.

Indications for applying the gel

Azelik facial gel is recommended for use for:

• papular and pustular acne on the skin of the face or body;
• small red pimples;
• oily skin;
• enlarged pores;
• comedones (blackheads);
• rosacea;

• melasma - a disorder of pigment production, which is manifested by the formation of uneven dark spots in the face or neck;
• rosacea;
• manifestations of post-acne - scars, scars, vascular changes, dents.

When painful red spots appear - the first harbingers of acne, spot application of the gel is recommended. This procedure will stop the further development of inflammation and also prevent the formation of acne marks on the skin.

Considering the effectiveness of Azelik gel against age spots, you can use it to get rid of freckles. This effect is due to the ability of the main active component to block the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in the synthesis of melanin.

Azelik gel, the indications for which are extensive, is not used to treat severe inflammatory formations on the skin surface, which are accompanied by the appearance of pimples with abundant purulent contents.

Use by pregnant women and children

The main contraindication to the use of the drug is individual sensitivity to its composition. Since azelaic acid is a low-toxic substance, and, penetrating the skin, does not enter the systemic bloodstream, using Azelic during pregnancy or during breastfeeding is not prohibited.

At the same time, it should be taken into account that acne in expectant mothers is often associated with hormonal changes in the body, and therefore disappears without a trace after pregnancy.

If such changes in the skin do not cause much concern, then it is better for a woman to try traditional methods based on the use of medicinal herbs.

As for children, to eliminate rosacea the medicine is used by patients over 18 years of age. But given the tendency for acne in adolescents, applying the gel is practiced from the beginning of puberty, but not earlier than 12 years of age.

How to use the gel

Azelik gel should be applied correctly to skin that has been previously cleansed with a special product or water. If the skin is prone to severe oiliness, then for an additional antiseptic and drying effect it is recommended to clean it with simple laundry soap. After washing, the face or body is thoroughly blotted with a towel so that the skin is completely dry. Next, squeeze 2.5 ml (equivalent to a 2.5 cm strip) of the product onto clean hands and apply it locally to the affected areas, rubbing in lightly.

The procedure is carried out twice a day - in the morning and in the evening.

In advanced cases, the doctor may recommend a comprehensive treatment regimen, which, in addition to Azelik, will include other drugs with local or systemic effects.

Azelik can be applied not only to the face - the gel is suitable for treating skin problems on the back, chest, and neck area.

Don't expect an immediate effect. The first positive results can be noticed after a month of use. The course of treatment with Azelik lasts from 3 to six months. After the condition of the skin is normalized, the drug can be used for prevention. To do this, it is enough to apply it to known problem areas of the face or body 1-2 times a week. In this case, the duration of use can be 1 year.

Important nuances when treating with Azelik

To achieve the desired result, it is important not only to apply the gel correctly, but also to follow some rules:

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1. The simultaneous use of Azelik with other medical or cosmetic products that contain acids is prohibited. Such combinations may cause skin burns.
2. A separate towel should be provided for the face.
3. During the entire course, it is strictly forbidden to squeeze pimples. It is also worth reducing any touching of your hands to problem areas.

4. When applying, avoid getting the gel on the mucous membranes of the eyes or mouth, as well as scratches, abrasions, wounds and other mechanical damage to the integrity of the skin. If such contact does occur, it is necessary to rinse the mucous or damaged surface under plenty of running water.
5. Makeup can be applied no earlier than 30 minutes after applying the gel.
6. If during therapy the skin becomes excessively dry, then the use of moisturizers is allowed.
7. Azelik gel increases the photosensitivity of the skin. Therefore, in summer it is better to apply it before bed. Before going outside, you should apply sunscreen to your skin. For the same reason, it is advisable to reduce the time spent in direct sunlight.

If the effect does not appear after a month of use, you should additionally consult a doctor.

Comparison of side effects of Skinoren and Azelik

Side effects or adverse events are any adverse medical event that occurs in a subject after administration of a drug.

Skinoren's level of adverse events is almost the same as Azelik's. They both have few side effects. This implies that the frequency of their occurrence is low, that is, the indicator of how many cases of an undesirable effect of treatment are possible and registered is low. The undesirable effect on the body, the strength of influence and the toxic effect of Skinoren are similar to Azelik: how quickly the body recovers after taking it and whether it recovers at all.

Adverse reactions after use

A feature of the gel is the deterioration of the skin condition and frequent side effects in the first 2 weeks of use. In most patients, the skin turns red, itches, and the treated area peels or stings. Many people note an increase in the number of rashes and excessive dryness of the skin. In such a situation, you should temporarily reduce the frequency of procedures to 1 time per day or completely stop using Azelik, wait until the condition of the epidermis stabilizes, and then resume therapeutic procedures.

As a rule, after some time the skin adapts to the effects of the drug. But if such reactions occur after the third attempt, then it is better to abandon the medication altogether and consult a doctor for an alternative prescription.

Possible consequences

The instructions for the drugs indicate the following side effects:

• Burning sensation, redness of the skin at the site of application.
• Rashes, contact dermatitis, excessive peeling of the skin.

According to statistics, adverse reactions occurred more often in patients using Azelik gel than in patients using Skinoren cream. This may be due to the fact that the gel form of the drug penetrates better through the upper layers of the skin and, due to the peculiarities of application, is easier to “overdose”.

Analogues and substitutes

Azelik gel is freely available, so you can purchase it at any pharmacy. The average price of a tube with a capacity of 15 g is 403 rubles. If for some reason you cannot buy the gel, then you can replace it with any other external product based on azelaic acid, since the difference lies only in the manufacturer and cost. Today there are such analogues:

1. Azogel
   — comes in the form of a gel, has high antiseptic properties, so it helps well against acne and rosacea. Average price - 405 rubles. for 15 g of product. You can purchase Azogel in pharmacies only by pre-order.

2. Azix Derm
   - has the same indications as Azelik. At the same time, the official instructions for use recommend using the medicine with caution for people with bronchial asthma. The cost of the gel is 663 rubles.

3. AcneStop
   - a cream with a pronounced antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and depigmenting effect. Available in tubes of 30 g. Price - 913 rubles.

4. Skinonorm
   - Available in the form of gel and cream. The first dosage form is recommended for use for rosacea and oily skin. The second - for hyperpigmentation and excessive dryness of the skin. Both the gel and the cream are good at eliminating acne and clogged pores. Price in pharmacies - from 620 rubles.

5. Skinoren
   is a very popular gel, identical in its properties to Azelik. But the fact that Azelik is produced in Russia (), and Skinoren - in Italy, significantly affects the price. In pharmacy chains it ranges from 1300-1800 rubles.

There is another complete analogue of Azelik - Azelex. It is produced in California (USA). At the moment, the drug is under re-registration, so it is impossible to find it in pharmacies. A brief overview of local products, which have different compositions, but similar indications, is presented in the table:

In cases where the use of products based on azelalaic acid causes severe side effects, it is recommended to consult a doctor about the possibility of replacing it with the above drugs.

Comparison of addiction between Skinoren and Azelik

Like safety, addiction also involves many factors that must be considered when evaluating a drug.

So, the totality of the values ​​of such parameters as “o syndrome” in Skinoren is quite similar to the similar values ​​in Azelik. Withdrawal syndrome is a pathological condition that occurs after the cessation of intake of addictive or dependent substances into the body. And resistance is understood as initial immunity to a drug; in this it differs from addiction, when immunity to a drug develops over a certain period of time. The presence of resistance can only be stated if an attempt has been made to increase the dose of the drug to the maximum possible. At the same time, Skinoren’s syndrome values ​​are quite small, just like Azelik’s.