Azelaic acid for acne vulgaris

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
azelaic acid 20% topical cream	Azelex

How It Works

Azelaic acid is a natural material that kills bacteria in the skin. It can help clear and prevent acne that is caused by bacteria.

Why It Is Used

Doctors prescribe azelaic acid in a cream form to help clear up acne and prevent new outbreaks. This medication kills bacteria and reduces acne inflammation.

How Well It Works

Azelaic acid works well in mild to moderate outbreaks of acne by killing bacteria. But it doesn't work well for acne that isn't infected with bacteria. Limited studies show that azelaic acid may work as well as other creams (such as benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, and antibiotics).¹ It takes 1 to 2 months after you start applying the cream for acne lesions to start disappearing.

Side Effects

Besides clearing acne, azelaic acid can cause burning, stinging, dry skin and redness. Try to keep the cream off of skin areas that don't have acne. Wash your hands after you apply the cream. Also, keep azelaic acid away from the eyes, mouth, and inside the nose.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Azelaic acid may work to treat acne in some people, but if your acne doesn't start to clear up after a couple of months, your doctor will most likely have you try another medicine.

This product is not approved to treat children younger than 12.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated March 1, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
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