Azelex®

What is Azelex?

Azelex is a 20% azelaic acid cream. It’s FDA-approved for acne, but it’s also prescribed off-label for folliculitis. Azelaic acid is useful for skin infections that affect hair follicles, as it’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.^[1]

Azelaic acid targets bacteria, reduces redness, and helps to stop your hair follicles becoming blocked, a trigger for bumps.^[1] Studies show that a lot of people with inflammatory skin conditions start to see improvement within the first month of using it.^[2]

How does Azelex work for folliculitis?

Folliculitis happens when hair follicles become inflamed, often due to bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus.^[3] Azelex works by killing off this folliculitis-causing bacteria, which helps to stop bacteria from spreading.^[2]

Azelalic acid (the active ingredient in Azelex) also helps your skin cells to shed, which can prevent blocked pores that trigger bumps.^[1] Finally, Azelex has anti-inflammatory activity, which calms your skin’s immune response – in turn reducing any redness or swelling.^[1]

Will I get side effects using Azelex?

Like all medications, Azelex can cause side effects, but not everybody will get them. Some of the most common side effects can include:

• Itching
• Burning or stinging
• Tingling
• Mild redness or peeling

If your skin becomes severely irritated, or these side effects don’t go away, you should stop using the cream and speak to your doctor. In rare cases, Azelex can cause changes in skin colour. If this happens, let your doctor know.

What doses of Azelex are there?

Azelex is available as a 20% azelaic acid cream. Azelaic acid also comes in gel form. There are other products that contain a different concentration of azelaic acid, like Finacea, which is 15% azelaic acid.

How to use Azelex

Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected areas twice a day, usually morning and evening. Wash and gently dry your skin before applying.

Make sure not to get any of the cream in your eyes or mouth, and wash your hands after applying it.

What should I do if I use too much Azelex?

It’s important not to use more Azelex than prescribed – it won’t treat your folliculitis faster. If you forget to apply a dose, skip it and carry on as normal from your usual time. Don’t apply more to make up for it.

If you get Azelex in your eyes, ears, nose, or mouth, you should seek medical advice.