What is Finacea?
Finacea is a 15% azelaic acid gel. It works by calming inflammation and reducing bacteria that can lead to pustules and red bumps. It’s most often used for rosacea, but its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects make it useful for conditions like folliculitis, where the hair follicles become inflamed and irritated.[1]
As Finacea doesn’t cause bacterial resistance, like antibiotics sometimes can, it can be a longer-term option if your folliculitis is recurring or difficult to manage.[1] It’s used ‘off-label’ for folliculitis, which means it’s not officially licensed to treat it, but it can be prescribed if a doctor thinks it will help your condition.
How does Finacea work for Folliculitis?
Finacea works for folliculitis in a few different ways. It lowers levels of inflammation in the skin by reducing neutrophil activity and cytokine production. These are two of the main causes of redness and swelling in the skin.[1]
Azelaic acid (the active ingredient of Finacea) also helps to stop the growth of bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, which can get trapped in hair follicles and cause folliculitis flare-ups. Finacea also helps your skin to shed, which can stop pores becoming clogged and blocked.[1]
Will I get side effects using Finacea?
Like most treatments, Finacea can cause side effects. You might notice more side effects in the first few weeks of using it, but some people don’t get any.
The most commonly reported side effects include:
- Burning or stinging
- Itching
- Dryness or peeling
- Mild redness or irritation
If you have darker skin, there’s a small risk of temporary light patches where the gel is applied.[2] If you have persistent side effects, speak to a doctor.
What forms does Finacea come in?
Finacea comes as a 15% azelaic acid gel. 15% is the standard strength used off-label for folliculitis. Finacea (azelaic acid) also comes in a foam formulation, which is sometimes used off-label for folliculitis as well.
Treated trusted source:
- Feng, X., Shang, J., et al. (2024). Azelaic Acid: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, Volume 17, pp.2359–2371.
- Bayer (2010). Finacea (azelaic acid) gel label. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/.
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