Topical Antibacterial
Reviews
3.8
501 Reviews
Topical Antibacterial
Efficacy
68%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Topical Antibacterial
Side Effects
Low-Medium
Topical Antibacterial
Acne.org’s Real World Take
At prescription strengths (15 - 20%) studies show it should help reduce mild-to-moderate acne by a significant and noticeable amount after 3 months or so of treatment, so that’s not too shabby. However, it is unlikely to completely clear the skin on its own.
Topical Antibacterial
How to Get It
Azelaic acid is available in 15% - 20% by prescription. Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one. Azelaic acid is also available over-the-counter in strengths 10% and lower. Here are some places you can find it online.
Read All About Azelaic Acid
Compare To Other Treatments
5
34.5%
4
31%
3
18.3%
2
8.9%
1
7.3%

Used Azelaic Acid? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
July 1, 2008

Pros:

Keeps my chest clear and bacne under control.

Cons:

My face is very sensitive so it made my face itch like crazy!!! It was so irritating that I had to wash it off immediately. My back acne isn't clear but is much better than before, and I haven't had a break out on my chest in more than a year.

My face was too sensitive for it, but it's effective for my chest and back.
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April 25, 2008

Pros:

First week and I've seen quite an improvement. I've suffered for years and not bothered until my Doc recommended it.

Cons:

Hurts like hell!!!!

I'll persevere because I think it is going to work. My skin is smoother and eruptions are reducing quite rapidly. UK has NHS so it's quite cheap here. I'm not bothered about fragrance.
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February 29, 2008

Pros:

Works very well in a short period of time. I have been impressed with the product. My skin is not dried out or peeling.

Cons:

Price; there is some itching when you first apply the med, but this does go away with time.

I had an event coming up that I wanted to get clear for...Azelex has worked wonders. Were it not for the dark spots my acne leaves behind (which Azelex is helping with, too) I would be ready to throw out all my foundation. My skin looks great.
February 26, 2008

Pros:

Helped clear up mild acne

Cons:

caused reccurent cold sores, a possible side effect

I have gotten about 5 cold sores in my life before I used this product. When I started using it I got one every month for three months! Once I got 2 in one month. I talked to my derm and that is a possible (but uncommon) side effect. It helped my skin but wasn't worth it for me.
January 21, 2008

Pros:

This works right away to clear skin. Gives skin a nice dewy glow.

Cons:

Itchy, stops working after a few weeks

For me, this cleared up my skin very fast and prevented new breakouts. But after a few months my face got used to it and it was like I had never even used it.
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January 8, 2008

Pros:

I have used this cream for about four days and my husband has noticed a difference. I hope it will help my acne scars.

Cons:

I burning and itching is very hard to deal with!! Is there anyone out there that can recommend a non-greasy moisturizer for the face. My face is very dry and starting to peel.

It's only been a few days. I am using this with Doxy 150mg a day, Ziana gel at night and this cream in the day time. I hope it works!! P.S. the product is very expensive without insurance.
January 6, 2008

Pros:

Good treatment if you are pregnant and need something for acne. Works well. I use to use it once a day- saw 50% reduction in moderate hormonal acne in three weeks. Almost completely gone in six.

Cons:

Super itchy for a while- takes about 30 minutes to settle. Used it for about six months saw results but irritation never got better- I just had to get use to it.

Since having a baby- I moved on to treatments that don't make my skin itchy. It is nice to know that there is something effective for people who are pregnant- when I become pregnant next time- I will use this again. The irritation is really annoying but better than getting a face full of acne. Also the cream in not too dry or greasy- it really is a good formula to use in the AM and under make up.
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December 4, 2007

Pros:

ok

Cons:

ok

I bought it today,its the last medicine ill ever use for my face,i hope its gonna work
November 24, 2007

Pros:

great thing for the price, pretty effective on blackheads, not hard to apply, does not cause long- lasting redness or anything, a bit smoothers the skin

Cons:

itching is excruciating, a bit burning; applying consumes a lot of time, you can only see any results after a month or so

This thing is pretty good if you have problems like blackheads but it won't work on your breakouts, at least, it didn't heal mine. Applying is easy but needs some time, after that your skin is all itching and a bit burning for a while, totally unbearable but after a week or so using it these side effects will certainly diminish. I've used this thing for countless months, it didn't heal my breakouts; definitely- a lot of my clogged pores were gone but otherwise I could hardly see any improvement. This thing is great though if you have really really mild acne, check this out before trying anything stronger, it won't make your skin look bad and will smoother your skin.
November 19, 2007

Pros:

i think its working

Cons:

itching, little bit burning,

i have used it for about two weeks... my pimples used to last for a week and leaving scars after that.. but those pimples are gone n scars are healing up... But now i am WORRIED about too much Small WHITE HEADS i got on forehead and cheeks and some on overall face after using it. I do not why? I think it may be due to reaction with some kinda soap as i was on vacation for 4 days and used Hotel soap on face.

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.