Skinoren 20% Cream

Skinoren is an antibacterial cream applied directly to the affected areas of acne. It contains azelaic acid and reduces the growth of the keratin surface skin cells that can block pores. This helps to unblock the pores and sebaceous glands (glands which secrete sebum) and as a result the sebum can escape. This helps to reduce the formation of blackheads (comedones) and spots.

Do not use Skinoren if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to azelaic-acid or any of the other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet.

There is limited experience with use of the active substance azelaic acid during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Infants must not come into contact with treated skin or breast.

You must tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken or might take other medicines.

• local skin irritation
• burning, itching or abnormal redness of the skin (erythema)
• pain
• dryness
• skin discolouration

Further products available include Zineryt (topical antibiotic) and Differin (topical retinoid). Combination treatment Duac Once Daily (with topical antibiotic plus benzoyl peroxide) or Epiduo (with topical retinoid plus benzoyl peroxide) are available to step up to if other treatments have not been successful.

Other treatments for more severe acne are also available such as Roaccutane (isotretinoin) and Dianette (a contraceptive pill for women only). These treatments need to be monitored closely and can only be prescribed by your GP or specialist dermatologist.