Ointments for acne

Indications for the use of ointments for acne are the presence of individual or multiple, open or closed rashes of various kinds on the skin (most often the face). The causes of acne development are also different:

• digestive problems, poor nutrition
• chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and biliary tract
• liver pathologies
• hormonal disorders
• allergic reactions
• skin care mistakes
• genetic predisposition
• bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse)
• emotional overload, stress
• adverse environmental factors
• menstrual cycle disorders
• skin diseases.

People with oily problem skin are more prone to such defects. Excess sebum clogs the sebaceous glands and provokes their inflammation. Rashes are also possible on the back, legs, neck, chest.

To cure acne -affected skin, it is advisable to establish the cause. It is important not to self-medicate, so as not to ruin your face for a long time, or even forever.

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Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Pharmacodynamics of popular acne ointments and their components:

• Azelaic acid localizes the inflammatory focus and normalizes the activity of the sebaceous glands.

Antibiotics have a blocking effect (erythromycin) on protein synthesis in the cells of pathogenic bacteria, preventing them from multiplying.

• Zinc dries, astringents, disinfects, and reduces inflammation.

Salicylic acid has an antimicrobial effect.

• Sulfur has an exfoliating effect on the epidermis.

Benzoyl destroys harmful microflora.

• The active ingredients of heparin ointment have vasodilating, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Streptocide ointment inhibits reproduction and destroys the cell walls of bacteria.

• Eplan ointment belongs to the dermatotropic group and has antiseptic and regenerating properties.

The substances contained in acne ointments act primarily at the site of application and are poorly absorbed into the bloodstream.

Names of ointments and creams for acne

Antibacterial drugs for mild acne - Baziron AC, Curiosin, Dalacin, Zinerit, Iron, Aknebay (cream), Differin, Skinoren (cream). In complex forms, treatment is supplemented with antibiotics, but only a dermatologist or cosmetologist has the right to prescribe them.

Other names for acne ointments:

• Sulfuric.
• Zinc.
• Metrogyl.
• Salicylic (2, 3, 5%).
• Retinoic.
• Levomekol.
• Regecin.
• Indoxyl.
• Isotrexin.
• Eplan.
• Synthomycin liniment.
• Ichthyol.
• Heparin.
• Streptocide.

Ointments for acne on the face

In dermatology, many ointments are used for acne on the face:

• Sulfuric: useful for all types of acne, eliminates lesions, dries problem areas. Also used for demodicosis.
• Salicylic: eliminates pimples, comedones, post-acne.
• Metrogyl: destroys anaerobic microorganisms, protozoa, gram-positive bacteria, accelerates the acne treatment process in combination therapy.
• Retinoic: acts slowly, but significantly reduces inflammation and the number of open comedones. Useful in combination with other drugs.
• Levomekol: penetrates very deeply, effective in purulent processes.
• Regecin: for mild forms or as an additional remedy.
• Liniment of synthomycin: bactericidal and healing agent.
• Heparin: known as a cure for thrombophlebitis and varicose veins, but is also useful for acne.
• Vishnevsky ointment: a commonly used but controversial drug; it is intended for the healing of surgical wounds.
• Ichthyol: effectively fights comedones.
• Streptocidal: active against streptococci

Homemade ointment for acne on the face:

• 10% salicylic ointment 25 g
• 33% sulfur ointment 25 g
• zinc ointment 20 g
• tar 5-7 drops
• Vitamin A oil solution 5 drops
• antiseptic essential oils 2-3 drops.

Mix and apply pointwise to pimples, acne, comedones, blackheads.

Zinc Ointment for Acne

Zinc ointment for acne is an inexpensive but very good way to make your skin clear and healthy. Some even believe that it is the most effective remedy against acne. Although there are other, negative opinions: as if it dries out the skin and is effective only in case of minor problems.

A simple composition (petroleum jelly plus zinc oxide) has a complex effect on diseased skin:

• antiseptic
• adsorbent
• anti-inflammatory.

Before applying the ointment, be sure to wash your face and wipe it dry. The ointment is used pointwise, on each pimple in a thin layer. It is useful to repeat the procedure several times during the day (the amount is determined by the doctor). If you cannot use it during the day, then you should apply it all night.

To consolidate the effect, the ointment should be applied until the zinc has completely destroyed the inflammation and dried out the wounds.

When using zinc ointment for acne for the first time, it is advisable to conduct an allergy test - on the inside of the elbow joint (for 20 minutes). Although usually neither Vaseline nor zinc cause side effects, in practice there have sometimes been cases of intolerance to the drug. With prolonged use, the skin may become irritated. The ointment is contraindicated in purulent processes.

Method of administration and dosage

Ointments are intended for external use. General instructions recommend:

• wash your hands before and after the procedure
• clean the surface to be applied
• Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes of other organs.

Methods of application and dosages of specific acne ointments are indicated in the instructions, as well as in the prescriptions of the attending physicians.

Ointments, compared to creams, are more greasy, they are absorbed worse and stain clothes, bedding and furniture. Therefore, they are applied at night, preferably under a bandage. How often and for how long is an individual question and depends on the severity of acne.

Salicylic and zinc ointments are used in courses of 10–20 days with breaks, synthomycin – for a week or two, two to three times a day.

Sulfur ointment is applied to pimples only once a day (at night), in a thin layer, otherwise it can harm the skin. Course: two to four weeks.

Regecin is applied in a layer or to problem areas twice a day, once or twice a week.

The effect of Skinoren occurs after a month, and final relief occurs after six months.

Heparin ointment is applied to the inflamed skin cleaned with alcohol, rubbed in the morning and evening; as a rule, 10 days is enough.

Using ichthyol ointment for acne:

• spot-on under a tampon for two hours - for individual acne
• as a mask - for extensive rashes; remove with a cotton pad after two hours, wash your face with milk, treat the affected areas with a preparation containing salicylic acid.

Ointments with an unpleasant odor require special care; they are applied only in the evening, protecting clothes and bedding from stains and odor.

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Using acne ointments during pregnancy

The advisability of using acne ointments during pregnancy (and lactation) is usually indicated in the accompanying annotations. A woman should not self-medicate during pregnancy.

Acne ointments can be divided into three groups. Thus,

• Regecin, preparations with azelaic acid are not contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Baziron is allowed to be used very carefully
• Heparin is allowed for significant indications.
• Streptocide is not prescribed at all during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Contraindications for use

The manufacturer of acne ointments provides information about contraindications for use in the instructions, so they should be read carefully.

• For example:

Baziron should not be used by children under 12 years of age, during pregnancy and lactation.

Streptocide ointment - for children, pregnant and nursing mothers; for adults - for kidney disorders, acute manifestations of porphyria.

The components of zinc ointment can reduce alertness when working with equipment and driving a car.

An important contraindication is the presence of individual intolerance to individual components.

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Side effects of acne ointments

If acne ointment gets into your eyes, you should immediately rinse them with running water. Skin hypersensitivity can also lead to various complications.

Sulfur ointment dries the skin very much. For prevention, it should be moisturized with special creams.

You should not use other acne medications at the same time as zinc ointment.

Regecin causes burning, tingling, and tightness of dry skin.

Mild inflammatory reactions from azelaic acid (Skinoren) usually resolve quickly.

Salicylic acid can cause allergies, heparin acid can cause dermatitis and bleeding.

Side effects of acne ointments include excessive dryness, redness, itching, and allergy symptoms. The more active and powerful the substance, the more frequent the side effects. If the side effects do not disappear, you need to change the medicine to another.

Overdose and interactions with other drugs

Most acne ointments do not pose a risk of overdose when used correctly.

It is known that heparin medication cannot be used for a long time to avoid complications.

Some interactions of acne ointments with other drugs have been described.

Heparin is not prescribed simultaneously with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, thyroxine, tetracycline.

The components of ichthyol are incompatible with alkaloids, heavy metal salts, and iodides.

Streptocide is not prescribed in parallel with drugs whose formulations contain phenobarbital, adrenaline, caffeine, hydrochloric acid and some other substances.

Storage conditions and shelf life

Pharmaceutical products retain their beneficial properties at cool or room temperature (in the range of 15 - 25 degrees). They do not withstand heating, high humidity, direct sunlight. Homemade acne ointments are best kept in the refrigerator.

Keep out of reach of children and pets.

The shelf life of most acne ointments is 3-5 years, while home-made products have a much shorter shelf life. Keep the packaging airtight or tightly closed. Expired products are dangerous.

It is easy to cope with a mild rash on your own, using creams or ointments. Complex cases need to be treated, and for this, the causes must be established - with the help of dermatologists, endocrinologists or a comprehensive examination. And proper nutrition, physical activity, healthy habits also contribute to skin health.