Prescription Acne Cream Treatment for Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin may benefit from a cream acne treatment.

Many teens and adults have trouble with facial acne. Many also have sensitive skin, making treatment difficult. Acne medications can be harsh on skin, drying it out, making it peel, and causing redness and itching. This is extremely destructive to sensitive skin. Thankfully, there are medications designed to treat acne on faces with sensitive skin. These medications may work slower than harsh regular medications. This is because they work on getting rid of acne while not irritating healthy skin.

Azelaic Acid

This medication is gentle on sensitive skin but not as aggressive at fighting acne as treatments like benzoyl peroxide. It slows inflammation and growth of acne bacteria. It fights mild to moderate acne and is available in a gel (jelly) or a cream. Using alcohol or tobacco may cause interactions with your medication to occur. Apply a thin film to clean, dry skin. Adults and teenagers usually apply a small amount twice daily, usually once in the morning and once at night. Be sure to take your medication as prescribed.

Sodium Sulfacetamide

This medication is good for people with sensitive skin. It treats acne, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and certain skin infections. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to sodium sulfacetamide or sulfa drugs. Also, tell your doctor if you have asthma before taking sodium sulfacetamide. Avoid getting this medication in your mouth, nose or eyes. Apply to clean and dry skin in a thin layer and rub gently. Then rinse with plain water. This medication is applied twice daily for eight to 10 days. Your doctor will determine how long you should continue this medication.

Adapalene

Adapalene belongs to the class of medications known as retinoid-like compounds. It works by stopping pimples from forming under the skin. It is usually applied once a day at bedtime. Adapalene is an acne treatment that is easy on the skin and worn comfortably under makeup. It comes as a gel, a solution (liquid) or a cream that applies to the skin. Contact your doctor if the following side effects occur: redness, scaling, dryness, burning, stinging or itching.

Retin A

Retin A Micro Gel is a specially formulated base for sensitive or dry skin. Retin A's generic name is Tretinoin. You will need to take the medication at a lower dosage such as a 0.01 percent strength. You would probably need the following strengths: 0.025 percent in the gel and the cream, 0.05 percent in the liquid and 0.1 percent Micro Gel. You should watch for redness, burning, stinging, peeling, exfoliation and increased sunburn potential. Start out using the product every other night, wash your face and areas of treatment, wait 20 to 30 minutes, apply a pea-sized drop of gel onto your finger, dab the affected areas, then rub in the gel. Make sure to wash your hands and keep the product out of the eyes, mouth or nose.

Metronidazole

This prescription fights infections and is very gentle on sensitive skin. To work well, metronidazole must enter the bacteria or parasite cell and cause a chemical reaction. This medication comes in different forms including regular or short-acting metronidazole tablets. For it to work properly, it must be taken correctly. This means you should not miss, skip or combine doses. Do not attempt to change your dosage without your doctor's permission. Possible side effects include headaches, nausea or a metallic taste in the mouth.

References

• Your Best Acne Treatment: Options
• National Center for Biotechnology Information: Adapalene
• Mayo Clinic: Azelaic Acid (Topical Route)
• Drugs: Sodium Sulfacetamide
• Derma Doctor: Retin A & Vitamin A Creams

Resources

• EMedTV: Metronidazole