Topical acne treatments
Topical treatments are applied directly to the affected skin. For people with mild to moderate acne, the doctor will recommend trying a single topical treatment: a topical retinoid, an antibiotic cream, or azelaic acid. Some of the most effective treatments are listed below.
Zineryt
Zineryt contains erythromycin and zinc acetate. Erythromycin is an antibacterial agent that can help to kill bacteria responsible for acne. Zinc is a healing agent, meaning it can repair some of the damage caused by spots and pimples.
Wash your hands and the affected area before using this medication. Zineryt should be applied directly to the affected area twice a day and the whole area should be covered. The eyes, nose, and mouth should be avoided, however. The treatment should be used for up to 10 to 12 weeks.
One study showed Zineryt to be just over 64% effective at reducing acne by the end of the course.
Zineryt will only be prescribed to people who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding.
Epiduo
You should wash your hands and the affected area before using Epiduo. The medication contains benzoyl peroxide and adapalene. Benzoyl peroxide helps to kill bacteria causing acne, while adapalene is a retinoid. This means it exfoliates the skin to remove dead skin cells, dirt and oil, and also helps to accelerate the turnover of skin cells.
Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected area once a day. Care should be taken not to apply Epiduo on cuts, scratches, and sunburnt areas and you should also avoid getting it in your eyes, nose, and mouth.
One study showed that just over 75% of participants using the treatment saw a reduction in acne by more than 75% in the total number of lesions.
Differin
Differin also contains the retinoid adapalene. It acts on the skin processes that cause acne, with anti-inflammatory properties that help with discomfort and irritation. Differin is usually applied to the affected area once a day, just before you go to bed. You must wash and rinse the area thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.
Aknemycin Plus
Aknemycin Plus contains erythromycin and tretinoin. Erythromycin, an antibiotic, helps to kill bacteria in the affected area. Tretinoin, a retinoid, accelerates the turnover of skin cells and clears dead cells and dirt from the skin.
Make sure that you clean the affected area before applying the treatment. Aknemycin Plus should be applied using the applicator, and the whole affected area should be covered. Take care not to apply the medication to broken or sensitive skin and avoid the eyes, nose, lips, and mouth.
Back to top