Azelaic Acid Side Effects
Like any type of medication or drug there are usually some amount of side effects that are associated with them. In using azelaic acid no serious side effects should occur. Typical azelaic acid side effects are listed below.
- Burning
- Warmth
- Stinging
- Tingling
- Itching
- Redness
- Dryness
- Peeling
- Irritation
Side effects other than those listed above may also occur. You should speak with your doctor if you notice any side effects that that seem unusual. If you have dark skin and there is a change in the color because of the use of azelaic acid, then you should speak with your doctor.
Serious side effects are not likely to occur. However if you experience adverse reactions such as closing of the throat, shortness of breath, hives, swelling of face, lips and tongue then you should stop using the product immediately and go and seek medical attention.
Azelaic Acid Precautions
Azelaic acid topical should be used as directed by the instructions and your doctor. If you do not understand these directions you should ask your doctor to explain them to you.
Wash your hands thoroughly before and after you apply this medication.
Clean the affected area with a mild soap or a soapless cleansing lotion and pat dry with a soft towel. Apply the medication as directed.
Azelaic acid topical is usually applied twice daily, in the morning and at bedtime. Follow your doctor's instructions.
When applying azelaic acid topical, avoid the eyes, the inside of the nose and mouth, the lips, and areas where the skin is broken to prevent excessive irritation. If you get medication on any of these areas, rinse it off with water. |
Do not cover the affected area after applying azelaic acid. Doing so could cause too much medicine to be absorbed by the body and could be harmful. |
If you notice a change in your skin color, contact your doctor.
It may take 4 weeks or more to see the effects of this drug. Do not stop using azelaic acid topical if you do not see results immediately. |
If you experience excessive burning, dryness, or irritation, ask your doctor about using azelaic acid once daily.
Store azelaic acid topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat. |
Who Should Not Use Azelaic Acid Topical?
Individuals should not use azelaic acid topical if their skin is windburned, sunburned , dry, chapped, or irritated skin. The use of the product could make it worse.
If the person has eczema or some type of cut or wound then they should not use azelaic acid. These should be healed before use of the product.
Patients with dark complexions might have some adverse effects in using azelaic acid. There is the possibility of hypopigmentation occurring and this people should be monitored if they use azelaic acid.
It is not known if azelaic acid is safe to be used by pregnant women. The FDA states that it should not cause any harm, however you should speak with your doctor before use if pregnant, or plan to get pregnant.
It is not known whether azelaic acid topical passes into breast milk. You should not use azelaic acid topical without speaking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby