This poster session is seeking to expand the appeal of Finacea (which contains Azelaic acid 15%) beyond rosacea. The result is that the authors are suggesting that finacea is also possibly good for acne vulgaris and hyperpigmentation as well as rosacea. If you are interested in reading more about rosacea, and its applicability to rosacea, see my previous article focus on finacea.
P433 Implications of azelaic acid’s multiple mechanisms of action: Therapeutic versatility, Zoe Draelos, MD, Allan Kayne, MD, Intendis, Inc.,
Poster Abstracts, American Academy of Dermatology 66th Annual Meeting, February 1–5, 2008, San Antonio, Texas. Supplement to the JAAD, Feb 2008, Volume 58, Number 2.
Introduction: Topical azelaic acid (AzA) 15% gel is approved in the United States for the treatment of mild to moderate papulopustular rosacea and shows efficacy against erythema in the presence of inflammatory lesions. However, the multiple mechanisms of action of AzA make it a candidate for use in other dermatoses.
Objective: To understand the benefits of the various mechanisms of action of AzA in dermatologic disorders other than rosacea. AzA demonstrates both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on rosacea. [1] Patients with rosacea have defects in stratum corneum (SC) barrier function. [2] In a previous study, 40 women using AzA had no increase in transepidermal water loss from the SC versus controls. [3] Data from a recent in vitro study has demonstrated bacteriostatic effects of AzA on P acnes. [4] AzA is also a competitive inhibitor of tyrosinase [5] and has cytotoxic effects on hyperactive melanocytes. [6] The antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antikeratinizing, and bacteriostatic properties of AzA make it an excellent therapeutic option in acne vulgaris. [5,6] By inhibiting tyrosinase, AzA interferes with the production of excessive melanin and also has direct cytotoxic effects on the hyperactive melanocytes seen in people with hyperpigmentation disorders. [5,6]
Conclusion: The multiple mechanisms of action of AzA suggest it has utility in dermatologic conditions beyond rosacea.
References:
1. Akamatsu H, Komura J, Asada Y, et al. Inhibitory effect of azelaic acid on neutrophil functions: a possible cause for its efficacy in treating pathogenetically unrelated diseases. Arch Dermatol Res 1991;283:162-6.
2. Dirschka T, Tronnier H, Fo¨lster-Holst R. Epithelial barrier function and atopic diathesis in rosacea and perioral dermatitis. Br J Dermatol 2004;150:1136-41.
3. Draelos ZD. Noxious sensory perceptions in patients with mild to moderate rosacea treated with azelaic acid 15% gel. Cutis 2004;74:257-60.
4. Data on file, Intendis, Inc.
5. Fitton A, Goa KL. Azelaic acid: a review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy in acne and hyperpigmentary skin disorders. Drugs 1991;41:780-98.
6. Nguyen QH, Bui TP. Azelaic acid: pharmacologic and pharmacodynamic properties and its therapeutic role in hyperpigmentary disorders and acne. Int J Dermatol 1995;34:75-84. 100% is sponsored by Intendis, Inc.
4 comments ↓
My dermatologist just put me on Finacea 15% gel for my acne a week ago. He told me that it will take 4 to 8 weeks until I see results and 12 weeks until the medicine reaches its peak. I have noticed improvement already. I have many allergies to many drugs, both oral and topical, which make my options for treatment very slim. I am happy to say that in only a week, Finacea has not shown me any problems. I have had zero side effects, which is unusual for me. It is very affordable and very easy to use. I hope to continue seeing results. I wanted to give others my experiences to this point, so that they may have some hope.
My derm. rxd Finacea for my vulgaris acne…it was horrible and after 6 weeks I started noticing the difference…it works better if you leave your face a bit wet and then apply the product…it also toned my skin.
Finacea caused hair to grow on my face, and I am a female. It reduced a little redness. I do not have the bumps, but ladies BE CAREFUL! Dr.’s do not tell you that this could happen, and I found it in fine print after researching. I used it for about 6 months and noticed peach fuzz starting to come out where I was using it, which was my cheeks, nose and chin. This is not a good thing, as the hair remains even after I stopped using it! Not worth the small benefits I noticed.
My doctor recommended this produce to treat my acne however I am hesitant to use it in fear of growing facial hair. I was told that this is a very rare reaction, but I would like to know if anyone else has experienced this side effect?
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