Finacea 15% Gel (For Perioral Dermatitis)

Finacea 15% Gel for Perioral Dermatitis

Finacea 15% Gel is a prescription-only topical treatment specifically used for managing Perioral Dermatitis, a condition that causes redness, inflammation, and small red bumps around the mouth and nose. Finacea’s active ingredient, azelaic acid, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, helping to calm irritation, reduce spots, and improve overall skin texture. It can be used alone or in combination with oral antibiotics for more severe cases, making it a versatile option for controlling symptoms and keeping flare-ups at bay.

Understanding Perioral Dermatitis

Perioral Dermatitis is a skin condition that typically presents as small red bumps around the mouth, nose, and sometimes the eyes. It can be triggered by topical steroid use, certain cosmetics, or other irritants. While often persistent, Finacea can be an effective solution, helping to reduce redness, inflammation, and breakouts while improving the appearance of discolouration and scarring.

Essential Facts on Perioral Dermatitis:

• How Finacea Works: Azelaic acid, the active ingredient in Finacea, helps reduce inflammation, redness, and bacteria on the skin. It also gently exfoliates, helping to improve the appearance of dark marks and scarring, especially in individuals with darker skin.
• Long-Term Use: Finacea is well tolerated by most people. It is recommended to start by applying once daily to avoid irritation and gradually increase to twice daily as your skin adjusts. It can be used long-term to manage and prevent Perioral Dermatitis flare-ups.
• Who Can Benefit: Finacea is suitable for those experiencing Perioral Dermatitis who are seeking a treatment to reduce redness, bumps, and pigmentation issues. It can be used continuously to maintain healthy skin.
• Expected Results: While some improvement may be noticeable after 3-4 weeks, maximum benefits are usually seen after 3 months of consistent use.

Choosing the Right Treatment for Perioral Dermatitis

Managing Perioral Dermatitis effectively requires the right treatment approach. Finacea can be used as a standalone therapy or in combination with oral antibiotics for more severe cases. If you're unsure about the best treatment for your condition, complete our Express Consultation Form, and one of our dermatology experts will assess your condition and provide personalised treatment recommendations.

Finacea (Azelaic acid) offers a multifaceted approach to treating skin conditions like perioral dermatitis, rosacea, and acne, providing both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits:

Finacea (Azelaic Acid):

Azelaic acid works by reducing the amount of bacteria on the skin, which in turn minimizes the breakdown of sebum (skin oil) into free fatty acids. This process significantly helps reduce inflammation, redness, and spots. Azelaic acid is also a keratolytic, meaning it regulates the shedding of the skin’s outer layers, helping prevent clogged pores and the formation of spots while leaving the skin softer and smoother. Due to its antioxidant properties and ability to inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase (which is involved in melanin production), azelaic acid can help lighten darker areas of the skin caused by conditions like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or melasma, without affecting the surrounding skin tone.

Key Benefits:

• Reduces bacteria on the skin to decrease redness, spots, and inflammation.
• Prevents clogged pores by regulating skin cell shedding, leaving skin smoother and less prone to breakouts.
• Helps reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots caused by post-inflammatory pigmentation and melasma.
• Anti-inflammatory properties significantly improve rosacea symptoms by reducing redness and irritation.
• Targets abnormal melanocytes, which allows it to lighten darker areas without affecting the colour of surrounding skin.

Always read the provided patient information leaflet prior to applying any medication, and follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider. Here's a basic guideline for using Finacea 15% Gel for treating perioral dermatitis:

Set-up:

• Start by cleansing your face with a mild, non-medicated cleanser or lukewarm water. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
• Ensure your hands are clean by washing them with soap and water before applying the gel.

Procedure for Applying Finacea Gel:

• Apply a small amount of Finacea Gel (about a fingertip's length, approximately 2.5cm) to cover the affected area. This amount is typically enough to cover the entire face if needed.
• Gently massage the gel into the skin using circular motions until it is fully absorbed. Avoid the areas around the eyes, mouth, and any open wounds.
• If you have sensitive skin, start by applying the gel once a day for the first week, then gradually increase to twice daily (morning and evening) as tolerated.

Aftercare:

• If you experience mild irritation or redness, consider reducing the amount of gel applied or using it less frequently. You can also take a short break from the treatment if necessary to allow the skin to settle.
• If the irritation persists, discontinue use and seek medical advice.

Usage Frequency:

Finacea Gel is generally applied twice daily (morning and evening), but for sensitive skin, start with once-daily application and build up to twice daily. You should notice improvement within 4 weeks, but for optimal results, continue treatment for several months.

Guiding Notes:

• Finacea Gel is well tolerated by most people, but if you experience persistent irritation, reduce the frequency or amount of application.
• Use sunscreen during the day to protect your skin, as some active ingredients can increase sensitivity to the sun.
• If you experience any side effects, such as severe irritation or discomfort, stop using the gel and consult your healthcare provider.

Skin Sensitivity:

Finacea 15% Gel contains azelaic acid, which may cause mild skin irritation, especially at the start of treatment. If redness, itching, or local irritation occurs, try reducing the frequency of application. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop using the gel and consult your healthcare provider.

Benzoic Acid and Propylene Glycol:

Finacea contains benzoic acid and propylene glycol, both of which may cause local irritation, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin. Use with caution and follow your healthcare professional's instructions closely.

Sun Exposure:

Although Finacea is not known to increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to protect your skin. Always apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when spending time outdoors, and try to limit prolonged sun exposure.

Allergic Reactions:

Though rare, allergic reactions can occur. If you experience symptoms like swelling, severe redness, itching, or hives, discontinue use and seek immediate medical attention.

Eyes, Nose, and Mouth:

Finacea 15% Gel is for external use only. Be careful to avoid contact with the eyes, nostrils, and mouth. In case of accidental contact, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical advice if irritation persists.

Concurrent Use of Other Products:

Avoid using other topical treatments or skincare products containing alcohol, harsh exfoliants, or other potential irritants, unless recommended by your healthcare professional. This helps minimize the risk of excessive dryness or irritation.

Storage:

Store Finacea Gel at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Ensure it is kept out of the sight and reach of children to prevent accidental use or ingestion.

Points to Remember:

• Always read the patient information leaflet provided with Finacea and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or notice unusual symptoms.
• Keep this product out of reach of children.
• Finacea is for external use only. Do not swallow the product and avoid getting it in your eyes or other sensitive areas.
• If you suspect an allergic reaction to any ingredient in Finacea, stop using it immediately and consult a healthcare professional.

At DigiDerm we do not prescribe medications for use in pregnancy, breastfeeding or if you are trying for a baby. We recommend that is safer for you to visit your GP for a more detailed discussion on the risks versus benefits of any possible treatments and further advice. Finacea (Azelaic acid) is generally thought to be safe to use during pregnancy. In animal studies, researchers haven’t seen birth defects. However, to reiterate, we would advise to speak to your GP if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using this product to discuss the risks versus benefits.

Ingredients: Finacea 15% Gel

Active Ingredient:

Azelaic Acid (15%).

Inactive Ingredients:

Lecithin (soy), Triglycerides (medium chain), Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80, Carbomer 980, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Edetate, Purified Water, Benzoic Acid.

Shelf Life:

3 years

Note:

It is advisable to perform a patch test before using Finacea Gel to check for any allergic reactions or sensitivities. If you experience any irritation or adverse effects, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider for further guidance. Always follow the instructions provided with the product for safe and effective use.

Potential Side Effects

All medications and products have the potential to cause side effects. If they are severe, or if mild side effects persist, you should speak to your pharmacist or doctor immediately. This list may not be exhaustive, so it's important to consult the patient information leaflet for a full list of possible side effects.

Very Common Side Effects (affecting more than 10% of people):

• Application site burning
• Pain at the site of application
• Itching at the site of application

Common Side Effects (affecting 1% - 10% of people):

• Rash
• Paraesthesia (tingling)
• Numbness
• Dry skin
• Oedema (swelling)

If you experience any of these side effects, especially if they become bothersome or worsen, consult your healthcare provider for further advice. If symptoms of irritation persist, consider pausing use and resuming only after the skin has settled. Discontinue use if more serious reactions occur and seek medical attention.

Choosing the Right Perioral Dermatitis Treatment

If you're looking for expert guidance on managing Perioral Dermatitis, you can use our Express Consultation Service for personalised advice from our specialist team.

Understanding that the cause and severity of Perioral Dermatitis can vary from person to person, selecting the most appropriate treatment is essential. Below is a list of alternative treatments available for Perioral Dermatitis:

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Options:

• Gentle Cleansers: Products like Cetaphil or CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser can help reduce skin irritation without disrupting the skin barrier.
• Zinc Oxide Creams: Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin and help reduce redness.
• Fragrance-Free Moisturisers: Moisturisers like Aveeno or Eucerin are suitable for sensitive skin, helping to maintain hydration and barrier function without irritating the skin.
• Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera offers natural anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits for irritated skin.

Prescription Products:

• Topical Antibiotics: Metronidazole 0.75% or 1% gel or cream can reduce bacterial activity and inflammation associated with Perioral Dermatitis.
• Oral Antibiotics: Tetracycline, Doxycycline, and Minocycline are often prescribed for more severe cases to reduce inflammation and clear the infection.
• Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors: Medications like Protopic ointment (Tacrolimus) or Elidel cream (Pimecrolimus) can reduce inflammation and are often used as steroid-sparing agents in sensitive skin areas.

Other Supportive Options:

• Probiotic Supplements: Probiotics can help support skin health by balancing gut flora, which may impact skin inflammation.
• Laser Therapy: In some persistent cases, laser treatments can be an option to reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of skin affected by Perioral Dermatitis.

While Finacea Gel is a powerful solution for Perioral Dermatitis, other options are available based on the severity and individual skin needs. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment for your condition.