Acne is a painful and unsightly skin condition that primarily affects our face, neck, shoulders, back, and chest. According to the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology), it acts as many as 50 million Americans yearly (1). While acne is not life-threatening, it may cause severe emotional distress and wreak havoc on our self-esteem. It becomes especially true when the condition turns severe and starts leaving scars. Here comes the importance of Acnesol cream. Keep reading to know everything about the medication and how it can help you eliminate pimple breakouts.
What Causes Acne?
Our skin has millions of tiny holes or ‘pores,’ which often get blocked due to excess sebum in the sebaceous glands, accumulation of dead skin cells, deposition of dirt and grime, and bacteria buildup. This usually leads to the formation of pimples or zits. When these pimples are infected by the bacteria named P. acnes, they get inflamed and turn into a multi-factorial skin condition called acne vulgaris or acne. (2)
Acne can be of two types – blackheads (open at the skin’s surface) and whiteheads (closed under the skin’s surface). Inflammatory lesions caused by acne include papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts, which often cause scarring of the skin.
How to Treat Acne?
The treatment of acne usually depends on the root cause and the severity of the condition. Mild acne can be managed efficiently and effectively by making simple lifestyle changes. But consult a dermatologist for something more substantial if your acne is moderate to severe. Both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications (creams, lotions, gels, etc.) are available for topical application. OTC products contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as active ingredients, while prescription drugs contain retinoids like tretinoin or antibiotics like clindamycin. There are also oral medications for acne, which usually include antibiotics, birth control pills, isotretinoin, and so on. Depending on your unique requirements, dermatologists may also recommend specific procedures like drainage and extraction, laser therapy, chemical peeling, microdermabrasion, cortisone injections, etc.. (3)
About Acnesol Cream
The Acnesol cream is known to be one of the most popular acne- or pimple-relief medications available in the market so far. Manufactured by Mepromax Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd. and marketed by Systolic Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., this topical prescription drug should only be used as advised by a Registered Medical Practitioner. Acnesol is a Clindamycin Phosphate Gel USP with a non-greasy texture, which keeps the skin clear and pimple-free by playing the role of a bacteriostatic antibiotic. It is also available in cream and lotion for external use only.
Composition
- Clindamycin Phosphate IP Equivalent to clindamycin 1% w/w
- Chlorocrasol IP 0.12% w/w (as a preservative)
- The gel base
Availability
Readily available both offline and online
Price
Rs. 95 for a tube of 20 gm.
Therapeutic Uses of Acnesol Cream
The Acnesol cream is prescribed for treating mild to moderate acne vulgaris or acne (spots). It provides instant relief from acne inflammation and reduces the redness caused by it. It prevents the facial skin from developing further acne eruptions, too. Apart from fighting against acne bacteria and clearing up the complexion, Acnesol hydrates and brightens the skin.
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How Does Acnesol Cream Work?
As mentioned earlier, the Acnesol 1% Gel is a bacteriostatic antibiotic, which is essentially formulated with sebostatic active ingredients. The primary active ingredient in Acnesol is clindamycin, which belongs to a group of medicines called antibiotics. The semi-synthetic lincosamide antibiotic clindamycin is derived from the eponymous member of the antibiotic class named lincomycin, which has been used in the treatment of staphylococcal, streptococcal, and Bacteroides fragilis infections (4). Hence, clindamycin also treats several serious infections, including acne caused by susceptible microorganisms (5). Acnesol works by binding to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome and inhibiting the synthesis of essential proteins in the bacteria. This stops the bacteria from carrying out their vital functions, preventing their growth and infection from spreading.
Also Read – 10 Best Acne Soaps Available In India to Keep Your Pesky Acne Away
Packaging
The Acnesol cream comes in a simple white tube, which is again placed inside a white cardboard carton.
Directions for Use
Following your doctor’s instructions precisely when using Acnesol cream is crucial. For optimal results, apply the cream to clean skin. Begin by washing your skin with a gentle cleanser and gently patting it dry with a soft towel. Then, apply a small amount of the Gel in a thin layer to the affected areas of your skin. Use it once a day in the initial days, and as your skin adapts, you can increase the frequency to twice a day.
While applying the Acnesol cream to your acne-prone skin, avoid contact with eyes, nose, and mouth.
Is There Any Side Effect?
Though the Acnesol cream is considered one of the most skin-friendly acne medicines, it has been reported to cause side effects in some people just like any other medication. Some common yet temporary side effects of Acnesol include rashes, dryness, oiliness, redness, irritation, itchiness, peeling, burning sensation, contact allergy, etc.; most disappear automatically without medical attention. However, if you experience uncommon effects like painful skin, scaly rash, worsening of acne, etc., you should consult your doctor immediately.
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Warnings and Precautions
The Acnesol cream is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The safety and efficacy of the medicine in patients less than 12 years of age have also not been clinically established yet. It should also be used with caution in people with atopic dermatitis, gastrointestinal diseases (especially colitis), and allergy to clindamycin.
Storage and Handling
The Acnesol cream should be stored at room temperature (15ºC-25ºC) rather than inside the refrigerator. But make sure that it is protected from excess heat and light.
Verdict
The Acnesol cream may be highly effective in treating acne when used in the correct dose and duration. However, it is essential to use the medicine as per the doctor’s advice so that the symptoms do not worsen.
Read Also – Salicylic Acid Face Wash for Acne – Mechanism, Benefits, and Side Effects
Summary:
Our skin has millions of pores, which often get blocked and lead to pimples due to excess sebum, dead cells, dirt and grime, and bacteria buildup. When these pimples get inflamed by P. acnes bacteria, they turn into acne vulgaris or acne. The treatment of acne usually depends on the root cause as well as the severity of the condition. Both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications are available for topical application. The Acnesol cream is known to be one of the most popular acne- or pimple-relief prescription medications available in the market so far. It is a Clindamycin Phosphate Gel USP with a non-greasy texture, which keeps the skin clear and pimple-free by playing the role of a bacteriostatic antibiotic. It works by binding to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome and inhibiting the synthesis of essential proteins in the bacteria. This stops the bacteria from carrying out their vital functions, which prevents their growth and hinders the infection from spreading. Acnesol is inexpensive and easily available. Some common yet temporary side effects of the medicine include rashes, dryness, redness, irritation, itchiness, peeling, burning sensation, etc. and most of them disappear automatically without any medical attention. The medicine is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, patients less than 12 years of age, people with atopic dermatitis, gastrointestinal diseases (especially colitis), and allergy to clindamycin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Long Should I Use Acnesol?
Depending on the severity of acne, you may need to use the Acnesol cream for several weeks to several months. The initial results may not be visible before a few weeks, and you must be very consistent to get the maximum results.
Can Acnesol Cause Skin Rashes?
Your skin may develop rashes as a temporary side effect of Acnesol application, which typically goes away automatically. However, if you get scaly skin rashes, get in touch with the dermatologist right away.
Is it Safe to Consume Alcohol While Taking this Medicine?
The interaction of the Acnesol cream with alcohol is yet to be known.
Is Acnesol a Habit-Forming Medicine?
No habit-forming tendencies have been reported from the application of Acnesol.
References:
- “Skin Conditions by the Numbers,” AAD.org
- “What Causes Acne?“, Healthline.com
- “Acne Treatment: Types, Side Effects, and More“, Healthline.com
- “Lincomycin,” Drugbank.ca
- “Clindamycin,” Drugbank.ca
