Skin prone to acne formation on the face requires constant and proper care and thorough cleaning. Today, many manufacturers offer various personal hygiene products for therapeutic and preventive purposes. Gels and scrubs containing antibiotics and antiseptics are popular.
Before choosing the right composition for yourself, it is worth identifying the reasons for the problem and looking at a review of the best gels for acne on the face, which have earned recognition from users, according to reviews.
The main reasons for the appearance
Clearing your face of acne as much as possible means identifying the true triggers.
The main causes of acne:
- hereditary factor;
- frequent stress;
- nervousness;
- overvoltage;
- hormonal disbalance;
- diseases of the thyroid gland, intestines, gastrointestinal tract;
- abuse of contraceptives, corticosteroids;
- lack of personal hygiene;
- lack of hand washing in case of constant contact with surfaces contaminated with germs (infection);
- the presence of bad habits (alcohol, smoking) that provoke metabolic failure;
- use of low-quality, oily cosmetics;
- non-compliance with diet, abuse of fried, sweet, fatty foods, fast foods.
Of course, only the treating specialist can identify the true causes of the rash on the face. If a rash appears, it is recommended to contact a cosmetologist, nutritionist, allergist, infectious disease specialist, dermatologist, endocrinologist to prescribe a course of treatment and choose an effective product - a care gel.
Only after identifying the true causes of the rash can one hope for successful acne treatment.
What should you do to get rid of it quickly?
Today there are many different acne preparations on sale: gels, creams, scrubs, foams, lotions for moisturizing, washing, and facial cleansing containing benzene peroxide to relieve inflammation and provide an exfoliating effect.
If you are worried about a severe form of acne, then the following will come to the rescue: Clenzit, Basirol, as anti-allergenic drugs recommended by manufacturers for daily use.
Wash gels: Avene, Cleanac, Uriage - the best option for dry skin, containing thermal water for use for dermatological purposes.
Proper care
Applying gels to the face will not be enough if the problem areas are not provided with proper, constant care, regardless of age, gender, or individual characteristics of the body.
The skin breathes, but every day it is exposed to negative pressure from the outside: allergens, bacteria, viruses.
To ensure proper care every day, experts advise:
- do not allow yourself to squeeze out pimples in unsanitary conditions, this can lead to their rapid spread throughout the body;
- wash your face at least 2 times a day using gels and foams for problem skin, but it is best to avoid using abrasive hard sponges;
- use water temperature for washing no higher than +20 degrees;
- do not try to rub your face with your hands for the purpose of massage;
- refuse to use rough towels, because it is enough to blot your face with a napkin and leave it to dry completely naturally;
- for hygiene purposes, use neutral cleansing wipes with beneficial additives (chamomile, string, tea tree oil) if you have problematic, oily skin;
- refuse heavy, abrasive methods of facial cleansing if you have multiple acne;
- refuse to visit the solarium or tan under the scorching sultry rays of the sun;
- protect problem areas before going outside.
In any case, cleansing the face of acne should be soft and gentle. It is recommended to choose an exclusively gentle composition in the form of a gel, for example, in a composition with rolled oats.
Treatment at home
You can fix the problem at home using traditional medicine recipes. For a certain percentage of people, non-traditional medicine helps better than medication. For some, homemade beauty recipes do not bring any effect. Depends on the individual reaction of the body.
The most popular way to cleanse the skin is to use clay: blue, regular. Depends on the person's preferences. Effectively gets rid of acne at home, eliminates the consequences. It is worth mixing clay, lemon, adding water. The ingredients must be brought to the same consistency. Apply to the face three times a week. The duration of the mask is twenty minutes. After the expiration date, you need to carefully remove the mask from your face using a napkin. Rinse off any remaining residue with warm water. Before using each mask, you should steam your face with chamomile decoction. The pores should be open. Clay works better.
Can get rid of acids of natural origin. You can use lemon juice, apple cider vinegar. In addition to its nutritional properties for the epidermis, apple cider vinegar is useful for improving metabolism. Improves the digestive process and taste. For the dermis it has an anti-inflammatory, whitening, antibacterial effect. The ingredients must be mixed in a ratio of one to three. For ease of use, you can pour it into a separate jar with a tight-fitting lid. Can be used while washing. It replaces tonic well, saturating the skin with beneficial substances. Use several times throughout the day. It won't do any harm. The dermis will become cleaner and brighter.
Parsley brings similar benefits to lemon. Whitens skin, eliminating redness. You need to take a bunch of parsley and chop it finely. The resulting grinding must be boiled for ten minutes. Let the broth cool slightly. You should wipe with this decoction twice a day. After two weeks, the result will become noticeable. You should not use the product if you have an allergic reaction to the plant.
Remove the red effect with egg yolk, honey, lemon juice. Honey has a positive effect on the condition of the dermis. Makes the epidermis softer. You need to mix the ingredients until smooth. The mask should be applied every other day. The face must first be cleansed and steamed. After completing the procedures, apply a thin layer of the mask on your face, covering the top with a paper towel. Keep the composition for at least half an hour. After the procedure, rinse off the mask with warm water and apply a moisturizer.
Nutrition correction
If acne appears on the face, it is likely that the stomach is damaged and needs support. After all, it is a person’s nutrition that inevitably affects the skin, which, like a sponge, absorbs harmful toxins and immediately reacts with the appearance of numerous serous rashes.
Improper nutrition is fraught with constipation, problems with digestion, intestines, and liver. The skin, as a more sensitive organ, inevitably begins to suffer, leading to inflamed, suppurating lesions.
What foods should be excluded from the diet if acne is bothersome? The most prohibited foods: black tea, coffee, sugar, mayonnaise, carbonated drinks, fatty and spicy foods, sweets.
It is worth including in the diet: vegetables, fruits, lean meats, sea salt, freshly squeezed fruit juices, crackers, low-fat yoghurts, low-fat cottage cheese.
On a note! It is not recommended to abuse alcohol. It is beer that often provokes the appearance of rashes on the face. It is acceptable to drink a little good cognac or white wine in moderation, and not every day. If the intestines are bothering you, then a possible cause is dysbiosis. If necessary, you should visit a gastroenterologist and undergo treatment with probiotic medications.
How to choose
It is difficult to choose an effective acne treatment for yourself, because various factors can trigger it. You probably need to first identify them, undergo a diagnostic examination, and review your diet and lifestyle.
It is recommended to take a closer look at the growths on the face. What is this? Acne, comedones, foci of inflammation filled with pus.
It is best to first consult a dermatologist, because many pharmaceutical products have contraindications and side effects. It is important to take into account the type of face, individual characteristics of the body, age, and adherence to allergic manifestations.
REFERENCE! Hormonal drugs and antibiotics in gels are not suitable for everyone. Before choosing, it is advisable to consult a specialist.
Read the reasons for the appearance of acne on the forehead. How to get rid of internal acne on the face? More details here.
List of gels for acne on the face
The most popular, sought-after acne gels, recommended by doctors and cosmetologists: Klenzit, Dalatsin, Curiosin, Metrogyl, Baziron, Skinoren, Effezel, Pectinar, Regetsin.
Each product has a different composition and is aimed at eliminating the unpleasant signs of acne. When choosing the right treatment method, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with them in more detail, to know the contraindications and possible side effects.
Klindovit
The gel is an antibiotic to suppress the production of protein compounds in the affected areas of the cellular epithelium. Contains Clindamycin (active ingredient), which quickly fights comedones and bacteria, eliminating acne and restoring a healthy appearance to the skin.
This is a bacteriostatic agent. But it is not recommended for allergy sufferers to use because it is addictive and suppresses the natural microflora of the skin.
Regetsin
A drug with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial effect. Helps eliminate the factors that lead to acne skin damage, acting directly on the root of the problem.
It contains hyaluronic acid, which quickly interacts with protein compounds, nourishing and replenishing cellular tissues with the necessary microelements.
Regetsin is able to increase tone, normalize blood circulation, accelerate regeneration processes, restore firmness, elasticity, youth, and a healthy appearance to the skin.
Indicated in the treatment of acne, seborrheic dermatitis and demodicosis, also after laser correction to eliminate wrinkles.
Fenistil
An antiallergic drug that eliminates signs of allergies of any etiology. It does not lead to side effects, so it is applicable to adults and children.
The composition contains the active substance (dimetindene monohydrate), additional components - citric and benzoic acid, sodium saccharinate, propylene glycol. Release form: gel (tubes) and drops (clear liquid).
The drug helps relieve itching, inflammation and burning on the face, eliminate manifestations of allergies, and counteract the secreted hormone (histamine), which leads to the development of inflammatory processes on the skin.
Indications for use: insect bites, allergic rhinitis, urticaria, sunburn, dermatosis, atopic dermatitis, scabies, allergies.
Video: Doctor's review of the drug Fenistil
Badyaga
A cheap, popular remedy that can be bought at a pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription. The active ingredient is natural badyaga in the form of dry powder.
It is enough to dilute with water, apply to inflamed areas of the skin, leave for a few minutes, then rinse with clean water.
Indications for use: pinpoint pimples on the face, bruises, swelling. The product is not addictive, although allergic reactions are possible.
Solcoseryl
Solcoseryl is an activator of metabolic processes in skin tissues to stimulate, regenerate, restore blood vessels, normalize impaired blood supply, enhance the synthesis of collagen fibers, ensure the transport of oxygen to hypoxic cells, accelerate the healing of wounds, abrasions, and cracks.
Release form: injections, ointment. Ingredients: blood extract from dairy calves. Solcoseryl helps accelerate the regeneration of wound healing and cracks.
The product is included in many masks to relieve irritation and eliminate facial wrinkles. A completely safe, effective drug available in pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription.
Dimexide
An anti-inflammatory medicine containing dimethyl sulfide, which has an analgesic and anesthetic effect. It is used by applying a thin layer of applications to the affected areas of the skin. Contraindications: diseases of the heart, blood vessels, kidneys.
The drug can be combined with antibiotics to penetrate deeper into the skin and achieve maximum cleansing effect.
Skinoren
Powerful antibiotic. Release form: cream, gel for deep penetration into the layers of the epidermis. It contains azelaic acid with a quick, detrimental effect on bacteria, which cleanses the skin pores and reduces the sebaceous glands.
Used to treat acne, eliminate age spots, scars. The result can be observed after 1 month from the start of use.
Baziron
A drug containing benzoyl peroxide. Suitable for treating moderate to severe acne. This is one of the strong gels with a high concentration of the active ingredient to nourish the skin with oxygen and protect against the appearance of blackheads.
Contraindications: pregnancy, lactation period. The drug is addictive, so long-term use is not recommended.
Klenzit
Klenzit is a gel for external use. The composition contains an active component (retinoid metabolite) with an anti-inflammatory effect. Release form: tubes (cardboard packs).
Indications for use: acne. Contraindications: excessive sensitivity to active ingredients, pregnancy, breastfeeding.
If excessive irritation occurs on the skin, it is necessary to reduce the frequency of use or suspend the course of treatment until signs of irritation disappear.
Metrogil
Metrogyl with antimicrobial action. This is an antioxidant used for vulgar acne, bedsores, poorly healing wounds, hemorrhoids, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, trophic ulcers.
The product will quickly relieve inflammation, have a regenerating effect on damaged tissues, and saturate it with active oxygen and antioxidants.
Instructions for use
The use of the medicine is possible during pregnancy, for children, as well as infants from 3 months. But for all these groups the method of application will be slightly different. If you do not follow the instructions in each specific case, this may reduce the treatment to zero or increase its duration. To avoid this, you must follow the following rules:
For children
- Cleanse the skin of dirt and grease.
- Apply the cream only to the affected areas.
- Using light massaging movements, evenly distribute the balm in a thin layer.
- Application twice a day: morning and evening.
- The dosage is prescribed by the doctor.
For babies
In general, the instructions are the same, but you need to be more careful about the treatment in this case. When using children's cosmetics for newborns, consultation with a specialist is necessary. If the affected areas are within easy reach of the child, then you will have to hold the child a little while absorbing so that he cannot bring any remnants of the drug into his mouth or eyes.
For adults
Adults do not need to treat the drug too carefully, however, this is not a reason for negligence. Treatment is still prescribed by the doctor. For adults without any other medical conditions, up to 4 applications daily may be prescribed if necessary.
During pregnancy
If a mother is expecting a baby, but an unpleasant situation such as a skin disease arises, then Elidel can and even should be used.
Elidel will cope with the disease, providing mother and child with protection from contracting other infections.
The use of such a potent drug implies the presence of serious problems. In such cases, self-medication is contraindicated in any of its manifestations. All actions should be carried out only after the recommendation of the attending physician.
Folk remedies
The main advantage of folk recipes: inability to become addictive. Although, of course, each organism is individual and the reaction can be ambiguous.
The most common recipes: infusions, decoctions, lotions with the addition of medicinal herbs: St. John's wort, nettle, chamomile, string, celandine, calendula, oak (bark), plantain.
Activated carbon is an inexpensive sorbent that can be taken orally to cleanse the intestines, but taking into account body weight: 1 tablet per 10 kg of weight. Can be used externally by adding to cleansing face masks.
For what:
- crush 10 tablets
- connect with warm water
- add aloe juice (a few drops) until sour cream thickens
- treat the affected areas by applying a spot mask directly to the areas of acne for 15 minutes, then rinse with water.
On a note! You can replace activated carbon with tablets: Polyphepan, Polysorb, Enterosgel.
Here are good folk recipes for fighting acne:
- Tar soap that can have a disinfecting, anti-inflammatory, drying effect in the treatment of acne. It is recommended to wash your face 2 times a day (morning, evening) or treat your facial skin (forehead, chin) by whipping soap into foam, applying to your face, leaving for 15 minutes, then rinsing with cold water.
- Toothpaste to relieve inflammation, provide an eavesdropping effect. It is recommended to use it with plant extracts for rapid healing of wounds and cracks.
- Aloe with juicy cut applied to areas of inflammation. This is a natural composition that can quickly relieve inflammation, burning and redness on the face, and have a wound-healing, bactericidal effect.
- Nutritional yeast. To prepare the mask: mix 25g with hydrogen peroxide, treat the skin by applying for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. The course of treatment is 2 times a week.
- Green tea is an excellent antioxidant for suppressing skin infections that cause new acne. It is enough to moisten a gauze bandage, apply it to the face, leave it for up to 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. So, 2-3 times a week.
Medications for red spots
There are a number of medications that answer the question: how to get rid of red spots after acne. Ointments, creams, gels have a positive effect on the condition of the skin.
There are a number of effective means:
- Elidel;
- actovigen;
- boro plus;
- solcoseryl;
- malavit;
- miramistin;
- La – Cree.
The above mentioned products are highly effective. In a short time they get rid of troubles after eliminating inflammation.
Elidel
"Elidel" - gets rid of acne spots in a short time. It is used not only in relieving the inflammatory process, but in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Used to eliminate any skin pathology. The duration of use is directly proportional to the severity of the disease. A large number of rashes provokes great consequences.
Spots that appear after the rash should be treated by applying the product twice a day. It must be applied in a thin layer. There is no need to cover. Try not to wipe off the ointment for an hour. If you ignore the instructions for use, a burning sensation and an allergic reaction may occur. It is strictly forbidden to use by people with hypersensitivity.
The ointment should be applied to cleansed, steamed dermis. Under no circumstances should you apply cosmetics on top. Recurrence of the rash and worsening of the disease are possible.
Actovigen
"Actovigen" is an effective remedy for getting rid of red spots from acne. Helps improve subcutaneous metabolism, saturates cells with glucose and various beneficial substances. Thanks to improved metabolism, red spots disappear much faster than with the use of conventional antibacterial ointment.
The drug is sold in the form of pills and capsules for children (How to get rid of acne in adolescence). You need to take one tablet before meals three times a day. In advanced cases, the drug is prescribed intravenously. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the consequences. It is worth remembering that you should not abuse the drug. You need to be careful when using it. This especially applies to the use of pills. Excessive intake in abnormal quantities is an overdose. Here is an effective way to get rid of red acne spots.
Boro plus
“Boro Plus” is a remedy to get rid of red spots after acne. Can be used to treat problem areas of the skin. Use as a preventative measure. Relieves inflammation, swelling, redness. Saturates the dermis with vitamins. Perfectly moisturizes the skin and prevents new rashes.
Can be used twice a day. To quickly achieve recovery, you can use it three times a day. Pay special attention to use at night. The medicine is better absorbed and has a positive effect on the affected area of the dermis.
Do not use if you are hypersensitive to the components of the ointment or prone to allergic reactions. People with sensitive dermis should not resort to external treatment. Recovery can turn into the occurrence of additional illness.
Solcoseryl
The drug eliminates acne spots. Has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial effect. Removes redness. It has a characteristic, recognizable smell and yellow color. Made from natural ingredients with the addition of petroleum jelly. The natural composition makes it possible to eliminate the occurrence of allergic reactions, make the skin clean, without any redness.
Should be used three times a day. The drug is quite affordable. Can be used after eliminating acne on your own. Perfectly removes bacteria, preventing redness. After acne, it guarantees a clean, soft face without scars or red spots. It has a positive effect when used as a preventive measure. Once a week use will help keep the dermis in good condition. Do not use if you have an allergic reaction to the components of the drug. There is no need for excess sleep.
Malavit
"Malavit" - removes red spots after the inflammatory process. The drug exists in the form of a solution. Convenient to use. Has an antibacterial effect, relieving swelling. Sometimes after inflammation there remains an empty tubercle filled with water. "Malavit" helps eliminate a reddened water bulge, having previously eliminated the brightness of the formation field.
When using, do not go into cold air. It is advisable to stay in a warm room at the time of use. Apply the solution to the affected area of the epidermis using a cotton swab. To enhance the result, cover the area with a plastic bag and secure it with an elastic bandage on top. Suitable for use on limbs. The thermal effect significantly enhances the result and helps get rid of spots from the inflammatory process. The product is widely used to prevent skin diseases.
Miramistin
"Miramistin" is a remedy for redness after acne on the face. Can be used in the form of a solution or ointment. Used in various branches of medicine. Has an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory effect. Can be used in any convenient form. The result will not change.
While there are different forms of use, there are two different types of use. The solution should be used with a napkin or a special bandage. You should thoroughly moisten the napkin with the preparation, apply it to the affected area, and secure it with a bandage. For use on the face, a bandage is not necessary. The ointment should be applied in a thick layer to the dermis area. Cover with an adhesive plaster or sterile bandage. The adhesive plaster should be removed every few hours, wiping the epidermis, and reapplying the medicine.
La–Cree
It will help get rid of red spots on the skin. Consists of natural ingredients. It is more of a cosmetic product than a medication. Can be purchased at any pharmacy at an affordable price. Perfectly moisturizes the skin, removing dryness. With constant application for a month, the inflammatory process can be eliminated.
Before using the drug, you need to do a test on your hand. Despite the absence of contraindications, you need to personally verify that the product is hypoallergenic. Apply a little ointment to the outside of your palm. Rub in with massage movements. Wait about half an hour. In the absence of an allergic reaction, you can safely use it on your face. The epidermis on the hands reacts equally to the skin on the face.
Can be used in spring and autumn if there is a lack of vitamins. At this time, the skin begins to peel off and rashes appear. After self-removal according to certain rules, it is worth smearing the wound against inflammation. By using the drug, prevent the appearance of redness and new pimples. Once a week you can apply it to your face at night.
Where to start treatment?
Dealing with acne is quite a painstaking job. Treatment often takes a long time, up to several months.
To achieve the desired effect, of course, you should not conduct various experiments on your face. It is better to immediately choose an effective remedy aimed at eliminating acne.
Before you start using medications or folk remedies, it is first better to consult a specialist and undergo a full examination.
Only a doctor will be able to select effective measures to combat acne, having first and carefully identified the true provoking factors of the unpleasant manifestation on the face.
In addition, it is important to understand that not all pharmaceutical preparations are suitable for excessive skin sensitivity. It is also important to take into account all possible manifestations of an allergic reaction and individual intolerance.
On a note!
Before using the drug, it is recommended to test for allergies. Apply a small amount of the composition to the elbow bend and monitor the reaction. If after 10 minutes of discomfort and burning does not follow, then you can safely use it. Otherwise, it is better to choose another gentle option. The most popular forms of drugs for the treatment of acne are lotions, tonics, gels, ointments, face masks, sold in pharmacies in a wide range. However, before buying this or that product, it is better to first consult a doctor.
Folk remedies at hand can be quite effective, successfully replacing drug treatment with many side effects and contraindications.
But to achieve effectiveness, it is necessary to treat acne in a complex and choose the optimal treatment for yourself.
Possibilities of using pimecrolimus (Elidel) in dermatocosmetology
Recently, a relatively new class of drugs for topical use— local immunomodulatory agents
.
The mechanism of their action is the inhibition of inflammatory mediators - cytokines. In the mid-1980s. Research was carried out to search for natural immunosuppressants, which resulted in the isolation of tacrolimus from a culture of Streptomyces tsukubaensis a substance
with a macrolide structure that has a pronounced inhibitory effect on T-lymphocytes.
Currently, there are several similar inhibitors, each of which acts specifically against a specific cytokine. As a result of their use, the development of inflammatory reactions is interrupted at a certain stage. The effectiveness of local immunomodulators is comparable to corticosteroids
, but, unlike them, do not cause disruption of collagen synthesis and do not contribute to the development of skin atrophy.
In our country, local immunomodulators are represented so far by the only drug - Elidel
, which is an inhibitor of calcineurin (calcium-dependent phosphatase), which results in
inhibition of the release of inflammatory mediators
from mast cells, basophils, and Langerhans cells. The mechanism of its action is to selectively block the production of two types of pro-inflammatory cytokines, Th1 and Th2, by T-lymphocytes and mast cells. It is these cytokines that trigger the processes that lead to the inflammation, redness and itching characteristic of atopic dermatitis.
Thanks to this effect, Elidel is used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. This indication is the only one proposed by the pharmaceutical company positioning this drug for use in patients over 2 years of age. Elidel contains the active substance pimecrolimus
, which is produced from the macrolactam derivative of ascomycin, a natural product obtained from the bacteria Streptomyces hygroscopicus var. ascomyceticus. Pimecrolimus, due to its strict selectivity of action, has virtually no effect on local and systemic immunological reactions, the growth of keratinocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells. The rate of passage of pimecrolimus through the skin is 60-110 times less than that of corticosteroids, which underlies its powerful local action.
Currently, some experience has been accumulated in the use of Elidel in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. At the same time, taking into account the anti-inflammatory effect of the drug and its non-steroidal, non-hormonal nature, many researchers have attempted to expand the range of diseases for which Elidel can be used, especially in cases where previous therapy was ineffective or for some reason poorly tolerated.
A number of researchers indicate that pimecrolimus was highly effective
not only in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, but also other diseases. If we summarize the data on the use of the drug in the treatment of skin diseases, then Elidel has been successfully used for the following inflammatory dermatoses:
- hand eczema,
- pigmented form of lichen planus,
- lichen planus of the oral mucosa,
- Schamberg's disease
- actinic dermatitis,
- Comele-Netherton syndrome,
- ring-shaped centrifugal erythema of Darier,
- Esner-Kanof lymphocytic infiltration,
- circinar erosive balanoposthitis,
- gangrenous pyoderma (in combination with systemic therapy).
It is known that the use of corticosteroids, especially fluoridated ones, on the skin of the face is extremely undesirable. Elidel may be a worthy alternative in this case. Some authors recommend the use of Elidel for psoriatic lesions localized on the face
, especially in young patients, children, people with sensitive skin, as well as when the pathological process is localized on the face, intertriginous areas (folds), in the genital-anal area.
Research shows that Elidel can also find its application in dermatocosmetology
.
In this regard, noteworthy publications are about the effectiveness of the drug for diseases such as vitiligo, seborrheic dermatitis and rosacea
, for which patients seek medical help from both dermatologists and cosmetologists.
Vitiligo
- an acquired skin disease, which is characterized by clearly limited areas of depigmentation of various sizes and shapes, which tend to increase over time. Vitiligo affects approximately 1% of the world's population, and the disease is characterized by chronic, progressive loss of melanocytes from the epidermis. Despite the cosmetic nature of the disease, vitiligo is a serious problem for patients, as it causes a decrease in quality of life and severe psychological disorders. Vitiligo poses a serious problem for dermatologists and cosmetologists, since it is well known that there is a fairly large number of treatment regimens and methods, which indicates that the problem of treating this disease has not been resolved.
The etiology of vitiligo remains unknown, and among the theories of pathogenesis, the most modern are considered to be autoimmune, neurogenic theories, the theory of impaired redox status (oxidative stress), as well as the theory of melanocyte inhibition (impaired melanocyte adhesion).
According to the autoimmune theory of vitiligo
, melanocytes die as a result of autoimmune effector mechanisms, which are a consequence of tolerance violation and are realized through the cytotoxic effects of memory T cells or through autoantibodies against melanocyte surface antigens. This mechanism suggests the possibility of using topical immunomodulators in the treatment of vitiligo. Based on observations of autoimmune phenomena in vitiligo, it was logical to test Elidel in this pathology.
Apart from an anecdotal case report in which repigmentation was observed in vitiligo lesions following topical use of Elidel, topical pimecrolimus and clobetasol 0.05% have been shown to be approximately equivalent in effectiveness in the treatment of limited forms of vitiligo in a small number of patients. The tolerability of the drug was assessed as excellent, and side effects were minimal and sometimes manifested as itching and a burning sensation at the site of application. Good tolerability is important, especially considering the lack of wasting and other side effects often observed with topical steroids.
Seborrheic dermatitis
is a fairly common disease in the clinical practice of dermatologists and cosmetologists. Considering its inflammatory nature, attempts have been made to use topical immunomodulators in the treatment of this pathological process. The use of 1% pimecrolimus cream has been reported to be effective in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in patients resistant to topical corticosteroids. It is known that long-term treatment with glucocorticoids, especially in children, as well as on the facial skin, can lead to side effects.
We observed patients with seborrheic dermatitis, both children and adults, in whom the drug was used topically 2 times a day. Significant improvement was observed within 1 week; after 2 weeks the process regressed. Considering the role of mycotic Malassezia infection in the pathogenesis of seborrheic dermatitis, we used topical elidel in combination with fluconazole in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in adult patients with good clinical effect.
Rosacea (rosacea)
is a non-infectious, chronic inflammatory disease of the facial skin, affecting mainly mature people. It is believed that 5-7% of the population suffers from rosacea, although in Scandinavian countries this figure reaches 10%. The etiology of rosacea is not clear; In the pathogenesis of the disease, the leading role is played by vascular disorders, pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, dysfunction of the endocrine system, psychosomatic and immune disorders. Rosacea is characterized by erythema, telangiectasias, papules, pustules, and in more severe cases, the presence of nodules. Factors that provoke rosacea: sun, stress, heat, alcohol, spicy and salty foods, physical activity, hot bath, cold, coffee, strong tea, cosmetics.
In patients with rosacea, 60% of whom are women, a significant increase in the levels of immunoglobulins of all three main classes: A, M, G. Deposits of immunoglobulins are detected on the basement membrane using an immunofluorescence reaction. When studying cellular immunity, a significant increase in the absolute number of “total” and “active” rosette-forming cells and a decrease in the number of T-suppressors was revealed.
To treat the disease, antibiotics and metronidazole are used, and local therapy is of great importance. Topical corticosteroids, especially fluoridated ones, are not recommended for the treatment of rosacea. Glucocorticoid hormones themselves, especially with prolonged and uncontrolled use, lead to rosacea-like dermatitis of the facial skin.
A case of granulomatous rosacea in a 58-year-old patient is described. Previous treatment included betamethasone (deterioration noted), metronidazole and tetracycline (no effect). A positive result was noted after 4 months of use of pimecrolimus. The author concluded that although the drug is not intended for the treatment of rosacea, the treatment results indicate that pimecrolimus can be used to treat this disease.
When using topical immunomodulators, in particular pimecrolimus, you should remember the recommendations of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration, USA), which are that topical immunomodulators should not be used in children under 2 years of age
.
They should be used if other treatments have failed or are intolerant to them, and should not be used in children or adults with weakened or compromised immune systems. Elidel should not be applied to areas of skin affected by acute viral infection, as this may cause a slight increase in the risk of developing eczema herpetiformis. When using this drug, you should take adequate measures to protect yourself from ultraviolet rays
: reducing your time in the sun, using protective creams and wearing covered clothing.
Thus, Elidel (pimecrolimus) is a fundamentally new non-steroidal drug with an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effect.
, which, in addition to its main indications, i.e. the treatment of atopic dermatitis, also has broad prospects in the external therapy of a number of dermatoses, including dermatocosmetology.
Evseenko I. A.
Gomel State Medical University. Published: Medical Panorama magazine No. 5, May 2006.
Tips for choosing external medications
When treating acne to clear skin rashes on the face, experts advise:
- use hypoallergenic drugs for overly sensitive skin that is susceptible to allergies;
- apply creams that do not contain artificial flavors, synthetic additives, or other petroleum products that can lead to irritation or provoke the appearance of new lesions;
- take into account your skin type when choosing a cosmetic composition, because drying products are more suitable for oily skin; for delicate and dry skin they can become quite aggressive.
It is important to identify the primary causes that triggered the appearance of acne. Perhaps this is an excessive expansion of the pores, when drugs are needed to narrow them.
If bacteria have settled under the skin, then it is worth using ointments and creams with an antibacterial effect.
REFERENCE! Pores should not be clogged, since it is this condition that provokes the appearance of new acne on the face due to a lack of oxygen in the layers of the epidermis.
Precautionary measures
Elidel is an external agent; it can be applied exclusively to the skin. If the product gets on the mucous membranes, rinse them with plenty of water. Ingestion of the drug should be excluded.
Side effects during treatment rarely occur, however, negative reactions are not excluded. During the use of the drug, the following reactions were recorded:
- the appearance of a burning sensation after application;
- development of folliculitis - the appearance of small pustules;
- exacerbation of herpes simplex;
- the appearance of systemic reactions in the form of urticaria, in isolated cases the development of angioedema is possible;
- changes in skin tone with prolonged use of the product, the pigment may be destroyed or, on the contrary, produced in larger quantities. Therefore, a white or brown spot may appear at the site of application of the drug.
