Azelaic acid to treat Psoriasis

Azelaic acid is a compound found naturally in grains, such as rye, wheat, and barley, and in certain dairy products, including milk from goat, sheep, and cow. It is an acid that is fat-soluble, meaning it can penetrate the outer layers of the skin quickly and effectively (Searle et al. 2022). Azelaic acid is commonly used in the treatment of various skin conditions, including mild to moderate acne and psoriasis.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is regarded as a chronic skin condition, which is characterized by scaly, red, patches, or plaques, of skin. Although the cause of this condition is not fully understood, it is believed to be related to an overactive immune system. Azelaic acid has been found to be effective in the treatment of psoriasis (Martins et al. 2020). By normalizing the activity of the skin cells, azelaic acid can reduce the severity of the condition and the development of new lesions.

Effectiveness of Azelaic Acid in Psoriasis

When azelaic acid is used to treat psoriasis, it is usually in the form of a topical cream or foam, applied directly to the affected areas. In most cases, the cream should be applied twice daily, in the morning and evening. After application it should be rubbed into the skin gently and evenly until it is completely absorbed (Sotiropoulou et al. 2021). Azelaic acid may also be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as topical corticosteroids or phototherapy, to maximize the effect. It has been found to be effective in reducing inflammation, scaling, and redness associated with psoriasis.

Typically, improvements in skin condition can be seen after 4-6 weeks of treatment. In some cases, however, the treatment can take several months to take effect, depending on the severity of the condition (Kumar et al. 2020). It is an effective treatment for psoriasis. It is easily available, inexpensive, safe, and does not produce the same side effects as some other treatments. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and speak to a doctor if any concerns arise.

Azelaic acid is a topical medication used to reduce inflammation and other symptoms associated with psoriasis. It works by inhibiting keratinocytes (skin cells) from producing too much of a protein called keratin. This protein plays an important role in the formation of thick, scaly plaques found in psoriasis (Parsa et al. 2019). It is generally safe to use and is well tolerated by most people. In addition to this, a variety of formulations are available for azelaic acid, including gel, cream, foam, and lotion. The most common form used to treat psoriasis is a 10 to 20% cream or foam. It is usually applied twice a day, although your doctor may adjust dosage depending on your response (Parsa et al. 2019). It is important to use the product as directed and continue to use it even if you don’t feel immediate benefits. It usually takes at least four weeks for improvements to be seen.

Tolerance

Azelaic acid is well tolerated in most people, but some may experience minor side effects such as burning, itching, redness, stinging, or peeling of the skin. While these side effects are usually mild, those with sensitive skin should be especially cautious when using azelaic acid. To get the most benefit from azelaic acid, it’s important to use it as directed (Mizgała-Izworska, 2022). This includes properly cleaning the affected area before use, refraining from scrubbing the affected area, and when using the foam form of the medication, shaking the canister before each use. It is also important to not stop using the product too early, even if the person do not see any results after four weeks. Azelaic acid is an effective treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis in most people. Studies often show that it drastically reduces redness, scaling, and itching. In some cases, it may even clear psoriasis plaques entirely (Singh et al. 2021). Because azelaic acid works in a different way than traditional psoriasis treatments like steroids, it may be effective when those treatments do not work.

Mechanism of Action of Azelaic Acid

The mechanism of action of azelaic acid is thought to be multifaceted. First, azelaic acid has antimicrobial properties, which are beneficial in controlling the growth of any opportunistic organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and yeast, that may be present in psoriatic plaques. Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps to reduce inflammation associated with psoriasis and reduce symptoms (Zaidi et al. 2019). Furthermore, its exfoliating properties help to remove the keratin and scaly build-up that can occur on psoriatic plaques.

Azelaic acid works by inhibiting the growth of Propionibacterium acne, a type of bacteria that is commonly found in the skin, and dampening the excessive immune reaction that is believed to cause the condition (Ahmad, 2021). In addition, azelaic acid also helps to reduce the production of keratin, a protein produced by cells of the skin which contributes to the development of psoriasis lesions. By limiting the production of keratin, azelaic acid helps to reduce the number of lesions on the skin.

Uses of Azelaic Acid for the Treatment of Psoriasis

Azelaic acid is an effective treatment option for patients with psoriasis. It is available as a topical cream or gel and is generally used for mild to moderate psoriasis. Azelaic acid can be used safely and effectively to treat psoriasis. It is generally safe, but may cause minor skin irritation. However, if the irritation becomes severe, it is important to seek medical advice from a doctor. Additionally, patients should limit exposure of their skin to the sun when using azelaic acid to reduce the risk of skin discoloration (de Freitas et al. 2022). When using azelaic acid for psoriasis, it is important to follow the instructions of your doctor. Generally, the cream or gel should be used once or twice a day on the affected area. It is important to use enough medication to cover the entire plaque and to rub it in gently. It is also important to remember to apply a sunscreen (at least SPF 15) whenever exposed to sunlight (Searle et al. 2022).

Side Effects

The most common side effects associated with azelaic acid are mild and include a burning or stinging sensation, itching, redness, and dryness. These effects should improve with continued use, but if they persist, patients should speak to their doctor (Martins et al. 2020).

Conclusion

Azelaic acid is an effective treatment option for psoriasis. It has anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties that help to reduce inflammation and detract scaling of plaques. Furthermore, its antimicrobial properties may be beneficial in controlling opportunistic organisms. It is important to use the medication as directed and to use a sunscreen when exposed to the sun to maximize its effectiveness. With proper usage, azelaic acid can provide a safe and effective solution for psoriasis. Overall, azelaic acid is a safe, effective treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis in most people. While it may not work for everyone, for those who respond positively to treatment, it can make a huge difference in their quality of life.

References

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de Freitas, A.C.P., Rigon, R.B., Bagatin, E. and Leonardi, G.R., 2022. Perspectives of topical formulations for melasma. International Journal of Dermatology.

Kumar, A., Rao, R. and Yadav, P., 2020. Azelaic acid: a promising agent for dermatological applications. Current Drug Therapy, 15(3), pp.181-193.

Martins, A.M., Ascenso, A., Ribeiro, H.M. and Marto, J., 2020. Current and future therapies for psoriasis with a focus on serotonergic drugs. Molecular neurobiology, 57(5), pp.2391-2419.

Mizgała-Izworska, E., 2022. The role of flavonoids in prevention and treatment of selected skin diseases. Journal of Pre-Clinical and Clinical Research, 16(3), pp.99-107.

Parsa, M., Trybala, A., Malik, D.J. and Starov, V., 2019. Foam in pharmaceutical and medical applications. Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science, 44, pp.153-167.

Searle, T., Ali, F.R. and Al-Niaimi, F., 2022. The versatility of azelaic acid in dermatology. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 33(2), pp.722-732.

Singh, S.K., Chaubey, S., Bansal, A., Kaur, G. and Malik, D.S., 2021. Cosmeceutical Aptitudes of Azelaic Acid. Current Drug Research Reviews Formerly: Current Drug Abuse Reviews, 13(3), pp.222-229.

Sotiropoulou, G., Zingkou, E. and Pampalakis, G., 2021. Redirecting drug repositioning to discover innovative cosmeceuticals. Experimental Dermatology, 30(5), pp.628-644.

Zaidi, Z., Hussain, K. and Sudhakaran, S., 2019. Common Topical Medications. In Treatment of Skin Diseases (pp. 509-518). Springer, Cham.