The active ingredient adapalene is of great importance in the therapy against skin diseases. The remedy is applied externally and is intended to regulate the function of the sebaceous glands. An improvement is therefore achieved primarily with the blackheads – the so-called comedones.
What is adapalene?
The active ingredient adapalene is of great importance in the therapy against skin diseases. The remedy is applied externally and is intended to regulate the function of the sebaceous glands. Adapalene is obtained from naphthoic acid. It has a disinfecting effect. In the modification to adapalene, the basic substance also has a slight anti-inflammatory effect. Creams, ointments and gels are therefore enriched with the chemical substance. It can therefore only be taken externally. Depending on the patient’s physical condition, the product can achieve a visible improvement within four to eight weeks. It must therefore be used continuously over a long period of time. However, mistakes are relatively common in the use of Adapalene. The creams are used – without precise instructions from a medical professional – for different skin diseases. However, they are not designed for this purpose. They must not be applied directly to open wounds and eczema. Therefore, their use should be limited to a few symptoms and should be considered mainly in the case of increased production of the sebaceous glands.
Pharmacological action
So-called comedones involve a malfunction of the sebaceous glands of the skin. They produce an increased amount of fat. This, in turn, can only be inadequately removed by the pores. As a result, small and initially white-colored blemishes settle on the skin. The forehead, nose and chin are primarily affected. After a few days, the blackheads can turn grayish to dark in color. With an increasing consumption of a high-fat diet, the comedones will appear more frequently. The dysfunction of the skin can be regulated by using adapalene. The cream is applied to the affected areas. This should be done once a day. The application is done according to the doctor’s recommendation in the evening, after the skin has been cleansed. Adapalene initially counteracts the possible inflammatory foci. Redness is minimized and itching decreases. However, the long-term effect lies in the access to the sebaceous glands. Their production of the fat is slowed down. After about one to two months, the first visible results should appear.
Medical application and use
The application of adapalene has so far been reduced mainly to two clinical pictures. On the one hand, it is used to improve the already mentioned blackheads. Various forms of acne – but primarily acne vulgaris – are treated with it. The comedones should be present in light to medium intensity. If they reach a more intensive stage, Adapalen usually cannot help as desired. On the other hand, its use is recommended for the chronic condition of rosacea. Therein again lies a problem for its use by laymen. Often the purpose of adapalene is extended to the other skin diseases such as neurodermatitis or acute wounds and insect bites. However, this mistake can be fatal. The cream must be applied to closed wounds without exception. Otherwise, it causes severe itching and burning and may, in turn, trigger eczema. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory effect will be visible only on a part of the skin that is not yet affected. Consequently, it requires diagnosis and further treatment advice from a specialist before Adapalen is used.
Risks and side effects
Adapalene may cause burning and itching of the skin if used incorrectly. Therefore, the cream should not be applied to open eczema or come into contact with the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose. In addition, avoid its use before a prolonged stay in the sun. Otherwise, the combination of Adapalene with UV light may also cause a rash. Similarly, the use of several acne ointments at the same time proves to be problematic. Like adapalene, they have a strong drying effect. This in turn can result in irritation of the skin. In this case, slight scaling of the skin could also be revealed. In principle, the use of the cream is consequently rather somewhat reduced.
