Nicotinamide gel for acne

About nicotinamide gel

Acne is the common cause of spots. Most people with acne are aged between 12 and 25, but some older and younger people are affected too. Small sebaceous glands lie just under your skin surface and make an oil (sebum) that keeps your skin supple and smooth. Tiny pores on your skin allow the sebum to come on to the surface of your skin. In acne, some of these pores become blocked, causing small pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.

Nicotinamide has an anti-inflammatory effect which is helpful in the treatment of acne. You can buy nicotinamide gel without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets.

Before using nicotinamide gel

To make sure that this is the right treatment for you, before you start using nicotinamide gel it is important that you speak with a doctor or pharmacist:

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a skin product.

• If you are taking any medicines, or using any medicated skin preparations. This includes any which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to use nicotinamide gel

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about nicotinamide gel and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from using it.

• It is recommended that you use nicotinamide gel twice each day. If your skin becomes irritated or dry, you can reduce the number of times you use it to once daily, or even to alternate days only. A general point is that you should apply the gel to all of the area where your spots occur and not just to each spot.

• Before you apply the treatment, wash the area with soap and water and gently dry it with a towel. Then apply the gel and rub it in gently.

• As you apply the gel, try to avoid getting it on the sensitive areas of your skin in or around your nostrils, your eyes and your mouth. Do not apply it to any areas of skin which are irritated or sore.

Getting the most from your treatment

• It is recommended that you use a mild soap and lukewarm water to wash with. You cannot clean off blackheads. The black tip of a blackhead is actually a skin pigment and cannot be removed by cleaning or scrubbing.

• If your skin becomes very dry, it may help to use a moisturising cream (preferably a fragrance-free and water-based cream). Do not use ointments or oil-rich creams, as these could clog your pores again.

• Continue with the treatment for at least six weeks before deciding if it is working for you or not. The most common reason for treatment failure is giving up too soon, thinking that the treatment is not working. If, however, your skin has not improved after this time then make an appointment to speak with your doctor who will advise you about other suitable preparations to try.

• Once your spots have cleared, acne commonly flares up again if you stop treatment altogether, so it is common to carry on with a maintenance treatment. You may find that one application of gel every other day is sufficient for this.

Can nicotinamide gel cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with nicotinamide gel. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the gel, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store nicotinamide gel

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines