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Nikotinamidgel för akne

Freederm

Apply the gel twice each day. Use it on all of the area where your spots occur - not just on each spot.

Wash the area with soap and water and dry it gently, before applying the treatment.

If your skin becomes irritated or dry, apply the gel less often until your skin recovers.

Överblick

  • Nicotinamide gel is a topical vitamin B3 treatment for acne.

  • It has an anti-inflammatory effect that helps with acne spots.

  • Apply the gel twice daily, washing the area first, and rub it in gently.

  • Continue treatment for at least six weeks before deciding if it is effective.

  • Common side-effects include dry skin, irritation, burning, itching, and redness.

  • Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you have allergies or use other medicines or skin products.

About nicotinamide gel

Typ av medicin

A topical vitamin B3 preparation

Används för

Akne

Även kallad

Niacinamide (in US); Freederm®

Tillgänglig som

Gel

Akne 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.

Få ut det mesta av din behandling

  • 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.

Nicotinamide gel side-effects

Vad kan jag göra om jag upplever detta?

Dry skin, irritation, burning, itching and redness

If troublesome, reduce your dose to one application each day or every other day

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

  • Förvara alla läkemedel utom räckhåll och synhåll för barn.

  • Förvara på en sval, torr plats, borta från direkt värme och ljus.

Viktig information om alla läkemedel

Viktig information om alla läkemedel

If you buy any medicines, always check with a pharmacist that they are safe to use with your other medicines.

This preparation is for use on the skin only. If you suspect that someone has swallowed some of it by accident, contact the accident and emergency department of your local hospital for advice.

Om du ska genomgå en operation eller tandbehandling, informera den som utför behandlingen om vilka mediciner du använder.

Denna medicin är för dig. Ge den aldrig till andra människor även om deras tillstånd verkar vara detsamma som ditt.

Behåll inte föråldrade eller oönskade mediciner. Ta dem till ditt lokala apotek som kommer att ta hand om dem åt dig.

Om du har några frågor om denna medicin, fråga din apotekare.

Rapportera biverkningar av ett läkemedel eller vaccin

Om du upplever biverkningar kan du rapportera dem online via Yellow Card webbplats.

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Vanliga frågor

Can nicotinamide gel help with other skin conditions apart from acne?

The article specifically states that nicotinamide gel is 'Used for Acne' and has an 'anti-inflammatory effect which is helpful in the treatment of acne'. It does not mention its use for any other skin conditions.

Is it safe to use nicotinamide gel if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

The article does not provide specific information regarding the use of nicotinamide gel during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is important to discuss any concerns with a doctor or pharmacist, especially if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, to ensure it is the right treatment for you.

Can I use nicotinamide gel on my body, or only on my face?

The article advises to 'apply the gel to all of the area where your spots occur', which implies it can be used wherever acne is present. It also states, 'This preparation is for use on the skin only' without specifying only the face.

What should I do if my skin reacts very badly to the gel, beyond just dryness or irritation?

If you experience any symptoms which you think may be due to the gel, especially if they are severe or concerning and not listed as common side effects, you should speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice. The article mentions 'If you experience any other symptoms...' as a point to seek advice.

Is there a specific type of cleanser I should use with nicotinamide gel?

For washing the affected area before applying the gel, the article recommends using 'a mild soap and lukewarm water'. It also suggests continuing with a 'mild soap and lukewarm water' for general washing if you continue treatment for maintenance.

How long does a tube of nicotinamide gel typically last?

The article does not specify how long a tube of nicotinamide gel typically lasts, as this would depend on the size of the tube and the area being treated. It focuses on the frequency of application rather than the product's longevity.

Can I use make-up over nicotinamide gel?

The article does not discuss the use of make-up in conjunction with nicotinamide gel. Its instructions focus on applying the gel to clean, dry skin and avoiding sensitive areas. It is generally advisable to apply make-up after the gel has been absorbed, but for specific guidance, consulting a pharmacist would be beneficial.

Vidare läsning och referenser

Om författarenVisa fullständig biografi

Författarbild

Michael Stewart, MRPharmS

Ansvarig för granskning av medicinbroschyrer – Konsult, Apotekare

BPharm (Hons), MRPharmS

Michael är en apotekare som arbetar i Midlands och South Yorkshire med mer än 20 års erfarenhet av att ge råd om läkemedel och medicinska tillstånd. Han har en stark bakgrund inom vårdutbildning och har producerat och levererat utbildningskurser för apoteksteam och personal inom vårdboenden, inklusive sjuksköterskor. Han har också bidragit till apoteksrådgivande styrelser för hantering av mindre allvarliga tillstånd i samhället.

Om recensenten

Författarbild

Sid Dajani

Sultan Dajani tog examen vid London School of Pharmacy 1994 och blev den yngsta valda medlemmen i Royal Pharmaceutical Society-rådet sedan dess grundande 1842.

Artikelhistorik

Informationen på denna sida är skriven och granskad av kvalificerade kliniker.

  • Nästa granskning: 16 okt 2027
  • 5 Oct 2024 | Senaste versionen

    Senast uppdaterad av

    Michael Stewart, MRPharmS

    Granskad av

    Sid Dajani
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