Acne is a bothersome, yet common skin ailment caused by the blockage of sebum and hair follicles in the skin’s pores. Although regular face washing may help keep sebum at bay, an additional treatment may be required. There are several types of treatment for acne. Some acne may clear up with an over-the-counter spot treatment. Sometimes drug store treatments fail in treating persistent acne. In such cases, a prescription acne medication may be sought from a dermatologist. Nicotinamide, available in topical and oral form, helps reduce acne, but does not prevent it at the source.
Types
Nicotinamide is also referred to as niacinamide, as it contains B vitamins. According to AcneDoctor.us, Nicotinamide topical ointment comes in cream and gel. The gel is the most popular version, and is called Nicomide T Gel. Nicomide is also the brand name of the oral form of nicotinamide acne medication, with Nicotinamide being the primary ingredient.Drugs.com reports that Nicomide tablets also contain folic acid, zinc oxide, and cupric oxide.
Using Nicotinamide
Nicotinamide topical ointment is applied to the affected area twice a day to help clear up acne. Nicodime oral medications are taken daily to help reduce inflammation caused by acne. AcneDoctor.us states that Nicodime works similarly to an antibiotic. Unlike an antibiotic, there is no risk of building bacterial resistance. However, nicotinamide medications do not directly reduce acne. They are merely designed for the severe redness caused by acne vulgaris.
Both types of medications reduce the redness associated with acne. AcneDoctor.us reports that the topical version of nicotinamide is also a drying agent. Therefore, using this medication will decrease the amount of oil, also known as sebum, in the skin. In turn, the skin’s pores may have a decreased chance of blockage.
Side Effects of Nicotinamide
Topical nicotinamide can cause excessive drying. In such a case, one may consider reducing the application to once a day, or every other day. Since nicotinamide does not reduce the amount of acne, you should ask your dermatologist for another type of acne treatment. The persistent formation of pimples may be reduced in appearance with nicotinamide, but the problem will not be fully solved.
Side effects can occur with Nicodime, the oral version of nicotinamide. According to drugs.com, the levels of zinc oxide can cause copper deficiency. People with liver disease should avoid this medication. Other side effects may include fever, headache, rash, blurred vision, diarrhea, hyperglycemia, nausea, dark urine and vomiting. Drugs.com does not recommend nicotinamide usage in pregnant and nursing women