Lymecycline and Azelaic Acid gel

Take one daily lymecycline tablet, ideally in the morning. Sit or stand while swallowing it, with plenty of water. Avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes so it’s less likely to irritate your stomach.

How to apply azelaic acid gel:

1. Wash your skin with a mild, non‑foaming face wash and pat dry.

2. Apply a pea sized amount (0.5g) in a thin layer over the affected areas twice daily.

3. Let it absorb into your skin before you use moisturiser (or put on make‑up). 

4. Wash your hands.

Use daily for smoother skin, reduced redness and fewer breakouts. If the gel stings or tingles at first, switch to just the evening application for about a week. 

Once your skin feels comfortable (no lasting redness, burning or peeling), add the morning dose so you’re back to the usual twice‑daily schedule. If irritation comes back when you introduce the second application, go back to once daily or take a short break. You could check with your doctor or clinician before increasing it to twice daily again. 

Lymecycline reduces the amount of acne-causing bacteria on your skin and calms inflammation. 

To help shrink spots and improve skin tone by fading lingering dark marks from acne, azelaic acid gel has a dual action: 

• Works to exfoliate dead skin and trapped sebum (oil) inside pores.

• It’s antibacterial, lowering bacteria levels and calming inflammation.

Combining the two increases the chance of getting smoother, less inflamed skin by tackling different acne triggers at the same time.

It usually takes about 6 weeks before oral antibiotics like lymecycline show noticeable improvement. 

Lymecycline may make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so follow a good sun protection routine. Apply daily sun block (non oily, fragrance-free) and keep out of the sun when it’s most intense. You should also avoid sun beds.

Other possible side effects include nausea, dizziness, upset stomach or diarrhoea. Always let your doctor or clinician know if you get severe or persistent symptoms. 

Typical azelaic acid  gel side effects are mild itching, tingling or dryness where you apply it. These usually ease as your skin adapts. If you keep getting irritation, only apply the gel once a day or stop using it for a day to give your skin a break. 

Severe reactions are rare. If you notice a widespread rash or swelling, stop using the gel and seek medical advice. Overall, azelaic acid gel side effects are usually mild and it doesn’t cause sensitivity to sunlight like some other topical acne treatments.

Full details on use and safety are in the lymecycline and azelaic acid patient information leaflets.