Erylik gel acne treatment: Instructions for effective use

Posted by Pharmacist Cao Thanh Tu - University Pharmacist - Faculty of Pharmacy - Vinmec Times City International Hospital

Erylik gel is an acne medication that is applied topically to the skin to treat cases of moderate acne. To get the best results, patients need to use the drug exactly as directed by the doctor.

Erylik gel is an acne medication that is applied topically to the skin to treat cases of moderate acne. The drug is on the drug list of Vinmec pharmacy and requires a prescription from a doctor when purchased.

Erylik gel contains 2 ingredients: erythromycin and tretinoin. Erythromycin is an antibiotic that kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation on the skin. Tretinoin stimulates the surface layer of hard and dead skin cells to slough off. At the same time, the drug also clears clogged pores, helping to reduce the formation of acne spots. When the pores are not blocked, sebum can escape, thus limiting bacteria growth.
How to use Erylik: After washing and drying the skin, gently rub a thin layer of gel on the wounds, avoiding eyes, eyelids, lips, and nostrils. Finally, you need to wash your hands after taking the medicine.
To ensure the highest treatment effect, you need to strictly follow the instructions of the prescribing doctor when using erylik gel for acne, the usual dose is 1-2 times / day. You should not use more than the prescribed dose because it can cause skin irritation such as red, dry, uncomfortable skin. The starting dose is usually once a day in the evening, depending on the response of the skin can increase or decrease the frequency of use.
If the drug causes obvious irritation, you should reduce the application every other day. Once the skin is used to the medication, the patient can return to the daily application. The duration of treatment depends on the skin condition but usually requires a treatment time of 3-4 months. It is important to take the medication regularly. During the first few weeks, you may not be able to see the full effect of the medication. The condition of acne will improve markedly around the sixth week after treatment and the best results will be achieved at the 12th week. After this period, the doctor can switch to the maintenance treatment phase with 2-3 times. apply every week.

The most common side effects of using Erylik gel are skin irritation with a slight burning or stinging sensation and temporary flaking at the beginning of use. However, drug users should note, if there is only a slight erythema, moderate exfoliation, or a slight burning sensation, continue monitoring. If you experience serious reactions such as redness, peeling, swelling under the skin and blisters, you need to stop taking the drug and notify the doctor, pharmacist for advice on using the drug.
Rarely, Erylik can cause ulcers, dryness, burning, darkening or lightening of the skin. People with darker skin may see lighter skin when using the drug, but this effect is temporary and the skin color will return to normal when Erylik gel is stopped.
When using the drug, the skin may be more sensitive to UV rays, so users of the drug should avoid exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light because it can cause further irritation. Drug users can continue treatment if exposure to the sun is minimized (protection by wearing a hat, hat and sunscreen) and the frequency of application is adjusted accordingly. In case of occasional exposure to the sun (one day at the sea), the medicine should not be applied the day before, that day and the next day. If previous sun exposure causes burns, you need to wait for complete recovery before starting treatment with erylik acne gel.
Besides, you should also not use the medicine if you are allergic to one of its ingredients, acute eczema, rosacea, acute inflammatory skin conditions, especially around the mouth, sunburn or are using any medications that may cause skin irritation, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
When using for the first time, acne may temporarily worsen. This is a sign that the medicine is starting to work, but this will soon go away and you will start to see an improvement in your skin. Due to the irritating nature of the treatment, you should avoid using it at the same time as removing makeup. astringents or drying or irritating agents (such as perfumed or alcohol-based products).
In addition to using erylik gel to treat acne, you also need to follow up with your doctor's appointment to be adjusted to the appropriate dosage to help reduce the irritation caused by the drug to the lowest level.