Epiduo is a topical gel that can be used to treat folliculitis. It contains two active ingredients, adapalene and benzoyl peroxide, which combine to soothe irritation and inflammation.
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Epiduo is a topical gel treatment that can be used to manage skin conditions like folliculitis, acne and dermatitis. It belongs to a class of medicines known as anti-acne preparations, and can help break down pustules (inflamed sores) and papules (raised spots) that form on your skin. It can help to unclog blocked pores and soothe inflammation caused by folliculitis.
Folliculitis is a skin condition where hair follicles are raised and become inflamed and sometimes infected. There are several ways you can develop folliculitis. It can happen as a result of trauma to the skin, irritation (from shaving or plucking) or occlusion (where an opening such as a pore becomes blocked). Sometimes, folliculitis can be bacterial.
How does Epiduo work?
Epiduo contains two active ingredients that work in different ways.
Adapalene is a type of medicine called a retinoid which has anti-inflammatory properties. It has a low percutaneous absorption rate, meaning only a small amount of it is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. This allows the medication to become trapped in the epidermis (outer layer of skin) and the hair follicles, where it can reduce inflammation.
Benzoyl peroxide is an antimicrobial agent, and so can destroy harmful bacteria present on your skin. The two ingredients work together to form a two-pronged treatment for folliculitis that can both reduce inflammation and the amount of germs on your skin.
What doses of Epiduo are there?
Epiduo is available in 2 or 5 gram tubes. There are two strengths of gels available – 0.3%/2.5% and 0.1%/2.5%. The latter is the lower strength version and might be recommended for you if your symptoms are mild to moderate.
A clinician can help you decide which strength gel you’d like to use, and will make their recommendations based on what they think will be the most effective choice for you.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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How to use Epiduo
You’ll apply both strengths of Epiduo the same way.
Before you apply the gel, make sure your skin is clean and dry. Dispense some of the gel into your hand and apply a thin film over the areas of skin where the follicles are raised and bumpy. This can be done once a day before bed, every evening.
If you’re using Epiduo on your face, wash and dry your face before using it. Dispense a pea-sized amount of the gel for each part of your face (for each cheek or your chin for example) and gently rub it into your skin. You should wash your hands immediately after each use.
How long does Epiduo take to work?
Because types of folliculitis vary, we can’t guarantee how long you will need to use Epiduo for. The gel might be prescribed if your folliculitis isn’t severe and a healthcare professional thinks topical treatment will be enough to clear it.
If Epiduo doesn’t clear your folliculitis, it could be that you need to try a different medication. Our clinicians can help you choose a suitable alternative.
What should I do if I make a mistake when using Epiduo?
Using more Epiduo gel than you should won’t help to clear your folliculitis any quicker. Doing so might, in fact, create more irritation and redness on top of your condition, so it’s recommended you only use the gel as it’s been prescribed.
This means you don’t need to use a double dose if you forget to apply Epiduo. Instead, wait until your next dose is due and continue from there.
If you have accidentally use much more gel than you need (such as mistaking it for another medicine) or swallow any, seek urgent medical attention at your nearest hospital.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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FAQ: Epiduo
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Is Epiduo similar to any other folliculitis treatments?
Answer:
Folliculitis can be treated in various ways, and the most suitable option often depends on the cause of your condition. Epiduo combines a retinoid and a peroxide and is typically used to treat acne, but these medicines also combine to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Other ways of treating folliculitis include antibiotic ointments and creams. Bactroban, which contains mupirocin, can treat follicles that have become infected. Sometimes a course of oral antibiotics like Flucloxacillin (which comes in liquid or capsule form) might be needed to clear the infections completely.
Why should I buy Epiduo online with Treated?
Answer:
We provide healthcare that’s tailored to your needs. You answer some questions to give us an idea of what you’re looking for, and we’ll make safe, informed recommendations that we think are the right fit.
Our plans are easy to manage, so you can change, cancel, or stop them as you need. We put you first, so if you have questions about how your medication works or your delivery schedule, you can drop us a line at any time of the day using our messaging service.
We offer free shipping and can get your treatment to you as soon as the next working day, so you can start it right away. Once you’ve decided on a plan, our clinicians will keep in touch to see how things are working out for you.
Do I need a prescription for Epiduo?
Answer:
You’ll need a prescription before you can use Epiduo to manage your folliculitis. This is because it’s a potent treatment that’s not safe for everyone, so a clinician will need to check it’s right for you.
If you’re planning on using any over the counter skin treatments alongside Epiduo, it’s best to make sure all the ingredients in it are suitable for you to use. If you aren’t sure, you can message us and a clinician will get back to you with advice about managing your condition.
Will Epiduo cause side effects?
Answer:
You might notice some side effects as you use Epiduo regularly. The gel unblocks your pores and helps to kill bacteria, but as your body gets used to the effects of it, it can sometimes be felt on your skin.
It’s common to feel a mild burning sensation, or irritation on the areas you’ve applied Epiduo. You might notice a mild skin peeling effect. This should usually pass, and can be a sign that the medication is working properly. You might be advised to use a moisturiser at the same time as your folliculitis treatment to avoid dry skin.
If you develop swelling, tightness in your throat or painful blisters, go to your nearest hospital immediately. This can be a sign of an allergic reaction, so you will need to get professional help urgently.
How effective is Epiduo?
Answer:
Epiduo contains two active ingredients that tackle swelling and inflammation, and both have proven qualities for treating skin conditions such as acne and dermatitis.
Benzoyl peroxide is an antiseptic that can reduce the number of germs on the surface of your skin. It can help fight any bacteria present and prevent your folliculitis getting more seriously infected. For acne, it usually starts to work within 4 weeks.
Epiduo also contains a retinoid, adapalene. Retinoids are derived from vitamin a, and are used by clinicians to manage a range of different skin conditions. Adapalene targets your inflammatory response. The combination of the two active ingredients means Epiduo could be an effective choice for soothing and treating your folliculitis if you want to avoid using antibiotics.
A Review of the Use of Adapalene for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris.” Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, vol. 3, no. 4, 1 Aug. 2007, pp. 621–624.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
