The skin is the body’s largest organ. It has several important functions, including acting as a sensory organ of touch and temperature; protecting the body against injury, infections, and hazardous substances; preventing loss of moisture from the body and regulating temperature; producing vitamin D.

Like other organs in the body, the skin can be affected by various conditions, such as rash, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, acne, cellulitis, abscesses, rosacea, warts, hives, infections, and cancer. Given the wide range of conditions that can affect the skin, there are hundreds of medications available to treat these conditions.

Skin Care Medications

Medications used to treat skin conditions can be broadly categorized as follows:

Skin protectants (moisturizers and emollients) work by forming a barrier on the skin to protect it from moisture or irritants. Examples include zinc oxide and A&D Diaper Rash.

Topical acne preparations include retinoids, for example, tretinoin (Avage, Tazorac), which come in the form of creams, lotions, and gels. Topical antibiotics like clindamycin (Acanya gel) and minocycline (Amzeeq) work by killing skin bacteria and reducing the redness and inflammation associated with acne. Antibiotics for acne are often combination products and also contain benzoyl peroxide, a common anti-acne agent that is present in many OTC and prescription acne medications. Azelaic acid and salicylic acid (Finacea, Azelex) are natural acids that have antibacterial properties and are used for acne treatment. Dapsone (Aczone) is used to treat inflammatory acne.

Oral acne medications include antibiotics for moderate to severe acne. Examples are minocycline, doxycycline, azithromycin, and erythromycin. Combined oral contraceptives like Yaz and Ortho Tri-Cyclen 21 are FDA-approved acne treatments that contain both estrogen and progestin hormones. The anti-androgen drug spironolactone (Aldactone) works by blocking the effect of androgen (male) hormones on the oil-producing glands in the skin. Isotretinoin (Absorica) and adapalene (Differin) are prescribed for moderate to severe acne that is unresponsive to other treatments.

Topical antifungal medications include clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, nystatin, and terbinafine. They come in the form of creams, gels, liquids, pessaries/vaginal tablets, powders, and shampoos and are used to treat fungal infections of the skin, scalp, nails, and vagina. 

Oral antifungal medications like nystatin, griseofulvin, fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine may also be used to treat skin infections caused by fungus.

Antiviral agents such as valacyclovir (Valtrex), famciclovir (Famvir), and acyclovir (Zovirax) are used to treat viral infections like herpes and shingles.

Antihistamines like buclizine, hydroxyzine, promethazine, chlorpheniramine, fexofenadine, loratadine, desloratadine, cetirizine, levocetirizine, and rupatadine are oral medications (tablets or liquids) that are used to relieve redness, swelling, and itching caused by some skin conditions.

Topical steroids such as Aclovate, Synalar, Vanos, Aristocort, Desowen, Cordran, Westcort, and others are available as creams, ointments, and lotions. They are used to treat skin symptoms like itching, redness, and swelling caused by a variety of skin conditions like allergies, dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. 

Oral steroids may be prescribed to relieve redness, itching, swelling, or treat severe allergies and autoimmune skin diseases.

Local anesthetics like lidocaine and prilocaine (AgonEaze) are used on the skin before procedures involving needlesticks or laser skin treatments. OTC medications like benzocaine (Americaine) are also local anesthetics that are used to treat minor burns, sunburn, skin irritation, and insect bites.

Immunosuppressants like methotrexate (Trexall) and azathioprine (Imuran) are used in patients with severe cases of skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

Enzyme inhibitors like apremilast (Otezla) fight inflammation by preventing the action of an enzyme that is active in the immune system. Eucrisa ointment is an FDA-approved enzyme inhibitor for mild to moderate eczema or atopic dermatitis.

Scabicides like permethrin cream (Elimite), crotamiton (Crotan), and ivermectin (Stromectol) are topical and oral anti-parasitic medications that are used to treat scabies and worm infestations.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Skin Care

There are hundreds of over-the-counter skin creams, ointments, lotions, sprays, and patches available off-the-shelf without a doctor’s prescription. Most people don’t think twice before using these products. However, it is important to remember that these medications can enter the body through the skin just like medicines taken by mouth. If your skin problem does not resolve in a few days of treatment with OTC skin medications, it is recommended that you see your family physician or a dermatologist.

Common Side Effects of Skin Care Medications

Acne medications such as retinoids, antibiotics, and dapsone can cause dry skin and redness as side effects. Retinoids and antibiotics increase the sensitivity of the skin to the sun.

Oral antifungals can cause nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach. Taking the medications with food can reduce the side effects. Other potential side effects include headache and loss of taste. Some antifungals like ketoconazole and itraconazole may not be appropriate for people with a history of heart disease. Topical antifungals can cause burning, stinging, irritation, rash, and sensitivity.

Antihistamines can cause drowsiness, blurred vision, pain with urination, dry mouth, and constipation.

Long-term treatment with topical steroids can cause side effects like thinning of the skin, red marks, easy bruising, and acne. Oral steroids can cause stomach upset, blurred vision, increased thirst, frequent urination, bone pain, and muscle weakness.

Common Questions

What causes acne?

Acne develops when hair follicles in the skin get plugged by dead skin cells and oily secretions that lubricate the skin. The exact cause is not completely understood, but a well-known factor is an increase in androgens or male sex hormones. Besides hormonal changes that are common during puberty, certain medications like corticosteroids, diet (fat or carbohydrate-rich foods), and stress can cause or worsen acne.

Is it safe to use over-the-counter skin creams?

OTC topical skincare medications do not usually cause harm, but if you are using one of these products, be sure to follow the directions and heed any warnings on the label. Also, do not apply topical medications to damaged or irritated skin. Talk to a doctor before applying a bandage or plastic wrap over any topical medications. Do not allow the medications to come in contact with the eyes or mucous membranes (the inside of the nose, mouth, or genitals). Apply the medication only to the area needed, use it sparingly, and do not use it more often than recommended.

Can I get a discount on skincare medications with BuzzRx?

Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including skincare medications—as long as they are either over-the-counter preparations or you have a signed prescription from your doctor.

References:

1.    https://www.hse.gov.uk/skin/professional/causes/structure.htm

2.    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20368048

3.    https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601026.html

4.    https://www.nsc.com.sg/Patient-Guide/Health-Library/List-of-Dermatological-Drugs/Pages/List-of-Dermatological-Drugs.aspx

5.    https://www.nsc.com.sg/Patient-Guide/Health-Library/List-of-Dermatological-Drugs/Pages/Antifungal-(Oral).aspx

6.    https://journals.lww.com/co-infectiousdiseases/abstract/1993/10000/viral_skin_infections_and_antiviral_agents.7.aspx

7.    https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/scabies/health_professionals/meds.html