Prescription treatment
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Differin is a prescription-strength gel used to treat acne. It can also be used 'off-label' for other skin issues like folliculitis. Using a medicine off-label means it's being used for a condition not specifically listed in its licence. This practice is safe and is commonly done by clinicians when they believe it will be helpful for you.
Differin contains the active ingredient adapalene, which is part of a group of medicines known as retinoids. Retinoids come from vitamin A and are commonly used in dermatology. They work by unclogging pores and helping to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin.
Differin helps prevent new acne from developing. Folliculitis breakouts can resemble acne and have a similar impact on your skin, leading to inflamed pustules, redness, and irritation. Folliculitis tends to cause more itching than acne, and Differin can help relieve this itching and bring back your skin's natural texture.
Retinoids, such as adapalene, help by managing inflammation. In a study comparing it to another retinoid for treating acne, adapalene acted more quickly and caused less irritation than the other option.
Differin comes in a gel form with a concentration of 0.1% w/w (weight per weight). You can apply it directly to the affected skin, and this should be sufficient to help clear up your folliculitis.
The gel comes in tubes of various sizes: 30g, 45g, or 50g. The size you'll be prescribed will be based on how long your clinician thinks you'll need to use it.
Adapalene can also be found in lotion or cream forms, which could be more suitable if you have particularly dry skin.
Adapalene gel is seen as a gentler option compared to other retinoids like tretinoin gel. A study conducted in China in 2001 found that adapalene was just as effective as tretinoin for treating acne, but it caused less irritation.
Other treatments for folliculitis that aren't prescribed off-label include topical antibiotics and antifungal creams. Since folliculitis can have various causes, identifying what's causing yours will guide the clinician in recommending the right treatment.
There aren't many studies on using Differin to treat folliculitis. However, adapalene, the active ingredient in the gel, is recognised as an effective treatment for acne.
Folliculitis and acne both cause redness, inflammation, and sometimes ingrown hairs. This means Differin might be a good treatment option for your folliculitis.
Differin isn't right for everyone, and there are a few things you should know before using it.
Here's all the official information about it. If anything isn't clear, please let our clinician know, and they can discuss it with you.
Medicines can cause side effects. Always read the leaflet that comes with your medication and report any side effects to your pharmacist.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) publishes the official leaflets for licensed UK medicines.
Every online consultation is reviewed by one of our pharmacists before any medicine is supplied. Each clinician is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council, and you can check their registration using the Verify link.
Superintendent Pharmacist and Independent Prescriber
Leads clinical governance at Westbury Chemist. Clinical interests include acute respiratory conditions, urinary tract infections and musculoskeletal conditions.
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
Clinical interests include ear, nose and throat conditions, high blood pressure and weight management.
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
Clinical interests include asthma, COPD and the management of long-term conditions.
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