Shereene IdrissBoard Certified Derm, Founder and Chief Nerd

Derm Explains The Azelaic Acid Itch

31 Aug 2026 · 0 min

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0:22

Dermatologist Shereene Idriss explains why azelaic acid causes itching within 10 to 20 minutes of application. The sensation is normal and usually fades after two to three weeks, but stop using it if it burns or gets worse.

Why can't we tolerate azelaic acid and what is going on? Put it on for 10 minutes and you get super itchy. It's normal. So if you look at the prescription insert of azelaic acid, it talks about the itch where the first 10 to 20 minutes of your face are going to be itchy. But this usually goes away after 2 to 3 weeks. If it continues and you have burning, you might want to stop and maybe you're personally getting irritated.

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