Complete Guide to Acne Medications Available in Kenya

This comprehensive guide covers all acne medications available in Kenya, their effectiveness, costs, and how to use them properly.

## Over-the-Counter Treatments

### Benzoyl Peroxide

**How it Works**
- Kills acne bacteria
- Reduces inflammation
- Helps unclog pores
- Available in 2.5%, 5%, 10%

**Products in Kenya**
- Benzac AC Gel
- PanOxyl
- Generic versions
- Cost: KES 200-500

**Usage Tips**
- Start with 2.5%
- Apply once daily initially
- Increase gradually
- Can bleach fabrics

### Salicylic Acid

**Benefits**
- Exfoliates dead skin
- Unclogs pores
- Reduces oiliness
- 0.5-2% concentrations

**Available Products**
- Neutrogena cleansers
- Clean & Clear
- Local pharmacy brands
- Cost: KES 300-800

**Application**
- Use in cleanser or toner
- Daily use safe
- Good for blackheads
- Less irritating than benzoyl peroxide

### Adapalene (Differin)

**Recent OTC Status**
- Previously prescription-only
- 0.1% gel available
- Retinoid benefits
- Cost: KES 1,500-2,500

**Usage Protocol**
- Start 2-3 times weekly
- Increase gradually
- Night application only
- Use sunscreen daily

## Prescription Topical Treatments

### Tretinoin (Retin-A)

**Strengths Available**
- 0.025% (starter)
- 0.05% (moderate)
- 0.1% (strong)
- Cost: KES 450-650

**Benefits**
- Prevents clogged pores
- Reduces inflammation
- Improves skin texture
- Anti-aging benefits

**Side Effects**
- Initial purging
- Dryness and peeling
- Sun sensitivity
- Redness

### Clindamycin

**Formulations**
- 1% gel or lotion
- Often combined with benzoyl peroxide
- Cost: KES 350-600

**Effectiveness**
- Reduces bacteria
- Anti-inflammatory
- Good for inflammatory acne
- Less drying than other options

### Azelaic Acid

**Benefits**
- Antibacterial
- Reduces pigmentation
- Gentle for sensitive skin
- 15-20% prescription strength

**Availability**
- Limited in Kenya
- Cost: KES 800-1,200
- Some online options

## Oral Medications

### Antibiotics

**Doxycycline**
- First-line oral treatment
- 50-100mg daily
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Cost: KES 250-400/month

**Minocycline**
- Alternative to doxycycline
- Less sun sensitivity
- More expensive
- Cost: KES 500-800/month

**Azithromycin**
- Pulse therapy option
- 3 days weekly
- Good compliance
- Cost: KES 600-900/month

### Isotretinoin (Accutane)

**When Prescribed**
- Severe cystic acne
- Scarring acne
- Failed other treatments
- Last resort option

**Dosing**
- 0.5-1mg/kg daily
- 4-6 month course
- Cost: KES 800-1,800/month

**Monitoring Required**
- Monthly blood tests
- Liver function
- Lipid levels
- Pregnancy tests (women)

**Side Effects**
- Severe dryness
- Joint pain
- Mood changes
- Birth defects risk

## Combination Treatments

### Epiduo
- Adapalene + Benzoyl peroxide
- Synergistic effect
- Once daily
- Limited availability

### BenzaClin
- Clindamycin + Benzoyl peroxide
- Reduces resistance
- Twice daily
- Refrigeration needed

## Treatment Algorithms

### Mild Acne
1. Start: Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid
2. Add: Adapalene if needed
3. Consider: Topical antibiotic

### Moderate Acne
1. Combination topical therapy
2. Add oral antibiotic
3. Continue 3-4 months
4. Maintain with topicals

### Severe Acne
1. Oral antibiotic + topical retinoid
2. Consider isotretinoin early
3. Address scarring
4. Long-term maintenance

## Cost Comparison

### Monthly Expenses
- OTC only: KES 500-1,500
- Prescription topicals: KES 1,000-3,000
- Oral antibiotics add: KES 500-1,000
- Isotretinoin total: KES 2,000-4,000

## Where to Buy

### Pharmacies
- Goodlife Pharmacy
- Haltons Pharmacy
- MYDAWA (online)
- Local chemists

### Hospitals
- Outpatient pharmacies
- Often cheaper
- Genuine products
- Prescription required

## Generic vs Brand

### Generic Advantages
- 50-70% cheaper
- Same active ingredient
- Widely available
- Equally effective

### When to Choose Brand
- Specific formulation needed
- Better vehicle/base
- Sensitive skin
- Doctor recommendation

## Starting Treatment Tips

1. **Go Slow**: Introduce one product at a time
2. **Be Patient**: 6-12 weeks for results
3. **Expect Purging**: Initial worsening normal
4. **Moisturize**: Combat dryness
5. **Sun Protection**: Essential with most treatments
6. **Document Progress**: Photos monthly
7. **Follow Instructions**: Don't overuse
8. **Complete Course**: Especially antibiotics