Azelaic acid cream, available over the counter. Azelaic acid cream belongs to the prescription class of drugs and is mainly used for the topical treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris, and is also effective for rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis. Adverse reactions are generally mild and transient, but in the event of allergic or severe irritation, it should be discontinued immediately and treated appropriately. It must be prescribed by a doctor or someone with prescribing authority before it can be purchased over the counter and cannot be purchased on your own. The use of azelaic acid cream needs to be under the guidance of a doctor and should not be used blindly on its own to avoid adverse effects.