Magnesium Sulfate Paste BP (which contains phenol and glycerol) is licensed as a drawing paste to help treat minor skin infections including boils.27

Nicotinamide has significant anti-inflammatory effects which can have beneficial effects in acne when applied topically. The BNF notes that “preparations containing aluminium oxide are not considered beneficial in acne”.10,27

Preparations with zinc oxide or calamine may help ‘dry out’ a spot but will not prevent further acne spots.

Emollients may be of help where there is a dryness to the skin, such as in keratosis pilaris, but moisturisers may aggravate folliculitis.4,17