INTRODUCTION

Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition caused by various factors within the pilosebaceous unit. Propolis, a sticky, brown, and fragrant resinous material made by bees, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and can help address some of the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy and safety of propolis 10% cream versus benzoyl peroxide (BPO) 5% cream on mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

METHOD

The study included 46 participants with mild to moderate acne or Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) grade 2 or 3, randomized to receive propolis 10% or BPO 5% cream twice daily for 8 weeks. Primary outcomes were IGA success rates (score of 0 or 1), 50% lesion reduction, adverse reactions, and quality of life changes measured by the DLQI.

RESULTS

The study found that the success rate was 15% in the propolis group and 9% in the BPO group. In clinical response, 25% of patients in the propolis group and 52.38% in the benzoyl peroxide (BPO) group showed improvement in inflammatory lesions. For non-inflammatory lesions, 5% of patients in the propolis group demonstrated improvement, compared to 28.57% in the BPO group (p=0.538). 5% of the propolis group reported itching and burning, while 9.52% of the BPO group reported scaling (p=0.1806). Both groups showed significant decreases in DLQI scores from baseline to the fourth follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Topical propolis 10% cream can be an alternative acne treatment, given its comparable effect to BPO and its excellent safety profile.

Acne Vulgaris ; Benzoyl Peroxide

BACKGROUND

Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder among adolescents and young adults, with a worldwide prevalence of 9.4%. Both 5% dapsone gel and 5% benzoyl peroxide gel (BPO) have been reported in literature to have antimicrobial action against Cutibacterium acnes.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of 5% dapsone gel versus 5% BPO gel in Filipino patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris in a tertiary hospital.

METHODS

Phase 1 involved compounding 5% dapsone gel and assessing its safety in healthy individuals through a repeated open application test in 30 participants. In phase 2, a double- blinded experimental study compared the efficacy and safety of both groups. Participants were randomized through block design. Efficacy and safety was assessed using the Global Acne Assessment Score (GAAS) and lesion count, and monitoring the adverse effects. The Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) questionnaire was utilized to evaluate the impact on quality of life.

RESULTS

In phase 1, 56.7% of the participants were female and the only reported adverse event was pruritus (13.3%). In phase 2, both the BPO and dapsone group had 35 participants enrolled. Most are female (75.7%) with a mean age of 24. Results showed improvement in the GAAS from moderate to mild, a decrease in inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions, and a reduction in side effects during the succeeding visits in both groups.

CONCLUSION

5% dapsone gel and 5% BPO were both efficacious and safe for mild to moderate acne management.

Human ; Acne ; Acne Vulgaris ; Dapsone ; Benzoyl Peroxide

Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a common dermatologic disorder caused by follicular epidermal hyperproliferation, excess se- bum production, inflammation, and Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes). The mangosteen fruit rind contains large amount of xantho- nes, which has high antimicrobial activity against C. acnes. Objectives: To compare the efficacy and safety of mangosteen 1% extract gel versus benzoyl peroxide (BPO) 5% gel in the treat- ment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Methods A total of 60 participants with mild to moderate acne or a rating of 2 or 3 in the Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) for acne were randomized to receive either mangosteen 1% extract gel or BPO 5% gel applied on the face twice daily over an 8-week period. Primary outcomes measured in the study were clinical remission graded as “clear” or “almost clear” (rating of 0 or 1) based on the IGA and any adverse reaction.
Acne Vulgaris ; Benzoyl Peroxide

Acne vulgaris is a very common condition affecting up of about 80% to 90% of adolescents. The patients with acne have been shown to be adversely impacted by the effect of acne on their quality of life. Four factors are believed to play a key role in the development of acne lesions: excess sebum production, disturbed keratinization within the follicle, colonization of the pilosebaceous duct by Propionibacterium acnes, and the release of inflammatory mediators into the skin. Consequently, the target for acne therapy is these well-known pathogenic factors responsible for this disease state. Topical retinoids correct abnormal keratinization, but it should be applied cautiously because of irritation. Benzoyl peroxide is an effective bactericidal agent against P. acnes. Main topical antibiotics are erythromycin and clindamycin. Fixed combination topical products with retinoids, benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics have been introduced. Use of systemic antibiotics, including tetracyclines and macrolides rapidly improves inflammatory acne lesions. Oral isotretinoin is effective against all of the main pathogenic features of acne but is contraindicated in pregnant women and has been associated with cheilitis and dry skin. Hormonal therapy has been found to improve acne in some selective patients and should be considered for appropriate candidates. This review will present the general aspects of the pharmacological treatments for acne.
Acne Vulgaris ; Adolescent ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Benzoyl Peroxide ; Cheilitis ; Clindamycin ; Colon ; Drug Therapy ; Erythromycin ; Female ; Humans ; Isotretinoin ; Macrolides ; Pregnant Women ; Propionibacterium acnes ; Quality of Life ; Retinoids ; Sebum ; Skin ; Tetracyclines

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of daily maintenance treatment with an adapalene-benzoyl peroxide (adapalene-BPO) fixed-dose combination gel is established in acne vulgaris in adults. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of twice-per-week maintenance therapy with an adapalene-BPO combination gel for acne vulgaris in adults. METHODS: All patients applied the adapalene-BPO combination gel once daily during the initial 8 weeks. Subsequently, the patients were randomized into two groups. The maintenance group applied the ointment twice-per-week for 12 weeks of maintenance treatment, while the control group discontinued treatment after the initial 8 weeks active treatment. The changes in the mean numbers of total, inflammatory, and non-inflammatory lesions were assessed. RESULTS: During maintenance treatment, the changes in the average numbers of total and inflammatory lesions in the maintenance group differed significantly from the control group. CONCLUSION: Twice-per-week application of an adapalene-BPO combination gel after active treatment appears to be a good option for the maintenance therapy of acne vulgaris in adults.
Acne Vulgaris* ; Adult* ; Benzoyl Peroxide ; Humans ; Adapalene

Introduction: The researchers aimed to determine the efficacy of tea tree oil in comparison to benzoyl peroxide in treating mild acne. This study also aimed to identify the side effects of both treatment modalities. Methods: Using a randomized single blinded controlled clinical trial, teenagers and young adults with mild acne vulgaris were allocated to receive tea tree oil gel or benzoyl peroxide for four weeks. The effectiveness of the agents was measured using the Investigator's Global Assessment Scale. Posttreatment scores were compared with the baseline within groups. The difference was compared between the two study arms. Adverse reactions to the two agents were also noted. Results : Both tea tree oil and benzoyl peroxide groups showed a significant decrease in the posttreatment lesion counts compared to the baseline, however when the mean differences were compared between groups, the difference was not significant. Conclusion Tea tree oil is comparable to benzoyl peroxide in treating mild acne vulgaris among teenagers and young adults.
Tea Tree Oil ; Benzoyl Peroxide

BACKGROUND: An antibiotic-free, fixed-dose combination gel with adapalene (A) 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) 2.5% has been developed for treatment of acne vulgaris. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical outcomes of A-BPO combination gel with vehicle gel for treatment or maintenance therapy of patients with acne vulgaris. METHODS: An electronic search of the database PubMed (1966 to September 2012), Embase (1984 to September 2012), and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CENTRAL; 3rd Quarter, 2012) was undertaken to identify relevant studies. Main clinical outcomes were success rate, treatment-related adverse events (AEs), AEs leading to discontinuation, satisfaction with the effectiveness, and overall satisfaction. RESULTS: Six studies were finally included in this meta-analysis. The A-BPO group yielded better clinical outcomes regarding the success rate (p<0.00001), satisfaction with the effectiveness of treatment (p=0.005), and overall satisfaction (p=0.005) compared to the vehicle group. The incidence of treatment-related AEs in the A-BPO group was comparable with that of vehicle group (p=0.09), while the A-BPO group was associated with a slightly increase in the incidence of AEs leading to discontinuation when compared with the vehicle group (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: A-BPO combination gel yields better clinical outcomes including success rate, satisfaction with the effectiveness, and overall satisfaction compared to vehicle gel, despite an increased incidence of AEs leading to discontinuation. The A-BPO combination agent most likely contributes to the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris rather than severe acne vulgaris, but it may be useful in maintenance therapy of patients with severe acne vulgaris.
Acne Vulgaris* ; Benzoyl Peroxide ; Humans ; Incidence ; Adapalene

BACKGROUND: While adapalene and benzoyl peroxide have both been demonstrated to be effective for the treatment of acne vulgaris, they can also cause skin irritation, resulting in patient incompliance. In addition, the irritation may be severe when adapalene is co-administered with benzoyl peroxide. OBJECTIVE: The intention of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adapalene 0.1%-benzoyl peroxide 2.5% fixed-dose combination gel, and adapalene 0.1% gel monotherapy, for the treatment of mild to moderate acne. Any changes in the skin barrier function were also measured. METHODS: A total of 52 patients applied adapalene-benzoyl peroxide gel or adapalene gel once daily. The changes in lesion counts, investigator's global assessment, patient satisfaction, and adverse events were recorded for 6 weeks. The biophysical profiles of the skin, including transepidermal water loss and redness, were measured for 3 weeks. RESULTS: Both agents were effective for the treatment of acne lesions. Adapalene-benzoyl peroxide showed a faster onset of action than adapalene, especially on inflammatory lesions. However, at week 6, both agents showed a similar effect in reducing lesion counts. While most patients in both groups experienced skin irritation from week 1, this gradually reduced. Likewise, the changes in transepidermal water loss and redness showed peak rates at week 1 and 2, but decreased over time. CONCLUSION: Adapalene-benzoyl peroxide gel is effective for the treatment of acne with a safety profile comparable to adapalene gel. The skin irritation experienced may be associated with the changes in skin barrier disruption, which lasts for 1~2 weeks.
Acne Vulgaris* ; Benzoyl Peroxide ; Humans ; Intention ; Patient Satisfaction ; Skin* ; Adapalene

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of Chinese medical facial mask comprehensive therapy in treating acne vulgaris.

METHODSTotally 233 acne vulgaris patients (FAS set) in I -III degree were randomly assigned to the facial mask group (113 cases) and the Western medicine group (120 cases). They were respectively treated with external application of Chinese medical facial mask (twice a week) and 5% benzoyl peroxide gel (Benzine, once in the evening). The treatment lasted for four successive weeks. The integrals of lesions and the improvement of Chinese medicine syndrome integrals were observed 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after treatment respectively. The occurrence of adverse reactions was recorded. The subjects' evaluation on using the Chinese medical facial mask comprehensive therapy was also recorded.

RESULTSTotally 228 of the 233 patients completed the therapeutic course (7 cases of overtime, 221 cases of PPS set, 105 cases in the facial mask group and 116 cases in the Western medicine group). After 4 weeks of treatment, the lesions and the total effective rate of CM symptoms were obviously higher in the facial mask group than in the control group (46.9% vs 30.0%, 70.8% vs 55.8%, P < 0.05). The statistical results of FAS set and PPS set showed no difference. After 4 weeks of treatment, the integrals of PPS lesions and the CM syndrome integrals in the facial mask group were lower than in the Western medicine group, showing statistical difference (P < or = 0.05). After 2 weeks and 4 weeks of treatment, the integrals of lesions and the CM syndrome integrals of FAS set and PPS set were all higher in the facial mask group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The occurrence of adverse reactions was 1.8% (2/113) in the facial mask group and 2.5% (3/120) in the control group without statistical difference (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSChinese medical facial mask comprehensive therapy is safe and effective in treating acne vulgaris of I - III degree. The occurrence of adverse reactions is very low. It is easy to operate and spread.

Acne Vulgaris ; drug therapy ; Benzoyl Peroxide ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Gels ; Humans ; Male ; Phytotherapy

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous adverse reactions are often observed during chemotherapy with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors including papulopustular eruptions, xerosis and paronychia. OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the cutaneous adverse reactions induced by EGFR inhibitors including erlotinib, gefitinib and cetuximab which have commonly been used as chemotherapeutic agents in Korea. METHODS: We reviewed cutaneous adverse effects through the medical records and clinical photographs of 43 Korean patients who had been treated with erlotinib, gefitinib or cetuximab at Pusan Paik Hospital between June 2003 and January 2010. RESULTS: Papulopustular eruptions occurred in 28 patients (65.1%); they were easily controlled by topical benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin and a retinoid, or by oral minocycline and tetracycline. There were no significant differences in incidence, duration and severity grades of papulopustular eruptions among EGFR inhibitors. In contrast to previous studies, the frequency and severity of papulopustular eruptions were not significantly correlated with treatment responses to EGFR inhibitors. Xerosis appeared in 14 patients (41%), and was easily controlled by topical emollients and steroids, and by systemic steroids and antihistamines. Paronychia occurred in 8 patients (18.6%) and were controlled by conservative treatments. CONCLUSION: Papulopustular eruptions, xerosis and paronychia are common cutaneous adverse reactions associated with EGFR inhibitors and there are no significant differences in adverse cutaneous reactions among EGFR inhibitors. As these cutaneous adverse reactions are relatively easily controlled with treatment, it will be helpful to detect and treat these adverse reactions early, including reassuring the patients, which should increase compliance of patients during treatment with EGFR inhibitors.
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized ; Benzoyl Peroxide ; Clindamycin ; Compliance ; Emollients ; Epidermal Growth Factor ; Histamine Antagonists ; Humans ; Incidence ; Medical Records ; Minocycline ; Paronychia ; Quinazolines ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor ; Steroids ; Tetracycline ; Cetuximab ; Erlotinib Hydrochloride