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Acne vulgaris affects approximately 80% of young adults and adolescents in the world. Acne presents as comedones, pustules, papules, and nodules on the face, chest, shoulders, or back. It can lead to a significant decrease in quality of life with a high risk of associated depression and anxiety. Hyperstimulation of sebaceous glands by androgens play a pivotal role in acne pathogenesis. Clascoterone 1% cream is a first-in-class topical androgen receptor inhibitor approved for treatment of acne in patients 12 years and older. In the following real-world cases, expert dermatologists demonstrate use of clascoterone cream as monotherapy or in combination with other agents to treat acne in a variety of patients. Experts found that twice-daily use led to best overall results with patients. Real-world cases serve as invaluable guides for patients and dermatologists to help form personalized, targeted acne regimens. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24:1(Suppl 2):s3-10.

Background: Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory skin condition that is associated with poor acne health literacy. Diminished acne health literacy leads to delays in the access of health care, resulting in mismanagement, disfigurement, and psychosocial morbidity. This study evaluates the potential role of early acne education in young adolescent populations to improve acne health literacy and facilitate help-seeking behavior., Methods: The Acne Education Project is a Canadian medical student-led initiative founded to create evidence-based resources to increase acne health literacy. A 45-min interactive Zoom presentation on acne was created and delivered to 2292 students ages 9-13 in British Columbia, Canada. A quality improvement survey was administered pre-intervention, immediate post-intervention, and 1-month post-intervention to evaluate baseline acne knowledge and knowledge retention to guide presentation and resource development., Results: Responses from 676 unique individuals were collected. Analysis using linear mixed-effects models demonstrated that respondents were significantly more confident in their general knowledge of acne, strategies to prevent acne, identification of psychosocial sequelae of acne, and more willing to seek help immediately post-intervention (p < .001). Differences in scores were not fully preserved in magnitude at the 1-month post-intervention assessment. However, students still scored significantly higher in all categories compared to the pre-intervention baseline (p < .001)., Conclusion: Our findings suggest that early acne education can improve acne health literacy and promote help-seeking behavior. Given the potential long-term implications, further research is needed to explore the long-term impact of early acne education and the benefit of integrating acne education into the public education curriculum in Canada., (© 2023 The Authors. Pediatric Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Acne occurs in up to 90% of young adolescents, but prior research has found that this population exhibits a limited understanding of acne and is vulnerable to myths and misinformation accumulated from family members, friends, and social media. We created a virtual presentation on skin hygiene, acne prevention, and acne-associated stigma for adolescent youth (aged 9-13) to improve acne health literacy, which was reviewed by three board-certified dermatologists. A descriptive cross-sectional study using data collected for quality improvement (n = 209, total) revealed that approximately half (n = 102/202, 50.5%) of all students believed that acne could not be treated with medications, only 34.0% (n = 67/197) believed acne could impact their mental health, and most students incorrectly believed that dirt buildup (n = 124/209, 59.3%) and poor hygiene (n = 125/209, 59.8%) were pathogenic for acne. Our results stress the necessity of early evidence-based educational interventions as a cornerstone to breaking self-perpetuating myths and misinformation that may lead to acne mismanagement, delayed access to healthcare, and permanent scarring later in life., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Microbial strains such as Cutibacterium acnes have been examined as contributors to the pathogenesis of acne. Given the prevalence of the disease among adolescents and adults, the overutilization of antimicrobial agents may breed resistance and alter commensal microflora., Objectives: To characterize the impact of acne treatment on the diversity and relative abundance of the cutaneous microbial community, particularly of the bacterial flora., Methods: An electronic search was conducted of Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) on June 5, 2020. Interventional and observational studies examining patients receiving acne treatment with culture-independent, community-level analysis of the cutaneous microbiome were included., Results: Nine studies with 170 treated acne patients were included. Five studies reported a significant change in alpha diversity following treatment, 3 of which examining systemic antibiotics reported significant increases in diversity. Two of 3 studies examining effects of benzoyl peroxide reported a decrease in diversity. However, trends in diversity were heterogeneous among studies., Conclusions: While individual variability in microbiome composition, and study-level heterogeneity in study sampling techniques may limit quantitative synthesis, our results support findings that acne treatment, including those not considered to have antimicrobial properties, alters the composition of the cutaneous microbiome.PROSPERO registration: CRD42020190629.

Truncal acne – acne vulgaris involving the chest, back, or shoulders – is thought to be present in more than half of patients with acne. Because the study of acne has been focused on the face, there are sparse data in the literature about the clinical characteristics and management options for truncal acne. It is thought that the pathogenic process is similar between the face and the back, suggesting that treatments studied on the face may be suitable for use on the back. It is not uncommon for patients to omit discussion of truncal acne with their treating physician, and it is likely that non-facial acne is under-diagnosed and under-treated. Scarring and pigmentary problems are common sequelae of acne on the trunk, underscoring the need for early and effective treatment as a preventive measure. Truncal acne merits consideration and should be more thoroughly studied. Initiating treatment with a topical retinoid combined with an antimicrobial agent is logical for most patients with truncal acne, and mirrors recommendations for facial acne; however, there are additional considerations for truncal acne such as extension of the lesions, risk of antibiotic resistance due to large surface areas treated for a prolonged duration, accessibility of lesions, and discoloration of clothing or bedding due to topical products. Oral isotretinoin is the treatment of choice when truncal acne is severe. This article reviews available information as well as recent recommendations for treatment. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(12):1205-1208.

Acne vulgaris is the most common dermatological disorder globally.1,2 Psychological and emotional distress due to acne, including poor self-esteem, social anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation have been reported in various studies.3,4, Acne is a complex multifactorial disease with its pathophysiology incompletely elucidated.

Background: Scarring is a frequent consequence of acne., Objectives: Our objective was to evaluate the effect of up to 48 weeks' treatment with adapalene 0.3%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% (A0.3/BPO2.5) gel on atrophic scars in moderate or severe acne vulgaris., Methods: In Part 1 of this two-part study, A0.3/BPO2.5 gel or vehicle was applied on each half-face for 24 weeks in a randomized, investigator-blinded, split-face design. Part 2 was a 24-week, open-label extension phase during which A0.3/BPO2.5 gel was applied on both sides of the face. Assessments included investigator atrophic acne scar count, Scar Global Assessment (SGA), acne lesion count, local tolerability, and safety., Results: Of the 45 subjects entering Part 2, 41 completed the 48-week study. At baseline (Part 1), most subjects had moderate acne (93.3%) with mild scars (62.2%). The scar count decrease from baseline was 21.7% at week 24 and 26.9% at week 48 on the half-face treated for 48 weeks with A0.3/BPO2.5. For the half-face treated with vehicle followed by 24 weeks' A0.3/BPO2.5, scar count increased by 16.7% at week 24 (under vehicle) and decreased by 22.7% between weeks 24 and 48. The half-face that received 48 weeks' A0.3/BPO2.5 had a lower final atrophic scar count (mean 8.4 vs. 9.9 for the half-face with 24 weeks' vehicle then 24 weeks' A0.3/BPO2.5) and a higher percentage of SGA clear/almost clear. High reductions in acne lesions between baseline and week 48 were observed for both sides of the face. Long-term treatment with A0.3/BPO2.5 was safe and well-tolerated., Conclusions: Reductions in atrophic acne scars and acne lesions observed after 24 weeks of treatment with A0.3/BPO2.5 gel were maintained with treatment up to 48 weeks. The additional improvement in atrophic scar count with 48 weeks' A0.3/BPO2.5 treatment, compared to delayed application at 24 weeks, highlights the importance of early initiation of effective acne treatment to prevent and reduce the formation of acne scars., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02735421.

Background: Acne vulgaris often affects the face, shoulders, chest, and back, but treatment of nonfacial acne has not been rigorously studied., Objectives: Assess the safety and efficacy of trifarotene 50 μg/g cream, a novel topical retinoid, in moderate facial and truncal acne., Methods: Two phase III double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled, 12-week studies of once-daily trifarotene cream versus vehicle in subjects aged 9 years or older. The primary end points were rate of success on the face, as determined by the Investigator's Global Assessment (clear or almost clear and ≥2-grade improvement), and absolute change from baseline in inflammatory and noninflammatory counts from baseline to week 12. The secondary end points were rate of success on the trunk (clear or almost clear and ≥2-grade improvement) and absolute change in truncal inflammatory and noninflammatory counts from baseline to week 12. Safety was assessed through adverse events, local tolerability, vital signs, and routine laboratory testing results., Results: In both studies, at week 12 the facial success rates according to the Investigator's Global Assessment and truncal Physician's Global Assessment and change in inflammatory and noninflammatory lesion counts (both absolute and percentage) were all highly significant (P < .001) in favor of trifarotene when compared with the vehicle., Limitations: Adjunctive topical or systemic treatments were not studied., Conclusion: These studies demonstrate that trifarotene appears to be safe, effective, and well tolerated in treatment of both facial and truncal acne., (Copyright © 2019 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Very few clinical trials have investigated the effect of topical acne treatment on scarring., Objectives: Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of adapalene 0.3%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel (A0.3/BPO2.5) in atrophic acne scar formation in patients with acne., Methods: In this multicenter, randomized, investigator-blinded, vehicle-controlled study, subjects with moderate or severe facial acne (Investigator's Global Assessment [IGA] score 3 or 4; ≥ 25 inflammatory lesions; ten or more atrophic acne scars) applied A0.3/BPO2.5 or vehicle daily per half face for 24 weeks. Subjects with acne requiring systemic treatment were excluded. Assessments included investigator atrophic acne scar count, Scar Global Assessment (SGA), acne lesion count, IGA, skin roughness and skin texture, subject self-assessment of clinical acne-related scars and satisfaction questionnaire, tolerability, and safety., Results: Included subjects (n = 67) had mainly moderate acne (92.5% IGA 3); mean scores at baseline were approximately 40 acne lesions and 12 scars per half face. By week 24, the change from baseline in total scar count was - 15.5% for A0.3/BPO2.5 versus  + 14.4% for vehicle (approximately 30% difference), with a mean of 9.5 scars versus 13.3 per half face, respectively (p < 0.0001). For SGA at week 24, a total of 32.9% with A0.3/BPO2.5 versus 16.4% with vehicle (p < 0.01) were clear/almost clear. Inflammatory acne lesions decreased by 86.7% for A0.3/BPO2.5 versus 57.9% for vehicle (p < 0.0001), and 64.2 versus 19.4% of subjects, respectively, were IGA clear/almost clear (p < 0.0001) at week 24. Treatment-related AEs were reported by 20.9% for A0.3/BPO2.5 versus 9% for vehicle side, most commonly skin irritation (14.9 vs. 6%, respectively)., Conclusions: Topical A0.3/BPO2.5 prevented and reduced atrophic scar formation. Scar count increased with vehicle (+ 14.4%) but decreased with A0.3/BPO2.5 (- 15.5%) over 24 weeks., Trial Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02735421.

Background: Acne treatment recommendations for individual patients may be derived from multiple factors including dermatologist- and patient-reported constructs., Objectives: To evaluate the effects of dermatologist- and patient-reported measures on acne treatment recommendations by dermatologists., Methods: An observational cross-sectional survey of acne patients was conducted with patient-reported quality of life and dermatologist-reported measures of primary and secondary (scar) acne severity using 3 assessment approaches: maximal regional grade, total grade, and facial grade., Results: The most highly associated factors with acne treatment recommendations were patient emotions, maximal regional acne severity, and total acne scar grade. Better acne-specific quality of life was negatively related to acne treatment recommendation intensity, while all 3 grading approaches were positively related to acne treatment recommendations., Conclusions: For dermatologists, overall acne severity is most highly associated with maximal regional acne grade, total scar grade, and patient's emotional response to acne., (© The Author(s) 2015.)

Introduction: Multiple topical therapies are available for mild to moderate acne vulgaris. The role of antibiotics and their resistance in the treatment of acne was reviewed by an expert panel of dermatologists who practice in Canada., Methods: Prior to the consensus meeting, the panel members filled out a survey on their current practice using topical treatment for acne. A literature review was carried out using information obtained from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline, and EMBASE. During a consensus meeting organized at the Spring Dermatology Update on April 27, 2014 in Toronto, ON, the panel had a blind vote on the issues at hand., Results: The panel reached consensus on: 1) Antibiotics are an integral part of acne treatment not only due to their antibiotic effect but also by their anti-inflammatory action. 2) Oral antibiotics should be used for a short period of time if possible. 3) Topical antibiotics should not be used in monotherapy. 4) Retinoids are effective in reducing antibiotic resistance. 5) A benzoyl peroxide wash is as effective as topical benzoyl peroxide in reducing antibiotic resistance. 6) Therapy needs to be re-evaluated in 6-8 weeks versus 12 weeks. The recommendations given by the panel are to be disseminated to both general practitioners and dermatologists., Conclusion: For mild to moderate acne treatment, topical antibiotics in monotherapy are not to be used but may be combined with a retinoid or BPO to safely achieve more successful outcomes.

Background: Most treatment guidelines for acne are based on clinical severity. Our objective was to expand that approach to one that also comprised individualized patient features: a case-based approach., Methods: An expert panel of Canadian dermatologists was established to develop demographic and clinical features considered to be particularly important in acne treatment selection. A nominal group consensus process was used for inclusion of features and corresponding appropriate treatments., Results: Consensus was achieved on the following statements: follicular epithelial dysfunction contributes to acne pathogenesis; inflammation from underlying disease(s) or prior treatment may impact further patient management; management focusing on specific patient features and on addressing psychosocial factors, including impact on quality of life, may improve treatment adherence and outcomes; and case-based scenarios are a practical approach to illustrate the effect of these factors. To address the latter, eight case profiles were developed., Conclusions: Management of acne should be based on multifactorial considerations beyond clinically determined acne severity and should include patient-reported impact, gender, skin sensitivity (including preexisting dermatoses), and phototype.

Topical dapsone 5% gel for the treatment of mild to moderate acne has been shown to be effective in randomized controlled studies. A total of 101 adult women with mild to moderate facial inflammatory acne participated in a 12-week cohort study to evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of dapsone gel 5% in this specific group who often complain of sensitive skin. The women were instructed to apply dapsone 5% gel twice daily after washing their face with a standard noncomedogenic soap-free cleanser. Treatment outcome was evaluated using physician-scored Global Acne Assessment Scale (GAAS) and patient-reported facial skin condition. Ninety-three women completed the study (6 were lost to follow-up and 2 had mild skin irritation). At 12 weeks, significant physician GAAS scores (t55 = 8.85, P = .001) and patient-reported lesion reductions were shown. Treatment success (GAAS 0 or 1) at 12 weeks was achieved in 69.4% (n = 75) of women (t94 = 4.17, P = .001), improving patient-reported quality-of-life aspects. Topical dapsone gel 5% was shown to be safe, minimally irritating, and effective in the treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory facial acne in adult women with sensitive skin.

Acne vulgaris is a common disease in adolescents, and early treatment may minimize its physical and psychological effects. A fixed-dose combination gel of adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5% (adapalene-BPO) is efficacious and safe in the treatment of acne patients aged 12 years or older, as demonstrated in three randomized and controlled studies. The current study is a subgroup analysis of the efficacy and safety of adapalene-BPO among 2,453 patients aged 12-17 years. After 12 weeks of treatment, significantly more patients in the adapalene-BPO group were "clear" or "almost clear" (30.9%, P < 0.001) compared to the monotherapies and vehicle. The percentage reduction from baseline in total, inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions was 56, 63 and 54.5 percent in the adapalene-BPO group, respectively, significantly higher than in the monotherapy groups and vehicle (all P < 0.001). Significantly earlier onset of effect was observed at week 1. Adapalene-BPO was also well tolerated, with the mean scores of dryness, erythema, scaling and stinging/burning less than 1 (mild) at all study visits. Overall, the adapalene-BPO combination gel provides significantly greater and synergistic efficacy and a fast onset of action compared to the monotherapies and vehicle in young acne patients aged 12-17 years.

Background: scarring is an important component of overall acne severity, but there are no global scales for its evaluation inclusive of the face and trunk., Objective: our objective was to develop a global scale for acne scar severity inclusive of the trunk and the face., Methods: a six-category global severity scale (SCAR-S) was developed for assessment of acne scarring at each of the face, chest, and back. We evaluated SCAR-S against acne severity and patient-reported scar severity., Results: of 973 subjects, 73% reported acne scarring. Self-assessment of scarring was associated with facial SCAR-S and overall SCAR-S scores (p < .001, r = .31 and .30, respectively). Acne scarring was observed at the face in 87%, the back in 51%, and the chest in 38%. Clinically relevant scarring (mild or greater) at each of these regions was 55%, 24%, and 14%, respectively. Acne severity correlated with SCAR-S (p < .001) for the back (r = .612), the chest (r = .548), and the face (r = .514). Acne duration correlated with patient-reported severity of scarring (r = .244) and overall SCAR-S scores (r = .152). Clinically relevant scarring increased with acne duration., Conclusion: SCAR-S is a practical, validated, global system for acne scar evaluation and is clinically relevant in overall severity grading of acne.

Background: Topical medications are the most commonly prescribed treatments for acne patients. However, adherence to these treatments and possible associations with clinical severity and quality of life (QoL) impact are unclear., Purpose: We evaluated the association between sociodemographic factors, clinical severity, and QoL impact and adherence to topical acne treatments., Methods: This was an observational study of acne patients referred for usual care to community-based dermatologists. Adherence was assessed with questionnaires after 2 months of acne therapy. The associations of adherence with factors of interest were evaluated by chi-square analysis and Spearman rank correlation., Results: In 152 acne patients treated with topical medications, low adherence was observed in 26%, medium in 49%, and high in 24%. Age, gender, duration of acne, education level, third-party drug plan coverage, smoking history, recreational drug use, ingestion of alcohol, and number of prescribed topical agents were not significantly associated with adherence. Adherence was significantly positively correlated with QoL impact (r = .24, p = .003), with the role-emotional and self-perception domains having the highest correlations. In contrast, adherence was weakly negatively correlated with facial acne severity (r = -.16, p = .047)., Limitations: This study focused on facial acne, and adherence was based on patient reporting., Conclusions: Adherence to topical acne therapy increases with impact on QoL but decreases with increasing acne severity.

Background: Previous smaller studies suggest that age, gender, and duration of acne may individually be associated with clinical acne severity and quality of life (QoL) impact., Objective: Our purpose was to concurrently evaluate the association of demographic factors with clinical acne severity and with QoL impact., Methods: Clinical acne severity was assessed using the Investigators Global Assessment, whereas QoL impact was evaluated by the patient-completed Acne-QoL. These outcomes were correlated with sociodemographic variables, including age, gender, and duration of acne., Results: In 862 acne patients, clinical severity was associated with younger age, male gender, and shorter acne duration (1-5 years). In contrast, greater impact on QoL was associated with older age, female gender, and longer acne duration (> 5 years)., Conclusions: Clinical and QoL measures each differentiate between groups of patients most severely affected by acne. Our findings reinforce the imperative for clinicians to use both measures for comprehensive patient management., Limitations: Study limitations include referral population of acne patients and the restriction of outcome measures to facial acne.

Background: There is a paucity of information on the prevalence and severity of acne of the face, chest, and back., Purpose: This study was designed to examine the prevalence and severity of acne on the face, chest, and back in a referral cohort of patients with acne using a validated global acne severity scale., Methods: Acne patients referred to dermatologists were evaluated at the face, chest, and back. Chi-square testing was performed to assess consistency between patient and physician assessments of each region. The correlation of acne severity between regions was evaluated by Spearman's rank correlation., Results: In 965 patients, the prevalence of acne on the face, chest, and back was 92%, 45%, and 61%, respectively. Acne severity was significantly correlated for all regional pairs (P<.001): face and back (r=0.11); face and chest (r=0.12); and chest and back (r=0.67). The consistency of patient reporting and clinical evaluation for the presence of acne varied by region: face=92%, chest=69%, and back=74%. The proportions of patients reporting no occurrence of acne when clinical acne was indeed absent (negative predictive value) were 67% and 65% for the chest and back, respectively., Limitations: The operational threshold for clinical acne (>mild) may underestimate the total proportion of affected patients. These patients were referred to dermatologists for care and may represent a more severe cohort., Conclusion: Acne affected the face in 92% and the trunk in just over 60% (with the back more frequently and severely affected than the chest). Acne severity was observed to have a much higher correlation between chest and back than face and back or face and chest. Patient-reporting evaluations of absence of acne on the chest and back are frequently erroneous, mandating clinical evaluations of these sites for assessment of overall extent.

Background: Although more than 25 acne grading systems exist, only 2 are inclusive of truncal acne. There is neither a gold standard nor a consistently used standardized system., Purpose: Our purpose was to develop and validate an acne grading system incorporating severity at the face, chest, and back., Methods: We developed a comprehensive acne severity scale (CASS) by modifying a preexisting facial acne scale, the Investigator Global Assessment, to include truncal acne. The validity and responsiveness of CASS grades were correlated with Leeds scores at baseline and after 6 months of standard acne treatment., Results: Spearman correlations were significant between Leeds and CASS grades for the face (0.823), chest (0.854), and back (0.872), respectively (p < .001). After 6 months of therapy, changes in these scores were also significantly correlated (p < .001) at all three sites., Conclusion: Concurrent validity of CASS is demonstrated by a very strong correlation with Leeds grading. CASS is simpler to use than the Leeds system and more appropriate for translation of research trial results to clinical practice.

Background: A new aqueous gel formulation of dapsone has been developed that allows clinically-effective doses of dapsone to be administered topically with minimal systemic absorption., Objectives: The goal of these studies was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dapsone gel, 5% in the treatment of acne., Methods: Patients 12 years of age and older with acne vulgaris (N = 3010) participated in two identically-designed 12-week, randomized, double-blind studies of twice-daily monotherapy with dapsone gel, 5%, versus a vehicle gel., Results: Dapsone gel-treated patients achieved superior results in terms of the investigator's global acne assessment (P < .001) and the mean percentage reduction in inflammatory, noninflammatory, and total lesion counts (all, P < .001) at week 12. Reductions in inflammatory lesion counts favoring dapsone gel over vehicle were apparent as early as 2 weeks and reached statistical significance by 4 weeks. No clinically significant changes in laboratory parameters, including hemoglobin, even among glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-deficient patients, were observed. Adverse events were comparable between the treatment groups and rarely led to discontinuation., Limitations: Adjunctive topical treatments and their impact on acne were not studied in this trial., Conclusions: Dapsone gel, 5% appears to be an effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment for acne vulgaris, with a rapid onset of action.

Background: Combination treatments for acne vulgaris, such as Benzamycin (3% erythromycin/5% benzoyl peroxide) and Stievamycin (0.025% tretinoin/erythromycin 4%), reduce bacterial growth, which contributes to the inflammatory lesions typical of adolescent acne, and also decrease the epidermal cell compaction which may form the characteristic noninflammatory comedone. Both agents contain erythromycin to reduce the growth of Propionibacterium acnes in skin. Benzoyl peroxide has antibiotic activity as well as anticomedogenic properties. Tretinoin may increase the turnover of epidermal cells and loosen the cells compacted to form comedones. A combination preparation containing the two antibiotics may reduce the development of resistance; the combination preparation containing tretinoin and erythromycin will have an antibiotic effect as well as acting on differentiation., Patients and Methods: This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel group study compared the effectiveness of 3% erythromycin/5% benzoyl peroxide and 0.025% tretinoin/erythromycin 4%, each applied twice daily in patients with moderate acne vulgaris. Overall physician and patient ratings of severity of acne symptoms were performed at baseline and at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12., Results: At baseline the two treatment groups had similar disease severity. The number of papules, pustules, and comedones was reduced in both treatment groups at week 12, and the reductions were not significantly different between the two comparators. Global physician rating of improvement was significantly higher in the 3% erythromycin/5% benzoyl peroxide group compared with the 0.025% tretinoin/erythromycin 4% group; however, there was no significant difference in global patient ratings between the two treatment groups. An aggregate score was produced, for both physician rating and patient rating, by adding up individual symptom severity ratings. Compared with 0.025% tretinoin/erythromycin 4%, 3% erythromycin/5% benzoyl peroxide provided significantly greater reduction in both physician- and patient-rated severity of acne symptoms; there was a significant difference between the two groups as early as week 2. The 3% erythromycin/5% benzoyl peroxide demonstrated significantly greater reduction of erythema and scaling, as evaluated by the study physician, compared with tretinoin 0.025%/erythromycin 4%. Patients judged 3% erythromycin/5% benzoyl peroxide to have a significantly greater effect on redness, dryness, oiliness, and burning., Conclusion: In moderate acne vulgaris, 3% erythromycin/5% benzoyl peroxide may provide a greater beneficial effect than 0.025% tretinoin/erythromycin 4%.

Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common skin condition that can cause substantial psychosocial impact. Treatments of AV target clearing and prevention of lesions and reducing scarring and dyspigmentation. Numerous medications are used to target one or more of the pathogenetic factors contributing to AV. The irritative potential of acne products and their tolerability are important aspects that may affect patient adherence to therapies. Adjunctive skincare products offer several benefits to acne-prone skin, by reducing redness, inflammation, and discomfort and improving skin texture. In addition, complementing AV prescription interventions reduces the time to healing of lesions, the extent of scarring, and the number and severity of breakouts. This multicentre, open-label, single-cohort study evaluated the use of ceramide-containing hydrating cream-to-foam cleanser and facial moisturizing lotion for improving topical treatment tolerability and adherence in facial acne. Combining a proper skincare regimen with acne treatments may help decrease their irritating potential and support the skin barrier, which can improve treatment adherence and ultimately, treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]