Role of cleansers in the management of acne: Results of an Italian survey in 786 patients

Modern therapy of acne is based also on moisturizers, cleansers and sunscreens. However, a few studies have been published on cleansers, and never in Italy.We decided to carry out an epidemiological study on the knowledge, beliefs and perceptions of acne patients regarding cleansers.The survey has been carried out in Italy in 2013-2014. A group of patients with acne completed a questionnaire which included 10 questions.One hundred and eighteen dermatologists and 786 evaluable acne patients attended the survey. Approximately 70% of patients use a specific anti-acne cleanser. This cleanser is suggested in 57% of cases by a dermatologist. The patients buy this cleanser at the pharmacy (77% of cases). More than 62% of patients are satisfied about this cleanser. More than 66% of patients use the cleanser twice daily. The length of washing is less than one minute in 48% of patients. More than 66% of patients believe that the cleanser has a therapeutical role.The results of this survey cannot be compared with other studies because of the lack of similar studies about this topic. These results suggest that a sample of Italian acne patients consider cleansers as an important adjuvant treatment in acne.