BACKGROUND

The wide range of topical agents used in acne warrants research into their efficacy and tolerability.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the results of topical therapy of mild to moderate papulopustular acne with the drugs adapalene 0.1% + metronidazole 1% gel, adapalene 0.1% + clindamycin 1% gel, and adapalene 0.1% gel.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An open, comparative, prospective, parallel-group observational study with a duration of 12 weeks enrolled 126 patients: 96 with mild to moderate papulopustular acne and 30 healthy individuals (control group). Group I patients (n=34) received adapalene 0.1% + metronidazole 1% gel; Group II (n=31) received adapalene 0.1% + clindamycin 1% gel; Group III (n=31) received adapalene 0.1% gel. Acne-element counts, facial skin morphofunctional parameters, and side effects were recorded.

RESULTS

A significant decrease in the number of papulopustular elements by the end of treatment in all three groups (p<0.05) was observed. The number of inflammatory elements in patients who received the combination of adapalene 0.1% + metronidazole 1% was 1.1+0.5, which was significantly lower than that in patients who received adapalene 0.1% monotherapy, 3.1+0.4 (p=0.038). High sebumetry indices returned to normal in all studied groups; the increased pore size significantly reduced (p<0.05). Local adverse reactions were reported in patients of all three groups, had mild and moderate severity, and did not require discontinuation of the drugs.

CONCLUSION

Topical therapy of mild to moderate papulopustular acne with the drugs adapalene 0.1% + metronidazole 1% gel, adapalene 0.1% + clindamycin 1% gel, and adapalene 0.1% gel was shown to be effective in all three groups of patients.