Comparison of tretinoin 0.05% cream and 3% alcohol‐based salicylic acid preparation in the treatment of acne vulgaris

Background  No single effective topical treatment is available for treating all pathogenic factors causing acne vulgaris (AV). Salicylic acid (SA), tretinoin (all‐TRA) and clindamycin phosphate (CDP) are known to to be effective agents depending on their comedolytic and anti‐inflammatory properties. Objective  To compare the efficacy and tolerability of SA and CDP combination (SA + CDP) with all‐TRA and CDP (all‐TRA + CDP) in patients with mild to moderate facial AV. Methods  Forty‐six patients aged between 18 and 35 years were enrolled in a 12‐week prospective, single‐blind, randomized and comparative clinical study. Efficacy was assessed by lesion counts, global improvement, quality of life index and measurement of skin barrier functions. Local side effects were also evaluated. Results  Both combinations were effective in reducing total lesion (TL), inflammatory lesion (IL) and non‐inflammatory lesion (NIL) counts and showed significant global improvement as evaluated by the investigator. At the end of the study, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of all lesion counts. In addition, TL counts decreased faster in the all‐TRA + CDP group compared with those in the SA + CDP group, with a significant difference between the two groups occurring as early as 2 weeks. Safety evaluations demonstrated that the incidence of mild to moderate side effects generally peaked at week 2 and declined gradually thereafter. Both combinations did not have an effect on stratum corneum hydration, although skin sebum values decreased with SA + CDP treatment. Conclusions  Combination of SA + CDP and all‐TRA + CDP was effective in decreasing lesion counts and well tolerated with minimal local cutaneous reactions in patients with mild to moderate AV.