A double-blind, multi-centre general practice study was carried out to compare the effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide/potassium hydroxyquinoline sulphate cream, with or without hydrocortisone, its aqueous astringent cream base alone, and a benzoyl peroxide alcoholic gel in the treatment of 107 patients with acne vulgaris. Patients on entry were allocated at random to one of four treatment groups and instructed to apply the medication twice daily to all affected areas for 12 weeks. Assessments of the severity of acne on the face, chest and back, and response to treatment were made at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Acceptability of the treatment, i.e. 'greasiness', was also assessed by patients. The results showed that the combination cream preparation produced a greater reduction in acne scores than did the base or benzoyl peroxide alone. The addition of 1% hydrocortisone eliminated the flare reaction to benzoyl peroxide seen in patients in the other two active treatment groups. The majority of patients found the preparations cosmetically acceptable.

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