Comparison of 0.1% Adapalene Cream With 0.1% Tazarotene Cream in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

Abstract

BACKGROUND Acne vulgaris is a self-limiting disorder of the pilosebaceous unit that is seen primarily in adolescents. Acne therapy aims at reduction of sebum production, correcting the abnormal ductal keratinisation, reducing the colony of propionic bacterium acnes and preventing the release of inflammatory mediators that are basically responsible for the pathogenesis of acne. MATERIALS AND METHODS The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of topical adapalene 0.1% cream and topical tazarotene 0.1% cream in the treatment of acne vulgaris. One hundred patients of either sex were enrolled and randomly assigned for the above study. The study was prospective, randomized, single blinded controlled clinical trial. Inclusion Criteria-Patients of either sex with mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Exclusion Criteria-Pregnant and lactating women, age below 12 years and drug induced Acneiform lesions. Number of comedones, papules and pustules were counted and graded. Clinical photographs of the lesions were taken before commencement of therapy and after completion of therapy. RESULTS By this study we evaluated the gender and age prevalence, precipitating factors for acne and other associated skin conditions with acne. Treatment with topical adapalene showed good improvement (80.3%) than with topical 0.1% tazarotene cream (54.07%). CONCLUSION Patients treated with 0.1% adapalene cream showed excellent response and patients treated with 0.1% tazarotene showed increased side effects and reduced tolerance.