Topical treatment of acne vulgaris: efficiency, side effects, and adherence rate

Abstract

Objective Adherence is a problem in the topical treatment of acne. This study was designed to evaluate the efficiency of current topical treatment and adherence in patients. Methods Patients with acne vulgaris who had recently been prescribed a topical therapy were selected. A dermatologist-directed questionnaire was completed. Demographic data, acne severity, treatment and the manner of use, side effects, and reason for discontinuation were recorded. Results A total 250 patients were included, 178 female (71.2%) and 72 male (28.8%) participants, mean age was 18.6 ± 2.8 years. Of 250 patients, 114 (45.6%) had given up therapy for two reasons: unresponsiveness in 71 (62.3%) and side effects in 43 (37.7%) patients. For antibacterial treatments, the rate of unresponsiveness was higher but the rate of side effects was lower. Discontinuation owing to unresponsiveness was higher in patients with severe acne. Side effects were higher in patients with comedonal-type acne. The lowest rates of side effects and discontinuation were among every-other-night users. Conclusion In this study, patients with acne gave up treatment owing to side effects and unresponsiveness, which reduced the treatment efficiency.

<p>Treatment Adherence Among Patients with Five Dermatological Diseases and Four Treatment Types - a Cross-Sectional Study</p>

“…We also noticed that feeling a lack of treatment responsiveness is significantly associated with low adherence score. This was consistent with a study conducted by Sevimli et al in which unresponsiveness to medication was a common reason for discontinuation 31. Some types of dermatological treatments need a long period of time to start showing its positive effects.…”

Foray into Concepts of Design and Evaluation of Microemulsions as a Modern Approach for Topical Applications in Acne Pathology

“…Looking on the adherence in topical acne therapy, it can be observed in the same manner the influence of adverse symptoms. Regarding an actual study of Sevimli Dikicier on 250 subjects in a clinical hospital from Turkey, the discontinuation of acne treatment was analyzed using questionnaires with key factors that influence the patient response to therapy [ 138 ]. It was observed that 45.6% of the subjects have abandoned the therapy, signaling that side effects or absence of visible effects are the main reasons for neglect [ 138 ].…”

“…Regarding an actual study of Sevimli Dikicier on 250 subjects in a clinical hospital from Turkey, the discontinuation of acne treatment was analyzed using questionnaires with key factors that influence the patient response to therapy [ 138 ]. It was observed that 45.6% of the subjects have abandoned the therapy, signaling that side effects or absence of visible effects are the main reasons for neglect [ 138 ]. To conclude, adherence can reach a high level when skin response to therapy is positive and rapidly obtained.…”

Modern Outlooks on Pathogenesis, Clinical Picture, Diagnosis and Management of Acne Vulgaris in Children and Adolescents

“…Вульгарные акне (acne vulgaris, ВА) являются одним из наиболее распространенных хронических воспалительных дерматозов с поражением сально-волосяного аппарата; заболевание характеризуется образованием открытых и закрытых комедонов, папул, пустул и/или узлов [1,2]. Развивающиеся в результате эволюции различных форм ВА вторичные высыпания, представляющие собой в большинстве случаев вторичную гиперпигментацию, рубцы, а также эритематозные пятна, атеромы и милиумы, носят название «симптомокомплекс постакне» [3].…”