Topical Tretinoin, Vitamin A Acid (Airol®) in Acne vulgaris

Abstract

During the winter of 1971/72, eleven dermatologists in private practice and the dermatological departments of the Finsen Institute and Marselisborg Hospital conducted a controlled clinical trial to investigate the effect of topically applied tretinoin in patients with acne vulgaris using a 0.02-percent cream, a 0.05-percent cream, and the cream base alone. The effect of the treatment was evaluated by counting the acne lesions, the number being arranged according to a score system. As regards the effect on comedones and papules, the tretinoin cream was significantly better than the cream base alone. A concentration of 0.05% showed a quicker onset of action and a more pronounced effect than a concentration of 0.02%. The effect of the treatment was less pronounced and not statistically significant as far as pustules and cysts were concerned. The investigation confirmed previous good experience with this form of treatment. The effect upon the placebo group was considerable. This calls for caution when the effect of new acne agents is to be evaluated. Attention is drawn to the special form of cooperation used in the investigation; in this way, it was possible to include a great number of out-patients.

Guidelines of care for acne vulgaris management

“…[25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41] These agents act to reduce obstruction within the follicle and therefore are useful in the management of both comedonal and inflammatory acne. There is no consensus about the relative efficacy of currently available topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, and isotretinoin).…”

The Retinoic Acid Derivative Ro 11-1430 (Tasmademi®) in Patients with Acne vulgaris not Tolerating Retinoic Acid

“…A considerable placebo effect has been demonstrated in acne patients [2,4], Thus it was not surprising that in this respect the small number of patients participating in this trial were not able to distinguish between Ro 11-1430 and placebo. However, there was a tendency that Ro 11-1430 was more effective, particularly with regard to the removal of comedones.…”

The Retinoic Acid Derivative Ro 11-1430 in Acne vulgaris

“…They constitute a rather big group which might probably tolerate Ro 11-1430 better. The ethanol-propylenglycol lotion used in these trials has a more pronounced local irritative effect than the oil-in-water emulsion cream used in previous trials [1,2], and the retinoic acid derivative should also be available in such an ointment base.…”

“…erythema, desquamation, burning and pruritus occurred more frequently and were more severe on vitamin A acid than on Ro 11-1430 and placebo which did not differ. No correlation was found between incidence and severity of local reactions and therapeutic effect.Topical retinoic acid is established in the treatment of acne vulgaris [1,2], but erythema and desquamation are frequently occurring side effects. The retinoic acid derivative, Ro 11-1430 ( fig.…”