Azelaic acid 15% gel

BackgroundThere is a lack of evidence on the therapeutic efficacy of topical tranexamic acid (TA) for the treatment of acne-related postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). The current study aimed to assess the efficacy of twice-daily administration of 20% azelaic acid (AZA) cream versus 5% TA solution for the treatment of PIH in patients with acne vulgaris.Materials and methodsPatients in the present single-blinded randomized clinical trial were randomized into AZA or TA groups for 12 weeks. The rate of healing was assessed by scoring recorded photographs based on postacne hyperpigmentation index (PAHI) at baseline, 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks. The frequency of side effects was examined and recorded at each study time point.ResultsThirty volunteers in each treatment group completed the intervention. PAHI score in both AZA and TA groups improved during the study course (Ptime group = 0.05). No significant interaction was also found between time and treatments in terms of PAHI score (Ptime × group = 0.66). The frequency of treatment-related side effects was significantly higher in the AZA group compared to the TA group at week 4 of treatment (P P > 0.05).ConclusionTopical administration of 20% AZA cream and 5% TA solution was comparably efficient in the treatment of acne-related PIH with a significantly better safety profile of TA in the 1st month of the treatment.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-SA

IntroductionIn several countries, recent research has shown an increase in the prevalence of adult female acne (AFA), defined as the acne that appears in women aged over 25. This disease brings some particularities and challenges, such as a greater impact on quality of life (QoL) and chronicity. A negative impact on QoL has been observed, as well as anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem, and feelings of embarrassment and frustration.PurposeTo quantify AFA's impact on QoL and the influence of two dermatological treatments.Material and methodsA prospective study including 40 women, aging from 25 to 44 years old, with mild-to-moderate acne was conducted. Participants underwent clinical, laboratory, and photographic evaluations. They were randomized into two treatment groups: group 1 - azelaic acid (AZA) 15% gel twice daily; group 2 - spironolactone (SPIRO) 100 mg/day and treated for 6 months. At baseline and at the end of treatments, a specific QoL questionnaire for acne, already translated and validated for Brazilian Portuguese (Acne-QoL-BR), was applied. It contains 19 questions allotted in four domains. Each item within a domain is scored from 0 to 6. The total score ranges from 0 to 114 and domains are distributed as follows: 0-30 (self-perception), 0-30 (role-emotional), 0-24 (role-social), 0-30 (acne-symptoms). Higher scores reflect better QoL.ResultsThe mean age was 32.7 (SD: 5.42); 85% presented persistent acne. After treatment regardless of group, there was a significant improvement in total score and all domains' scores of acne QoL-BR (p ConclusionAcne-QoL-BR is a useful tool for quantifying the impact of acne and should be used as an efficacy parameter in clinical trials.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC