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

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.