A Study of the Efficacy of Doxycycline plus Trifarotene in the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Acne Vulgaris
Abstract
Author(s): Md. Rezaul Islam*, Md. Abu Baker, Nelson Taposh Mondal, Md. Momenuzzaman Khan and Md. Mahbub Hossain
Introduction: Acne is a common cutaneous disease affecting the pilosebaceous apparatus, in which there is hyperkeratinization, excessive sebum production, follicular colonization with Propionibacteriun acnes & inflammation. It manifests as comedones, papules, pustules, nodules & cysts on the face, neck, and trunk.
Epidemiologic studies indicate acne affects approximately 9.4% of the global population, ranking it as the eighth most prevalent disease worldwide. It is a common skin condition of the face and trunk that negatively impacts the quality of life.
Objectives: We evaluated the efficacy of oral doxycycline in combination with topical trifarotene in the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris.
Methods: This was an interventional study for 12-week duration to see the treatment outcome in moderate & severe acne patients. This study was carried out at the Dept. of Dermatology & Venereology, Enam medical college Hospital, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2022 to September 2022. We evaluated a new therapeutic regimen: Doxycycline 100 mg (Oral) once daily during dinner with food and enough water, 21 days/month, for three consecutive months along with topical Trifarotene 0.005%w/w once daily at night after proper cleansing for the same duration. Acne severity was graded using Investigator Global Acne Assessment Scale (IGAS).
Results: A total of 96 patients with moderate to severe acne were treated & among them 85 completed this study. Out of these 85, 15 are males & 70 are females. There was a marked improvement in IGAS with marked reduction in the number of inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions between the beginning of the study and through follow up visits. Clinical response to Doxycycline Plus Trifarotene was excellent in 15%, good in 68%, moderate in 14% and mild in 3% and satisfaction to treatment was 22% very satisfied, 60% satisfied and 17% somewhat satisfied. Side effects were low and only 2.1% of cases had mild irritation.
Conclusion: Doxycycline plus Trifarotene is effective and safe in the treatment of AV with minimal side effects.
