Effects of a phasic oral contraceptive containing desogestrel on facial seborrhea and acne.

BACKGROUND: The combined oral contraceptive containing ethinylestradiol and the selective progestogen, desogestrel, in a phasic regimen (DSG-OC, Tri-merci) has been shown to reduce facial oiliness. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate further the effects of this OC on the skin of women with facial seborrhea and mild or moderate acne. DESIGN AND METHODS: This was an open, noncomparative, bicenter study in 60 healthy Russian women, aged 18-30 years, with facial seborrhea and mild or moderate facial acne, who wished to use oral contraception. All women received the OC containing desogestrel (50/100/150 microg) and ethinylestradiol (35/30/30 microg) for three phases of 7 days followed by a 7-day pill-free interval, for six cycles. Seborrhea was assessed using the Sebutape technique, in which strips of adhesive microporous polymeric film pressed onto facial sites are used to assess sebaceous activity. Acne was assessed by counting facial lesions. Subjective evaluations of skin and hair condition, patients' feelings to them and satisfaction with the OC were made using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Assessments were made at baseline, and after one, three and six treatment cycles. RESULTS: Sebutape assessments of seborrhea were significantly improved, on the right and left cheeks, after one treatment cycle, and on the forehead after three treatment cycles. These improvements increased steadily and were much larger at the end of Cycle 6. Acne grades were significantly improved after three and six treatment cycles. VAS scores in response to questions dealing with self-esteem and self-confidence were significantly improved after three cycles and in some cases after just one cycle. The women's views of their skin and hair (greasiness) were correspondingly significantly improved. Subjective assessments indicated that after one, three and six cycles, 69%, 93% and 98%, respectively, of women were satisfied or very satisfied with the DSG-OC. CONCLUSION: In women with facial seborrhea and mild or moderate acne, the use of DSG-OC appears to improve seborrhea after just one cycle and acne grades after three cycles. These improvements are accompanied by increases in self-esteem and confidence.

Interferon system in women with genital papillomavirus infection receiving immunomodulatory therapy.

The interferon system was studied in women with genital papillomavirus infection. In most patients the interferon system was activated, while the ability of lymphocytes to respond to inductors decreased. Laserotherapy and immunomodulatory therapy with larifan, ridostin, and viferon for 1 month normalized blood interferon concentration (39.4% patients) and interferon-gamma production by lymphocytes in response to inductors (87.9% patients). After laser monotherapy these parameters returned to normal only in 13.2 and 7.6% patients, respectively. Correlation and regression analyses showed that changes in the interferon system were synchronized after immunomodulatory therapy. These data indicate that immunomodulatory therapy produces a complex effect on the interferon system. Measurements of blood interferon level can be used to predict the effect of further treatment with interferon-gamma inductors.