Topical tetracycline in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

BACKGROUND: Topical tetracycline was the first topical antibiotic approved for the treatment of acne, its use has been limited because of the skin penetration problems of the active ingredient. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new formulation of topical tetracycline [Imex, tetracycline hydrochloride 3%, 20g] monotherapy in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. METHODS: The sample group consisted of 87 volunteer students of both sexes with grade 1 to grade 2 acne as assessed by Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) severity grading system. Subjects were instructed to apply topical tetracycline twice daily for 8 weeks. Subject were evaluated at baseline and at weeks 2, 4, and 8. RESULTS: Of 87 subjects, 68 completed the 8-week treatment period. The mean reduction rates of opened comedones were 55.4%, closed comedones were 27.1%, papules were 24.8%, pustules were 27.3%. After 8 weeks of treatment, a statistically significant reduction was only observed in the mean counts of the papules and pustules (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Tetracycline is a well-tolerated topical agent and is particularly effective in the treatment of inflammatory lesions in acne.