Abstract
An attempt to evaluate the clinical utility of topical adipic acid (ADA) in acne was made. Prophetic patch test showed that 20% ADA cream was a strong irritant. The skin irritation index of 20% ADA cream was 100.0.
In 12 patients with acne vulgaris, 20% ADA cream alone was applied topically (Group I), and in the other 46 patients, topical ADA was conbined with oral tetracyclines (Group II). No significant difference was found between the both groups in the global improvement rating, 58.3% in the Group I and 54.1% in the Group II.
Side effects were seen significantly higher in the Group I than in the Group II, 75.0% in the former and 34.2% in the latter. The severity of side effects were slight to moderate in most cases, except for 1 patient who revealed marked irritation, moderate itching and redness to discontinue the application. Global safety rating showed 75.0% in the Group I, and 34.2% in the Group II. The best therapeutic effects were seen for the reddish papules. The global utility rating of ADA cream for acne vulgaris was 58.3%.
It is noticeable that the global utility rating of ADA cream for acne conglobata was 85.7%(6/7) in more than 4 months' applications. Twenty per cent of ADA cream as well as 20% azelaic acid cream improves hypertrophic scars in acne conglobata.
