Journal of Clinical Trials
Open Access

Abstract

Dermatological Effects of Different Keratolytic Agents on Acne Vulgaris

Essa Ajmi Alodeani

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease; it's one of the most common skin disorders and affects mainly adolescents and young adults. Keratolytic agents are widely used in treatment of acne from several years. In this study we aimed to evaluate and compare the cutaneous response of different keratolytic agents in management of acne vulgaris. Ninety patients were selected among those attending the outpatient dermatology clinic in ADDwadmi hospital during the period from October 2015 to February 2016. The selected patients had different forms of acne vulgaris, papulo-pustular, comedonal and post acne scar. Three types of keratolytic agents were used, glycolic acid 50%, salicylic acid 20% and jessner solution. In papulopustular lesions, the three agents were effective with non-significant difference between them; however, there was more excellent results with jessner solution (70 % of patients) then glycolic acid (50%) and lastly salicylic acid (40%). According to the clinical efficacy of used keratolytic agents in comedonal lesions , all lines were found to be effective and there was non-significant difference between the 3 studied groups, however there was more excellent results with salicylic acid (80%) then glycolic acid (60%) and lastly Jessner solution (50%). According to the clinical efficacy of all keratolytic agents in acne scar lesions, there was significant difference between the 3 studied groups. Both jessner and salicylic acid were non effective, however glycolic acid was moderately effective (30% showed excellent results and 40% showed good results). Minimal complications were noticed with all the agents used. More erythema was recorded with jessner solution. However there was significant difference between all keratolytic agents as regards the incidence of visible exfoliation where glycolic acid showed least visible exfoliation (only 40% of cases) followed by jessner solution (66.7%) and lastly salicylic acid (80%).