Topical adapalene cream 0.1% v/s isotretinoin 0.05% in the treatment of acne vulgaris: a randomized open-label clinical trial

Background Acne is a common problem in adolescents and young adults. The disease and its associated problems with self-esteem and social inhibition represent a figurative rite of passage for as many as 80 percent of adolescents and young adults. Topical retinoids such as tretinoin, isotretinoin or adapalene are effective in many patients with comedonal acne. Objective To compare the efficacy and tolerability of adapalene cream 0.1% and isotretinoin gel 0.05% in the treatment of acne vulgaris of the face. Patients and methods This randomized open-label clinical trial was conducted at Baqai Medical University (BMU) and Skin Cure Centre (SCC), Karachi. 80 subjects were inducted in the study and were divided in two groups comprising of forty each in a group. First group was treated with adapalene cream 0.1% and the second one was treated with isotretinoin gel 0.05% for six weeks. Results Both adapalene and isotretinoin demonstrated comparable efficacy. However, significantly lower skin irritation was noted with adapalene. Conclusion Adapalene is an effective and safe treatment of acne vulgaris. However it causes less irritation than isotretinoin