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.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Scientific Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Russian Academy of Medical Science, Moscow, Russia.
V N
VN
Prilepskaya
V N
VN
Serov
E V
EV
Zharov
I J
IJ
Golousenko
E A
EA
Mejevitinova
E V
EV
Gogaeva
V V
VV
Yaglov
O N
ON
Golubeva
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017135:Desogestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012426:Russia; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D017135:Desogestrel