The use of salicylic acid in a new delivery system as a co-adjuvant topical treatment for acne vulgaris.
BACKGROUND
Topical preparations in the form of creams or ointments are the usual treatment for acne. These agents do not seem to penetrate the skin barrier deeply enough to produce the desired effect.


OBJECTIVE
We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, prospective study to evaluate the effectiveness of salicylic acid in a new delivery system, the Crown Carrier System (CCS, Trivitaderm LLC, Asheville, NC) for the treatment of acne.


METHODS
Thirty-seven patients with homogenous backgrounds were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group A was treated with salicylic acid in CCS, Group B was treated with CCS without salicylic acid, and Group C received salicylic acid alone. Patients were evaluated at 2 weeks and 8 weeks post-treatment.


RESULTS
Twenty-five patients completed the evaluation. Most patients in Group A presented with no changes in the number of acne lesions but with significant improvement of inflammatory signs. Their overall skin condition was remarkably better.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study is unique in that it focused on the delivery system used in the treatment of acne, rather than on the active agent. The technology of the Crown Carrier System appears to be a breakthrough that may give physicians the opportunity to administer topical treatment of skin problems in a more efficient way.
De Souza
Alex
A
Roane General Hospital, Spencer, WV, USA.
Christiansen
Carroll
C
Jamie
Sharon
S