title: Efficacy and tolerability of topical 0.2% Myrtacine® and 4% vitamin PP for prevention and treatment of retinoid dermatitis in patients with mild to moderate acne.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of an emulsion of 0.2% Myrtacine® and 4% vitamin PP, compared with a simple emollient cream, in the treatment of retinoid dermatitis in patients with mild-to-moderate acne.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a prospective, multicenter, open-label, non-randomised, parallel-group study. Patients (age 12-49 years; skin phototype I-IV) with mild-to-moderate acne, who were treated with a topical retinoid for at least one month and had developed skin irritation were assigned to one of the two following treatments: 0.2% Myrtacine® and 4% vitamin PP (N.=116) or a simple emollient cream (N.=48). Both treatments were administered twice daily, 1-1.5 hours after the application of the topical retinoid. Study endpoints were improvement in signs and symptoms of retinoid dermatitis, global efficacy, reduction in acne severity, overall clinical outcome, patient satisfaction and tolerability.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At day 28, compared with the simple emollient cream, 0.2% Myrtacine® and 4% vitamin PP significantly decreased signs (erythema, dryness/scaling, oedema, and roughness) and symptoms (itching, stinging, burning sensation and discomfort) of retinoid dermatitis (P<0.01). In addition, compared with the simple emollient cream, 0.2% Myrtacine® and 4% vitamin PP decreased acne severity in a significantly greater proportion of patients (P=0.023) and was associated with a better clinical outcome (mild, intermediate, clinically relevant or global improvement; P<0.001). 0.2% Myrtacine® and 4% vitamin PP was also associated with greater patient satisfaction and was better tolerated than the simple emollient cream.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  0.2% Myrtacine® and 4% vitamin PP was effective and well tolerated in the treatment of retinoid dermatitis in patients with mild-to-moderate acne and significantly improved acne severity and overall clinical outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Dermatological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. stefano.veraldi@unimi.it
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Veraldi
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Giovene
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Guerriero
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bettoli
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D004338:Drug Combinations; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004643:Emollients; D004655:Emulsions; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009536:Niacinamide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012176:Retinoids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004643:Emollients; D004655:Emulsions; C576296:Myrtacine; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012176:Retinoids; D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D009536:Niacinamide