title: Topical 5% benzoyl peroxide and 3% erythromycin gel: experience with 191 patients with papulopustular acne.
abstract: Acne is the most common skin disease, with a relative prevalence of 85%-100% among young individuals. It affects the cosmetic appearance of the patients provoking severe distress. A number of different topical treatments have been used for the treatment of acne. In this study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of the topical treatment with 5% benzoyl peroxide and 3% erythromycin gel in patients with papulopustular acne. One hundred and ninety-one patients with inflammatory acne completed the study. The patients included 54 males and 137 females, mean age 22.3 ± 8.1 years. Topical gel was applied on the face once daily for 3 months. The mean number of non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions after 3 months of therapy decreased significantly with respect to baseline, with a mean percentage reduction of the non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions by 42.2% and 57.5%, respectively. In conclusion, topical 5% benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin 3% as monotherapy is efficient for the treatment of papulopustular acne.
authors.affiliation: Efstathios Rallis, MD, PhD, 11 Pafsaniou Str., 11635 Athens, Greece; efrall@otenet.gr.
authors.forename: Efstathios
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rallis
authors.forename: Constantinos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Verros
authors.forename: Alexandros
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Katoulis
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Katsarou
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D005782:Gels; D004917:Erythromycin; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide