title: Five-day study to judge the short-term effect of a benzoyl peroxide 3% gel on acne lesions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Acne is a common, chronic skin disease that has both physical and psychological consequences. Over-the-counter products are a treatment option frequently chosen by dermatologists and acne sufferers for reasons of cost or convenience. There are reports that such products can effect rapid resolution in certain lesion parameters.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the short-term effect of a benzoyl peroxide 3% gel on acne lesions.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 5-day, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted among subjects with mild-to-moderate acne. Subjects applied the benzoyl peroxide 3% gel, a salicylic acid 2% gel, or a vehicle gel under supervision once daily for 4 days. Target lesion parameters of swelling, diameter, and erythema were evaluated at various times after the first and subsequent applications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although target lesion parameters showed overall improvement from baseline, the effects of the active treatment gels were not significantly different from those of the vehicle gel at any evaluation. The assessed parameters showed marked variability in target lesion behavior at the subject level over the course of the study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study illustrate the unpredictability of individual acne lesion's responses to therapy and the challenge associated with using these responses to judge short-term treatment efficacy. While rapid acne resolution is desired by patients and consumers, setting realistic expectations for treatment response is critical to encourage compliance and avoid disappointment.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Consulting Services, High Point, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Zoe Diana
authors.initials: ZD
authors.lastname: Draelos
authors.affiliation: GSK Consumer Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ertel
authors.affiliation: Prosoft Clinical, Wayne, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Dror
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rom
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004487:Edema / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D004890:Erythema / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D007641:Keratolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020156:Salicylic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D005782:Gels; D007641:Keratolytic Agents; D020156:Salicylic Acid; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide
keywords: acne; clinical trial; efficacy; erythema; facial redness; infection