title: Azelaic acid 20 % cream: effects on quality of life and disease severity in adult female acne patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Data on the efficacy of acne treatments and their impact on quality of life (QoL) in adult patients is sketchy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Assessment of the efficacy of azelaic acid 20 % cream (Skinoren®) on acne severity and disease-related QoL.
  
  
  METHODS
  Noninterventional study in adult female patients with mild to moderate acne. Efficacy variables included DLQI and acne severity on the face, chest, and back using the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) scale (grade 1 = nearly clear skin; 2 = mild acne; 3 = moderate acne). Visits were scheduled at baseline, at 4-8 weeks, and at twelve weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 251 women enrolled, 59 % had grade 1 acne at baseline; 31 %, grade 2; and 10 %, grade 3; the most commonly affected area of the body was the face (IGA grades 2 or 3: 79 %). After twelve weeks, there was significant improvement of acne on the face (IGA grades 0 or 1: 82 %), chest, and back. Median DLQI decreased from nine at baseline to five after twelve weeks. Ninety percent of physicians and patients rated the tolerability of the treatment as very good or good.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Treatment with azelaic acid 20 % cream significantly improves acne severity and disease-related QoL in adult women.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Practice, 8430, Leibnitz, Austria.
authors.forename: Julius Thomas
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Kainz
authors.affiliation: Medical Writer, 1090, Wien, Austria.
authors.forename: Gabriele
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Berghammer
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Practice, 8200, Gleisdorf, Austria.
authors.forename: Piet
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Auer-Grumbach
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Practice, 4020, Linz, Austria.
authors.forename: Verena
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lackner
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Practice, 1200, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Sylvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Perl-Convalexius
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Practice, 8490, Bad Radkersburg, Austria.
authors.forename: Rodica
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Popa
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Practice, 9020, Klagenfurt, Austria.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wolfesberger
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D001317:Austria / Q000453:epidemiology; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003998:Dicarboxylic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D063465:Skin Cream / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016387:Women's Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D003998:Dicarboxylic Acids; C010038:azelaic acid
keywords: DLQI; acne vulgaris; adult acne; azelaic acid; late-onset acne; skin-related quality of life