Modern possibilities of a supporting therapy and correction of post-inflammatory skin changes in patients with acne

Background. Acne has a net detrimental effect on the quality of life of patients, which is due not only to long-term treatment and predominance of dermatosis on the face, but also due to substantial risk of development of enduring post-inflammatory skin changes. The main part of treatment methods for post-acne marks is currently aimed at correction of already formed rash, and not at prevention of its development. In this respect, studies aimed at development of new methods for prevention and treatment of post-inflammatory skin changes in acne are particularly topical.

Aim. To evaluate clinical efficiency and tolerability of Postacnetin gel at prevention and correction of significant post-inflammatory skin changes in patients with severe forms of acne vulgaris.

Methods. 60 patients with severe forms of acne were under observation and were prescribed isotretinoin and topical medications in accordance with the Federal Guidelines of Treatment. Depending on the planned supporting therapy, the patients were divided into main and control groups of 30 people. Patients of the control group used only adapalene cream after the end of the course of systemic treatment with isotretinoin. Patients of the main group were additionally prescribed Postacnetin gel 2 months before reaching the cumulated dose of isotretinoin, and were also recommended to use it within 4 months after termination of isotretinoin therapy alongside with the use of adapalene cream. The effect of Postacnetin gel on post-inflammatory skin changes was assessed over time by counting post-acne elements, mexametry data and results of assessment of cicatrical changes according to the scale of G. Goodmann et al. Tolerability of the therapy was studied by means of monitoring of adverse reactions and calculation of the dermatology life quality index (DLQI).

Results. By the end of application of the systemic medication, persistent erythema developed less often in patients of the main group, and pigmentation and scars were clinically less severe according to the data of the mexametry and the scale of G. Goodman et al. Subsequent dynamic observation of patients of the main group revealed more significant regression of post-inflammatory changes in them. Thus, dark spots were less common in these patients in the 2nd and 4th months in comparison with the control group, and according to mexametry data, they were less severe. They also had lower severity of scars and level of the total index of the quantitative scale of G. Goodman et al. According to the results of monitoring of side effects and DLQI, both treatment regimens were well tolerated.

Conclusion. The use of Postacnetin gel in the complex therapy of patients with severe forms of acne vulgaris is an effective method for prevention and correction of persistent post-inflammatory skin changes and is well tolerated by patients.