Addition of a Topical Steroid to a Topical Retinoid in Acne Patients

Addition of a Topical Steroid to a Topical Retinoid: a Randomized, Split-face, Placebo-controlled, Double-blind, Single-center Clinical Study

A randomized, split-face, placebo-controlled, double-blind, single-center clinical trial comparing topical retinoid on half the face and retinoid plus topical steroid on the other half.

A randomized, split-face, placebo-controlled, double-blind, single-center clinical trial wherein 20 patients received daily 0.05% tretinoin with one half of the face receiving triamcinolone 0.025% and the other half an inert emollient for 4 weeks. Subjects continued applying tretinoin 0.05% daily to the bilateral face without triamcinolone or emollient for an additional 4 weeks. Investigator's Global Assessment, lesion counts, and study subject's self-assessments of burning/stinging, itching, erythema, and dryness/scaling will be collected at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Fitzpatrick skin types I, II, or III
• Will and ability to discontinue use of topical medicines on the face for study duration
• Capability to understand and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of oral retinoids within previous 6 months
• Use of corticosteroids on the face or systemic corticosteroids within previous 4 weeks
• Any additional facial skin condition (i.e., rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, etc.)
• Female participants who are pregnant, nursing, or planning pregnancy while participating in the study
• Hypersensitivity to ingredients in study formulations
• Existence of an underlying condition that an investigator feels would hinder a participant's ability to complete the study or appropriately follow directions