Efficacy of a new 15% azelaic acid gel formulation in mild acne [Efficacia dell'acido azelaico al 15% in gel nel trattamento dell'acne lieve]

Aim. To study the efficacy and safety of azelaic acid gel 15% applied two times a day for 8 weeks in mild acne vulgaris. Patients and methods. An open-label, non-comparative study was carried out for 8 weeks at the Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery of "La Sapienza" University in Rome. Twenty eight patients (7 male, 21 female) between 13 and 33 years of age, affected by mild acne vulgaris, were enrolled in the study. Azelaic acid gel 15% was applied two times daily for 8 weeks. Patients were examined at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks (end of treatment), evaluating both clinical (Global Acne Grading System, GAGS) and quality of life (Acne Quality of Life Questionnaire, AQoL) improvements. Results. 27 patients completed the study and showed significant improvement. Side effects (erythema and burning) were recorded in three patients; one of them interrupted the treatment. Conclusion. Azelaic acid gel 15% applied two times a day for 8 weeks is a safe and effective treatment for mild acne vulgaris with excellent patient compliance. © Copyright 2007, CIC Edizioni Internazionali.