Role of cleansers in the management of acne. Results of an Italian survey in 786 patients

BACKGROUND: Modern therapy of acne is based also on moisturizers, cleansers and sunscreens. However, a few studies have been published on cleansers, and never in Italy. OBJECTIVE: We decided to carry out an epidemiological study on the knowledge, beliefs and perceptions of acne patients regarding cleansers. METHODS: The survey has been carried out in Italy in 2013-2014. A group of patients with acne completed a questionnaire which included 10 questions. RESULTS: One hundred and eighteen dermatologists and 786 evaluable acne patients attended the survey. Approximately 70% of patients use a specific anti-acne cleanser. This cleanser is suggested in 57% of cases by a dermatologist. The patients buy this cleanser at the pharmacy (77% of cases). More than 62% of patients are satisfied about this cleanser. More than 66% of patients use the cleanser twice daily. The length of washing is less than one minute in 48% of patients. More than 66% of patients believe that the cleanser has a therapeutical role. CONCLUSION: The results of this survey cannot be compared with other studies because of the lack of similar studies about this topic. These results suggest that a sample of Italian acne patients consider cleansers as an important adjuvant treatment in acne.