Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Dermatology

Background: Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease affecting mainly the teenagers. Chemical peeling is a well-identified therapeutic modality for acne vulgaris. Trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid and azelaic acid are commonly used in treatment of acne vulgaris. Aim of the work: To compare clinically and dermoscopically the efficacy of a combination of salicylic acid 20% and azaleic acid 20% solution versus trichloroacetic acid 25% peel in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. Patients and methods: 34 patients were included in this randomized controlled trial. Each patient received four treatment sessions two weeks apart. 20% azelaic acid combined with 20% salicylic acid were applied to one side of the face while 25% trichloroacetic acid was applied to the other side. Evaluation was done by counting number of non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions before, after two and after four treatment sessions. The dermoscope was used in evaluating the degree of improvement of erythema. Results: Combined use of salicylic acid 20% with azelaic acid 20% and the use of trichloroacetic acid 25% both led to significant improvement in non- inflammatory and inflammatory lesions after four treatment sessions. However, results revealed that there was no significant difference in the mean lesion count between both modalities. More discomfort was observed in the trichloroacetic acid treated side in all patients compared to the salicylic and azeliac treated side. Erythema evaluated by dermoscope improved however, no significant difference was noticed between both sides

Issued also as CD