Efficacy of acne topical treatment using the isotretinoin solution

Goal. To assess the efficacy and safety of isotretinoin 0.025% in the form of a solution for external use for the treatment of patients with common acne. Materials and methods. Topical monotherapy with Retasol® (isotretinoin 0.025% solution for external application) was administered to 190 patients suffering from acne aged 12-30. Most of the patients (160 out of 190) suffered from the papulopustular acne while others suffered from the comedonal form. The solution was applied to the skin twice a day; the treatment duration was 3 months. Reduction in the amount of pimple components (comedones, papules, pustules, nodes and spots) and sebum secretion were considered as the key treatment efficacy indices. The drug safety was assessed based on subjective and objective data about any adverse events. Results. Application of the Retasol® drug produced a positive therapeutic effect in 170 patients out of 190 while complete clinical recovery was observed in 25 subjects. Application of the drug resulted in a substantial regression in all of the acne manifestations, in particular, comedones and excessive sebum secretion. Topical treatment with Retasol® did not entail any adverse events (except of the exacerbation reaction characteristic of any retinoid) or changes in blood and urine test. Conclusion. Retasol® (isotretinoin 0.025% solution for external application) is a highly efficient topical retinoid for the treatment of patients with comedonal and papulopustular acne forms and is characterized by a good safety profile.