Digital videography assessment of patients' experiences using adapalene-benzoyl peroxide gel in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Background: Acne profoundly affects patients' lives, but the effect of treatment is not fully characterized.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore patients' experiences and viewpoints regarding treatment for mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

Methods: This was an open-label, single-center study of 30 patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris, treated with adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% (adapalene-BPO gel) once daily for 12 weeks. An acne-specific quality of life questionnaire (Acne-QoL©) was conducted. Each subject's global assessment (SGA) was recorded at baseline and weeks 4, 8, and 12. Photographs were taken and video interviews were recorded. Local tolerability assessments and incidence of adverse events were documented.

Results: A statistically significant number of patients were clear/almost clear (treatment success) at week 12 (P<.001). At week 12, patients experienced a 44.1% and 57.1% mean reduction in inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions, respectively. By week 12, 67% of the patients in the video population (n=27) believed they had achieved treatment success (P<.001). Patients reported higher Acne-QoL© scores at week 12 compared to baseline, indicating better quality of life after treatment with adapalene-BPO gel (P<.001 for all domains). No unexpected adverse or serious adverse events were reported.

Limitations: This was an open-label study of 12 weeks duration.

Conclusion: Overall, patients with mild to moderate acne treated with adapalene-BPO gel showed significant improvement in disease severity and quality of life. The video recordings chronicled the patients' experiences throughout the treatment process.