Efficacy of octenidine dihydrochloride and 2-phenoxyethanol in the topical treatment of inflammatory acne.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

With the increase in antibiotic-resistant strains of microorganisms in acne lesions, the search for alternative treatment methods has become important. We studied the efficacy of a combination of the antiseptic substances octenidine dihydrochloride and 2-phenoxyethanol (O/P) in mild to moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris.

METHODS:

Thirty patients were instructed to apply O/P once or twice daily for a 6-week treatment period. Determination of efficacy included the numerical documentation of inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions within defined regions of the face by the investigator, and photodocumentation of the clinical picture as well as the fluorescence pattern under Wood's light.

RESULTS:

Twenty-four patients completed the study. The number of papules and pustules decreased more than 50% in seventeen and nineteen patients, respectively. Acne lesions worsened in only one patient. Mild adverse reactions (erythema, burning, and scaling) were seen in two patients. Therefore, O/P was highly effective in treating inflammatory lesions of facial acne, but there was no essential efficacy in the non-inflammatory primary acne lesions.

CONCLUSION:

Topical O/P is a good and cost-effective alternative in the treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory acne lesions and may allow reduced application of anti-acne antibiotics to prevent development of resistance.

• Authors: Sigrid Mayr-Kanhäuser, Birger Kränke, Werner Aberer
• Journal: Acta dermatovenerologica Alpina, Pannonica, et Adriatica (Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat) Vol. 17 Issue 3 Pg. 139-43 (Sep 2008) ISSN: 1318-4458 [Print] Slovenia
• PMID: 18853079 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Infective Agents, Local
• Drug Combinations
• Ethylene Glycols
• Imines
• Pyridines
• phenoxyethanol
• octenidine

Topics

• Acne Vulgaris (drug therapy, pathology)
• Administration, Cutaneous
• Adolescent
• Anti-Infective Agents, Local (administration & dosage)
• Drug Combinations
• Ethylene Glycols (administration & dosage)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Imines
• Male
• Pilot Projects
• Pyridines (administration & dosage)
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult