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Combined Salicylic and Azaleic Acid Verus Trichloroacetic Acid 25% Peel in Treatment of Acne

Clinical and Dermoscopic Study Using a Combination of Salicylic and Azaleic Acid Verus Trichloroacetic Acid 25% Peel in Treatment of Mild to Moderate Acne , A Split Face, Double Blinded, Randomised Controlled Trial

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03071549
Enrollment
34
Registered
2017-03-07
Start date
2016-04-30
Completion date
2016-11-30
Last updated
2017-03-07

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Acne Vulgaris

Keywords

Acne vulgaris, Chemical peeling, Dermoscopy

Brief summary

Acne 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 the 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.

Detailed description

This study included 34 patients with mild and moderate acne vulgaris. The patients were recruited from the dermatology outpatient clinic of Kasr AlAiny hospital. This study was approved by the Ethical committee of the Faculty of Medicine Cairo University and the Ethical committee of the Dermatology department Cairo University. After signing an informed consent, patients were subjected to history taking, clinical examination and grading of their acne by global acne grading score, photography, dermoscopic examination and chemical peeling. Photography: Patient was photographed from front, lateral and side view before each session and two weeks after the 4th session. All photographs were taken using a digital camera (Nikon AW1, Indonesia) with identical lightening and patient positions. Dermoscopy: The cheek was split as four quadrants and photography of dermoscopic figures was taken before every session and two weeks after the 4th session (Using Dermalite DL3N Gen, USA). Chemical peeling: Skin degreasing was performed before every session using acetone. Trichloroacetic acid 25% was applied on one side of the face and azaleic acid 20% with salicylic acid 20% to the other side of the face randomly. Randomization was done through a computer-generated random sequence prepared by a statistician; Allocation was concealed in sequentially numbered, sealed, opaque envelopes, and kept by a nurse not involved in the study. A gauze was used to apply the peel. The gauze was soaked with the peel. The peel was applied uniformly starting from medial to lateral. The peel was left on each side for around 60 seconds. The patients were asked to wash their faces using tape water for neutralization of the peel until the burning sensation is eliminated. Patients received 4 sessions 2 weeks apart. As a post procedure care, the patients were asked to apply sun screens immediately after the procedure until their next session. No other topical or systemic treatment was used during sessions. Patients will receive 4 peeling sessions 2 weeks apart.

Interventions

Skin degreasing will be performed before every session using acetone. Trichloroacetic acid 25% will be applied on one side of the face.

DRUGcombined azaleic and salicylic acids

Skin degreasing will be performed before every session using acetone. Azaleic acid 20% with salicylic acid 20% will be applied to the other side of the face.

Sponsors

Cairo University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Outcomes Assessor)

Intervention model description

RCT

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* any patients with active acne

Exclusion criteria

1. Pregnancy. 2. History of oral herpes simplex virus. 3. History of keloid formation. 4. Associated autoimmune disease (e.g vitiligo, systemic lupus erythematosus). 5. History of past medications in the last six months. 6. Patient unable to perform necessary postoperative care

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in acne lesions count8 weeksChange from baseline inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions count at 2 months

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
change in acne erythema grading2 monthsChange from baseline acne erythema grading using dermoscopy at 2 months

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026