Clinical comparison between topical benzoyl peroxide 2.5% and diclofenac gel 1% versus benzoyl peroxide 2.5% and placebo in the treatment of mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris

INTRODUCTION: The inflammation may play a critical role in the development of facial acne. Pro-inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins and leukotriene, have been implicated in the initiation of acne.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of 1% diclofenac gel compare with a placebo gel in the treatment of mild to moderate acne patients in 12 weeks. Methods: A 12 weeks, randomizing, double-blind, individual and split-face comparative trial was conducted in 24 volunteers. Patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris, aged 18 to 30 years were enrolled. They received 2.5% benzoyl peroxide with 1% diclofenac gel and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide with placebo gel apply regularly at each side of the face.
RESULTS: 24 participants with mean (SD) age of 25.92 years were enrolled in the study. Statistically significant decrease in mean of comedone lesions was observed in 1% diclofenac gel group by acne lesion count at week 12 (P <0.05) superior than placebo gel. Moreover, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation also had statistically significant decrease superior to placebo group at week 4.
CONCLUSIONS: The 1% diclofenac gel topical treatment has shown good clinical efficacy and safety in decreasing facial comedones at week 12 and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in 4 weeks.

Keywords: Acne vulgaris; Diclofenac; Inflammation; Hyperpigmentation