Topical treatment of acne with a tetracycline preparations: results of a multi-group study.

This report presents the results of a 13-week study done on 300 patients with acne vulgaris treated with a tetracycline topical lotion alone. The vehicle used was an aqueous-ethanol solution containing the penetration enhancer, n-decyl methyl sulfoxide. On a 0-8 grading scale, 81% of the patients improved by one or more grade points, 57% by two or more points and 31% by three or more points. Analysis indicated that concomitant variables such as severity, age, type of acne, sex and season of the year did not alter the conclusion as to efficacy. Detailed statistical analysis indicates that the conclusion is valid that the tetracycline preparation is beneficial in the treatment of acne vulgaris. No adverse reactions were observed in the patients treated. Hemograms, blood studies and urinalyses were completed on 37 patients. No disturbing trends were uncovered.