Acne treated with a tropical tetracycline preparation: results of a one-year multi-group study.

One hundred five patients were treated effectively with topically applied tetracycline in an ethanol-water solution with n-decyl methyl sulfoxide, and observed for a year. Comedones and cystic lesions were least responsive to topical tetracycline. Side effects, which were minor, included yellow staining of facial skin and stinging after application. Two patients, one with juvenile diabetes and one with congenital nephritis, successfully used the preparation without adverse effects.