35359 New clinical methodology directed for lesion count in patients with truncal acne

Abstract

New clinical methodology directed for lesion count in patients with truncal acne. Acne is a skin condition of the pilosebaceous unit that affects mainly the face, chest and trunk. Most studies focus on facial acne. Few papers specifically address truncal acne. Nevertheless, approximately 50% patients with facial acne also have acne of the trunk, and all truncal areas may be affected. The study objective was to evaluate a new methodology to evaluate lesion count in truncal acne. Using as reference the methodology of lesion count developed by Lucky3 for facial acne, an individual repositioning mask was used to count acne lesions on the chest and back, including noninflammatory and inflammatory lesions. A transparent film paper was positioned on the upper back. Using a ballpoint pen, the dermatologist delineated the area between shoulders and scapula tip where lesion counting was to be performed. On the chest, the same procedure was implemented delineating the area between clavicle and xyphoid. Suitability of the repositioning mask technique was confirmed in a single center, open label, nonrandomized study in 51 subjects with a mean age of 23 years (min 13; max 30), evaluating the efficacy of a cleaning gel treatment of truncal acne over a period of 84 days. In this study, the dermatologist could adequately assess the improvement of truncal acne over time, since the same region delineated by the individual mask was consistently investigated. This methodology can be implemented in all clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of products for truncal acne treatment.