Purpose: To compare the clinical benefit of isotretinoin (0.05%) and erythromycin (2%) gels alone and in combination (Isotrexin™) in acne patients. Procedure: The study was a randomised placebo-controlled trial in acne patients who should benefit from topical therapy. Results: All treatment groups except placebo produced a time-related reduction in lesion counts, with the combined therapy producing the largest mean decrease. Between-group comparisons showed several significant differences. Conclusion: Isotrexin was significantly better than placebo at all time points for inflamed and total lesions, and was better than isotretinoin at week 4. Side-effects were minimal.

Keywords:
Acne vulgaris, Combined 0.05% isotretinoin and 2% erythromycin gel
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