Abstract
Background: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous units. It is characterized by seborrhea, the formation of open and closed comedones, erythematous papules, and pustules and in more severe cases nodules, deep pustules, and pseudocysts. In many cases, a degree of scarring will ensues. Four major factors involved in pathogenesis are as follows: (i) Increased sebum production, (ii) hypercornification of the pilosebaceous duct, (iii) abnormality of the microbial flora, especially colonization of the duct with propionibacterium acnes, and (iv) inflammation.

Aim and Objectives: The aims of the study were as follows: (1). Comparison of success rate among the patients receiving benzoyl peroxide 2.5% and adapalene 0.1% in patients diagnosed with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. (2). To compare the decrease lesion count.

Materials and Methods: After obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee, the patients for the study were enrolled from the Department of Dermatology Venereology and Leprosy, Osmania General Hospital, Hyderabad. Patients diagnosed with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris according to Global Acne Grading system were included in the study. A total of 100 patients were divided into two groups (Group A and Group B). Each group consists of 50 patients each. Group A received: Topical benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel for 12 weeks. Group B received: Topical adapalene 0.1% gel for 12 weeks. Follow-up was done at 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks of treatment. Acne scores were recorded at baseline and at, 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks of treatment. The global acne grading score (GAGS) was used for assessing the severity of acne at each visit.

Results: All the data were entered in a Microsoft Excel sheet and analysis was done using Graph prism version 7. Continuous data were expressed in terms of mean and standard deviation. Comparison of acne scores in each group before and after treatment at each follow-up visit was performed using Student t-test. Comparison of acne scores among the two groups was performed at baseline and at the end of 12 weeks by unpaired t-test. A detailed history was recorded and clinical examination was done. Acne grading was done using the GAGS.

Conclusion: There was significant decrease in mean acne scores. Decrease in mean acne scores of Group A (benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel) was compared with that of Group B (adapalene 0.1% gel) using unpaired t-test. There was no significant difference in between benzoyl peroxide and adapalene on mean acne scores. It was found that both the treatment groups were effective in reducing acne score.

Key words: Acne; Global Acne Grading Score; Benzoylperoxide; Adapalene