Efficacy, Safety, and Patient Satisfaction with a Combined Acne Treatment Regimen for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris in Adolescent Student Athletes

Background: Cleansing, medicating, moisturizing, and photoprotection comprise a complete acne vulgaris (AV) management regimen. However, complete topical AV treatment regimen investigations in athletes are scarce. Objective: Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (A/BPO) gel, 0.1%/2.5% (Epiduo® Gel) is indicated for the topical treatment of AV in patients 9 years of age and older. This open-label, single-center study evaluated a regimen to cleanse, medicate, moisturize, and protect the skin comprised of A/BPO gel, Cetaphil® DermaControl™ Foam Wash and Cetaphil® DermaControl™ Moisturizer SPF 30 in student athletes (referred to as the CoMMplete Regimen). Methods: Student athletes 12 to 18 years of age with mild to moderate acne who were actively participating in 1 of 14 Texas University Interscholastic League sanctioned athletic activities followed the CoMMplete Regimen for 8 weeks (N=28). Lesion counts, satisfaction, cutaneous irritation, adverse events, and adherence were assessed. Results: After 8 weeks, lesion counts were significantly reduced compared to baseline. Good tolerability and high satisfaction were observed. Most athletes experienced no cutaneous irritation. All adverse events were mild or moderate, and the most common related adverse events were dry skin, skin exfoliation, and erythema. Most athletes exhibited exceptionally high compliance and adherence. Conclusions: The coMMplete Regimen is efficacious, safe, well tolerated, and helps optimize AV treatment outcomes in athletes.