Effect of sequential application of topical adapalene and clindamycin phosphate in the treatment of Japanese patients with acne vulgaris.

The efficacy of combined therapy with a retinoid and antibiotic for Japanese patients with acne vulgaris remains to be established. Further, maintenance strategies limiting the use of topical retinoids must be identified. The objectives of this study are to determine the efficacy of sequential application of topical adapalene and clindamycin phosphate and to assess the impact of this regimen on patients' quality of life. Sixty-six patients were recruited. The regimen comprised two phases. For the 4-week initial treatment, 1% clindamycin phosphate gel was applied twice daily and 0.1% adapalene gel, once. In the 4-week maintenance phase, patients were randomly assigned to the OD group (adapalene applied once daily) or the TW group (adapalene applied once daily on 2 days per week). The acne severity score, lesion counts, microcomedone count, and sebum amount were measured. Quality of life (QOL) was assessed using Skindex-16. All parameters improved significantly by week 4 of initial treatment. No statistically significant differences were found in the improvement of clinical findings between the groups. All QOL scores improved significantly and did not significantly differ between the groups. Our regimen may enable clinical control of acne in Japanese patients and improve their QOL. For limiting retinoid use, weekly application of adapalene during maintenance is suitable.