Topical oxymetazoline hydrochloride reduces post-acne erythema: Study

A new study by Chanudda Washrawirul and team shows that the topical oxymetazoline hydrochloride (OxH) 0.05% solution reduced post-acne erythema (PAE) without a rebound effect and was efficient, well-tolerated, and safe. The findings of this study were published in the Journal of Dermatology.

One of the most frequent aftereffects of acne inflammation is post-acne erythema. Unfortunately, the lack of effective topical therapies means that treating PAE is still difficult. In order to assess the effectiveness and safety of topical oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.05% solution for PAE, this study was carried out.

This study was a split-face, randomized, placebo-controlled experiment that was conducted in Bangkok, Thailand, between December 2021 and March 2022, with participants and researchers both blinded. Eligible participants were healthy people between the ages of 18 and 45 with mild to severe PAE on both sides of the face, as determined by the Clinician's Erythema Assessment (CEA). Following randomization, each subject used OxH twice daily for 12 weeks on one side of their faces and a placebo on the other. The main result was the number of PAE lesions. Erythema index, clinical response rate at week 12 (defined as "clear," "almost clear," or "at least two-grade improvement" by CEA), and patient satisfaction ratings were the secondary objectives.

The key findings of this study were:

1. There were 30 contestants in all. After 8 weeks of therapy, the OxH-treated skin had a considerably larger mean difference (MD) decrease in PAE lesion counts than the placebo.

2. Similar to this, starting in the second week, the MD decrease of the erythema index was larger in the skin treated with OxH.

3. Furthermore, the OxH-treated group saw a greater clinical response rate after 8 weeks of therapy and reported feeling more satisfied than those who received the placebo.

4. Throughout the course of the research, there were no severe adverse events or erythema flare-ups.

Topical oxymetazoline is an efficient and well-tolerated therapy for post-acne erythema. There is a need for longitudinal research to look at how long an effect lasts.

Reference:

Washrawirul, C., Puaratana‐arunkon, T., Chongpison, Y., Noppakun, N., Asawanonda, P., & Kumtornrut, C. (2023). The role of the topical nasal decongestant oxymetazoline as a novel therapeutic option for post‐acne erythema: A split‐face, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial. In The Journal of Dermatology. Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1111/1346-8138.16749