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Triphasic Oral Contraceptive Containing Norgestimate, Ethinyl Estradiol Effective in Treating Women with Acne Vulgaris

Fertile women who develop mild to moderate acne vulgaris can be treated effectively with oral contraceptives (OC) containing norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol, say Austrian researchers.

P. G. Sato and colleagues from the Department of Special and Environmental Dermatology, University of Vienna, General Hospital, evaluated the efficacy of a triphasic combination OC as a good therapeutic option for this patient group.

Twelve subjects participated in the trial which ran for six months 10 patients completed the study.

Facial acne lesion counts were used to assess efficacy along with an investigator's global assessment. Subject self-assessments were recorded as were measurements of epidermal moisture and skin surface lipids. Photo documentation was also compiled and hormone levels were measured.

The number of acne counts were found to improve over the six months of treatment. Positive ratings on the success of the therapy were made by the investigator and all subjects apart from one who reported there were no changes.

While significant reductions were found in skin surface lipids, no significant change was seen in skin hydration.

An increase was found in sex-hormone-binding globulin and testosterone and progesterone were shown to decrease.
Dermatology 2003;206:3:241-248. "Clinical Evidence of the Endocrinological Influence of a Triphasic Oral Contraceptive Containing Norgestimate and Ethinyl Estradiol in Treating Women with Acne vulgaris"

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