Effectiveness of topical Clinda Soap in the treatment of acne vulgaris

BACKGROUND: A variety of drugs can be used for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Every medicine acts against one or some of the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. This study was conducted to assess the therapeutic effect of Clinda Soap in the treatment of acne vulgaris. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, clinical trial included 82 patients (age: 15-35 years) with mild to moderate acne vulgaris. The study protocol was approved by the ethics committee of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences (Sanandaj, Iran). The patients were randomized into two groups to receive the standard treatment for acne vulgaris with either Clinda Soap (containing clindamycin hydrochloride 1%, manufactured by Shadakish Company, Iran) or a placebo soap. Both the intervention and control groups were asked to apply soaps twice daily for three months. Monthly examinations were performed by a dermatologist to ensure proper use of the soaps and to assess the rate of recovery and possible complications. Data was analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance in SPSS. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 21.1 ± 4.7 years in the intervention group and 21.5 ± 4.8 years in the control group. The mean duration of the disease was 3.0 ± 1.5 and 3.1 ± 1.8 months in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The mean number of comedones in the two groups had no significant difference at any monthly visit. In contrast, at all visits, significantly fewer papules and pustules were observed in the intervention group than in the control. Significant intra-group and inter-group differences in the number of inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules) were also seen. CONCLUSION: In general, it can be concluded that Clinda Soap is effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris. The recovery rate of papules and pustules was higher than that of comedones. Easy application of this soap together with its low cost and few adverse effects will increase patients' compliance.