Efficacy and Safety of Tazarotene Lotion, 0.045% in the Treatment of Truncal Acne Vulgaris.

BACKGROUND

Although truncal acne is thought to have the same pathophysiology as facial acne, treatment response may differ based on body area involvement. Traditionally, prescribers have relied on oral therapies for the management of truncal acne, possibly because oral therapy has been considered more convenient than topical application of medication to the chest and back. A lotion formulation may be particularly well-suited for the treatment of truncal acne. Tazarotene lotion, 0.045% is FDA approved for treatment of acne vulgaris in individuals 9 years of age or older. This pilot study was designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of Arazlo lotion for the treatment of truncal acne.

STUDY FINDINGS

A total of 19 subjects ranging in age from 12 to 58 years completed the 12-week study. There were significant reductions in truncal IGA (the primary endpoint) at each of the study follow-up visits. At week 12, 89% of subjects were clear or almost clear, as assessed by truncal IGA score. There were statistically significant reductions in inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesion counts from baseline to week 12. Treatment with tazarotene lotion 0.045% was well-tolerated, with erythema, dryness, peeling, oiliness, pruritis, and burning generally rated as trace or mild. Most subjects (64% or more) rated the lotion as “Good” or “Excellent” in general and in comparison to their prior medications.

CONCLUSIONS

Tazarotene lotion, 0.045% is shown to be effective and well-tolerated for the management of truncal acne in this pilot study. Further studies with placebo control and larger populations are warranted. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(7):713-716. doi:10.36849/JDD.6967.