In a phase III clinical trials of patients with moderate-to-severe acne, tretinoin 0.05% lotion abridged inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions comparative to vehicle lotion, with low potential for cutaneous irritation. Facts from these studies were analyzed post hoc to observe the effects of tretinoin 0.05% lotion on patient-reported quality of life, as evaluated using the Acne-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (Acne-QoL).

In the pooled intent-to-treat population (n = 1640), superior mean enhancements were found with tretinoin 0.05% lotion vs vehicle in all four domains: self-perception (mean change: 7.4 vs 6.7); role-emotional (6.8 vs 6.0); role-social (4.8 vs 4.6); acne symptoms (6.5 vs 5.6); all p < 0.05. Relative to the intent-to-treat population, participants who experienced treatment success with tretinoin 0.05% lotion had higher (better) mean Acne-QoL scores at week 12. Correlations between acne symptoms and the other three domains were found at baseline and week 12 (p < 0.05). Participants with moderate-to-severe acne reported better quality of life after 12 weeks of treatment with tretinoin 0.05% lotion. Clinical improvements in acne symptoms may have contributed to these outcomes.

Source: Am J Clin Dermatol, 2020 Dec;21(6):891-899