Clinical Evidence of the Endocrinological Influence of a Triphasic Oral Contraceptive Containing Norgestimate and Ethinyl Estradiol in Treating Women with Acne vulgaris

Vol. 206, No. 3, 2003

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Pharmacology and Treatment

Clinical Evidence of the Endocrinological Influence of a Triphasic Oral Contraceptive Containing Norgestimate and Ethinyl Estradiol in Treating Women with Acne vulgaris
A Pilot Study
P.-G. Sator, J.B. Schmidt, H. Hönigsmann

Department of Special and Environmental Dermatology, University of Vienna, General Hospital, Vienna, Austria

Address of Corresponding Author

Dermatology 2003;206:241-248 (DOI: 10.1159/000068893)

Key Words

Oral contraceptive
Norgestimate
Ethinyl estradiol
Acne vulgaris
Skin hydration
Skin surface lipids

Abstract

Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a triphasic combination oral contraceptive (OC) containing norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol in the treatment of women with acne vulgaris. Methods: 12 female patients were included and 10 completed the trial. Over a period of 6 months, efficacy was assessed by means of facial acne lesion counts, by an investigator's global assessment, by patients' self-assessments and by measuring epidermal moisture and skin surface lipids. In addition, a photo documentation was compiled and hormone levels were measured. Results: After 6 months of therapy, the number of acne counts improved. The success of treatment was rated positively both by the investigator and by all patients but one who did not report any changes. Skin surface lipids were significantly reduced while skin hydration showed no significant change. Testosterone and progesterone decreased, and sex-hormone-binding globulin increased, significantly. Conclusion: Our data show that an OC containing norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol is a good therapeutic option for women of fertile age suffering from mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

Author Contacts

Paul-G. Sator, MD
Department of Special and Environmental Dermatology
University of Vienna, General Hospital, Währinger Gürtel 18-20
A-1090 Vienna (Austria)
Tel. +43 1 406 08 66, Fax +43 1 408 12 87, E-Mail paul.sator@khl.magwien.gv.at

Article Information

Received: February 13, 2002
Accepted: August 8, 2002
Number of Print Pages : 8
Number of Figures : 4, Number of Tables : 3, Number of References : 27

Medline Abstract (ID 12673082)

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