Prescribing patterns for treatment of acne vulgaris: A retrospective chart review at an urban public and private hospital

Abstract

Background

Studies have found demographic differences in prescribing patterns for certain inflammatory conditions, including acne.

Objective

To investigate acne prescription patterns among patients seen in the private system (PS) and safety-net health care system (SNS) of the University of Southern California (USC).

Methods

This was a multisite, retrospective study of patients obtaining acne care at PS and SNS outpatient dermatology facilities in Los Angeles over a one-year period.

Results

Despite similar acne severity, SNS patients were less often prescribed azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide/adapalene, sulfacetamide, topical dapsone, and salicylic acid than PS patients (p < 0.001). SNS patients received fewer prescriptions for oral medications including spironolactone, antibiotics, and isotretinoin (p < 0.001). Despite similar acne severity, non-White patients were less frequently prescribed topical retinoids (p = 0.003), benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin (p = 0.003), isotretinoin (p < 0.001) and spironolactone (p < 0.001) than White patients. Despite higher acne severity among Hispanics/Latinos, they were less often prescribed spironolactone and oral antibiotics than their non-Hispanic/Latino counterparts (p = 0.023).

Conclusions

Findings from this study highlight differences in acne prescribing patterns by race/ethnicity and hospital system, which can impact the ability of patients to have successful treatment of their acne and its sequelae.