The comparative study to determine the efficacy of 0.05% tazarotene gel versus 0.1% adapalene gel in patients of facial acne vulgaris

Introduction: Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin disorders that present to Dermatology clinics. The majority of the patients suffer from mild-to-moderate acne, for which topical retinoids form the mainstay of treatment. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this article is to study and determine the efficacy and tolerability of 0.05% tazarotene gel against 0.1% adapalene gel in facial acne vulgaris. Materials and Methods: Eighty-two facial acne vulgaris patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group A was given 0.05% tazarotene gel, and group B received 0.1% adapalene gel to be applied overnight for a period of 8 weeks. Lesion counting and photographs were recorded every 15 days. Results: The mean difference on first follow-up from baseline for tazarotene and adapalene was 6.80 ± 6.42 and 1.48 ± 10.44, and the P-value was 0.013. The final follow-up visit values were 34.77 ± 23.73 and 25.48 ± 13.04, with a P-value of 0.051. The mean percentage change from baseline to last follow-up for tazarotene and adapalene was 60% and 51%, respectively, which were statistically significant for both groups (P < 0.05). More patients in the tazarotene group developed cutaneous side effects such as erythema and burning sensation than those in the adapalene group (P < 0.05). conclusion: About 0.05% tazarotene gel has better efficacy than 0.1% adapalene, though associated with more side effects. It can be used as a topical adjunct or as monotherapy in mild-to-moderate facial acne vulgaris.