Volume 83, Issue 2 (May 2025)
Tehran Univ Med J 2025, 83(2): 92-98 |
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Darayesh M. Comparing the efficacy of topical bepacto (dexpanthanol) versus intra muscular bepacto injection in treating mild to moderate acne: a split-face controlled trial. Tehran Univ Med J 2025; 83 (2) :92-98
URL: http://tumj.tums.ac.ir/article-1-13516-en.html
URL: http://tumj.tums.ac.ir/article-1-13516-en.html
Department of Dermatology, Research Center for Social Determinants of Health, Faculty of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.
Abstract: (741 Views)
Background: Acne is a common adolescent skin disorder presenting with papules, pustules, and cysts on the face, chest, and back, which may persist into adulthood with varying severity. Dexpanthanol (bepacto) is an effective treatment for acne, administered both topically and intramuscularly. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of topical bepacto ointment versus intramuscular bepacto injections for mild to moderate acne.
Methods: This study was a randomized, controlled, split-face clinical trial. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: one receiving weekly intramuscular bepacto ampoule injections and the other applying topical bepacto ointment twice daily. The treatment protocol consisted of an initial one-month phase followed by a two-month continuation phase. Following acne diagnosis, patients were classified into three severity categories (mild, moderate and severe) according to Lehman's criteria. Data collection instruments for this study included a demographic information questionnaire and the Acne-QOL (Acne Quality of Life) questionnaire.
Results: The Mann-Whitney U test results indicated no statistically significant differences in quality-of-life outcomes between the topical and intramuscular treatment groups (P>0.05). Subsequent Friedman test analysis revealed distinct treatment response patterns: among 18-24-year-old patients with mild baseline acne severity, both treatment groups maintained mild severity at 2-week and 4-week follow-ups, with significant improvement achieved by week six. However, in moderate acne cases within the same age group, the topical treatment group showed progressive improvement - maintaining moderate severity at two weeks, progressing to mild by four weeks, and achieving complete resolution by week six. In contrast, the intramuscular group with moderate acne demonstrated persistent moderate severity at both 2-week and 4-week follow-ups, with only partial improvement to mild severity by week 6 and no complete resolution observed during the study period. These findings suggest that while both administration routes similarly affected quality of life measures, topical dexpanthanol demonstrated superior efficacy and faster response times, particularly in cases of moderate acne severity among young adult patients.
Conclusion: Intramuscular dexpanthanol may optimize treatment initiation timing and reduce costs in mild-to-moderate acne management.
Methods: This study was a randomized, controlled, split-face clinical trial. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: one receiving weekly intramuscular bepacto ampoule injections and the other applying topical bepacto ointment twice daily. The treatment protocol consisted of an initial one-month phase followed by a two-month continuation phase. Following acne diagnosis, patients were classified into three severity categories (mild, moderate and severe) according to Lehman's criteria. Data collection instruments for this study included a demographic information questionnaire and the Acne-QOL (Acne Quality of Life) questionnaire.
Results: The Mann-Whitney U test results indicated no statistically significant differences in quality-of-life outcomes between the topical and intramuscular treatment groups (P>0.05). Subsequent Friedman test analysis revealed distinct treatment response patterns: among 18-24-year-old patients with mild baseline acne severity, both treatment groups maintained mild severity at 2-week and 4-week follow-ups, with significant improvement achieved by week six. However, in moderate acne cases within the same age group, the topical treatment group showed progressive improvement - maintaining moderate severity at two weeks, progressing to mild by four weeks, and achieving complete resolution by week six. In contrast, the intramuscular group with moderate acne demonstrated persistent moderate severity at both 2-week and 4-week follow-ups, with only partial improvement to mild severity by week 6 and no complete resolution observed during the study period. These findings suggest that while both administration routes similarly affected quality of life measures, topical dexpanthanol demonstrated superior efficacy and faster response times, particularly in cases of moderate acne severity among young adult patients.
Conclusion: Intramuscular dexpanthanol may optimize treatment initiation timing and reduce costs in mild-to-moderate acne management.
Type of Study: Original Article |
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