Abstract:
Trichostasis spinulosa characterized by hyperkeratotic follicular papules resulting from the follicular retention of vellus hairs, is a relatively common disease that cause a cosmetic disturbance. A variety of treatment modalities have been used such as topical retinoids, keratolytic drugs, adhesive strips, IPL and laser. Although no any gold standard treatment available, topical retinoids is the one that found effective. Topical benzoyl peroxide has keratolytic activity, antimicrobial activity, and anti-inflammatory activity, which may has a role in the treatment of trichostasis spinulosa.
The objective of the study is to compare the efficacy between topical 5% benzoyl peroxide and topical 0.05% tretinoin in the treatment of trichostasis spinulosa. Thirty seven volunteers who had trichostasis spinulosa and met the inclusion criteria were enrolled and randomly assigned topical 5% benzoyl peroxide and topical 0.05% tretinoin to each alae nasi. Photographs were taken by a digital microscope at baseline, 4th, 8th and 12th week, an independent physician counted the lesion of trichostasis spinulosa from the digital microscope photographs.
Among thirty seven volunteers enrolled, thirty four subjects completed the study. The subjects were female (20/34, 58.82%) and male (14/34, 41.18 %). The average participant age was 32.97 ± 10.12 years old. The results revealed both topical 5% benzoyl peroxide and topical 0.05% tretinoin can reduce the number of trichostasis spinulosa at 4th, 8th and 12th week. There were no statistically significant in the efficacy between topical 5% benzoyl peroxide and topical 0.05% tretinoin. Both treatment show no severe complication, only minimal adverse effects are itching, redness, dry and scale.