Assay of comedolytic activity in acne patients

Comedolytic activity was assessed in acne patients by determining the reduction in facial microcomedones using the cyanoacrylate follicular biopsy technique. Microcomedones were counted in five-em squares after 8 to 12 weeks of treatment. Only salicylic acid and tretinoin among seven conventional anti-acne medications were found to possess comedolytic activity. The latter was the more effective.