[Internal versus topical tetracycline therapy of acne]

The study comprised 49 patients suffering from acne who were treated over a period averaging 4.7 +/- 1.2 months with tetracyclines administered either orally (1000 mg daily for 5 days, then 250 mg daily) or locally (2% alcoholic solution). Randomization was carried out by means of random numbers. The percentage of pustules among the total acne efflorescences was chosen as clinical parameter for the efficacy of the antibiotic therapy. After treatment, both collectives showed the same significant decline of pustulation. The therapy was finally evaluated on a six-point scale both by the doctor and the patient. In total, there could not be detected any significant difference in the evaluation of local and oral medication.