Polyester sponge adjunct in acne management

Thirty patients ranging in age from 11 to 32 years were treated for acne or keratosis pilaris, using a new polyester sponge for facial epidermabrasion. Some patients continued taking prescribed oral antibiotics, but for most the polyester sponge was the sole therapy. Duration of treatment averaged about seven weeks. Only one instance of mild skin irritation attributable to use of the sponge was reported, and simple modification of the application relieved this problem. Analysis of both patient and investigator evaluations of efficacy revealed a favorable response in 96% of the patients. Although response usually was prompt, in some instances resolution of lesions did not occur for several weeks. The polyester sponge is a useful adjunct to overall therapy in these disorders.