BC04 Burden of treatment in severe acne vulgaris

Abstract Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition resulting in a significant personal burden to patients. Although the burden associated with the disease itself has been well reported, there is a paucity of data examining the burden of treatment (BOT) in acne. We performed a prospective single-centre study in a tertiary dermatology department in Ireland. Patients attending the dermatology department for acne management were invited to complete a validated BOT questionnaire with additional qualitative components, modified for use in acne. Fifty patients responded to the questionnaire. Sixty-eight per cent (n = 34) of respondents were female and 32% (n = 16) were male; mean patient age was 22.6 years (range 16–45). Eighty-two per cent (n = 41) of patients were on isotretinoin at the time of the study, with a further 18% (n = 9) on oral antibiotic therapy. The average BOT for antibiotics was 4.5/10 (range 2.5–6.9), and for isotretinoin, it was 3.8/10 (range 0.69–6.9). The greatest challenges reported with topical treatment were skin sensitivity and dryness and the lack of efficacy. The greatest challenges reported with antibiotic therapy were side-effects, including gastrointestinal upset, limited efficacy and the requirement for long-term treatment. Xerosis was described as the greatest challenge associated with isotretinoin; however, 58% of patients believed their overall BOT was decreased with isotretinoin, with statements such as ‘I really wish I’d started on isotretinoin a very long time ago’ provided. Acne results in a significant physical and psychosocial burden to patients. Patients on isotretinoin rated the BOT of isotretinoin as less than that of antibiotics and topical therapies. Prescribers should be aware of the BOT of various treatments to optimize treatment for acne.