DIGITAL IMAGE-ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF TOPICALLY APPLIED LINOLEIC-ACID ON ACNE MICROCOMEDONES

A major pathogenic factor of acne is the disturbed keratinization of t he follicular infundibulum. It has been hypothesized that a relative d ecrease in linoleic acid in the sebum could be responsible, in part, f or this. The aim of the present study was objectively to evaluate the effects of topically applied linoleic acid on the size of microcomedon es in patients with mild acne. The design was a double-blind placebo-c ontrolled randomized cross-over study Evaluations were performed by di gital image analysis of cyanoacrylate follicular biopsies. There was a significant effect of topically applied linoleic acid on the size of follicular casts and microcomedones, an almost 25% reduction in their overall size being achieved over a 1-month treatment period. In contra st, no change was found at placebo-treated sites. It is concluded that topical linoleic acid might play a role as a comedolytic agent in acn e-prone patients.