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NCT Number: NCT07348978

Auricular Acupressure Combined With Adapalene for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition that can significantly affect quality of life. Standard treatments such as topical retinoids are effective but may not fully control symptoms in all patients.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of auricular acupressure combined with topical 0.1% adapalene compared with topical 0.1% adapalene alone in patients with acne vulgaris. Auricular acupressure is a non-invasive traditional medicine technique that may help regulate inflammatory responses and improve skin conditions.

The objective of this study was to determine whether the combination therapy provides greater improvement in acne severity and clinical outcomes than standard topical treatment alone.

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Key information

Conditions

Acne Vulgaris Acneiform Eruptions Sebaceous Gland Diseases Skin Diseases Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Le Van Thinh Hospital

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

About this study

Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial inflammatory skin disease commonly affecting adolescents and young adults. Although topical retinoids such as adapalene are widely used and effective, some patients experience incomplete responses or persistent symptoms.

Auricular acupressure is a traditional therapeutic method that involves stimulating specific points on the ear and has been used to support systemic regulation and inflammatory control. This study was designed to explore the potential added benefit of auricular acupressure when combined with standard topical adapalene therapy.

This interventional study compared two treatment approaches in patients with acne vulgaris: auricular acupressure combined with topical 0.1% adapalene versus topical 0.1% adapalene alone. Participants were assigned to treatment groups according to the study protocol and followed for clinical assessment.

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination therapy in improving acne severity and overall clinical outcomes compared with standard treatment alone.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Male or female patients aged 18 to 35 years.
  • Clinical diagnosis of mild to moderate acne vulgaris based on the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS).
  • Willingness to comply with the study protocol and attend all scheduled visits.
  • Provided written informed consent prior to participation.

Exclusion criteria

  • Severe acne vulgaris requiring systemic treatment.
  • Use of systemic acne treatments (such as isotretinoin, antibiotics, or hormonal therapy) within the past 4 weeks.
  • Use of topical acne treatments within 2 weeks prior to enrollment.
  • Presence of other dermatological conditions that may interfere with evaluation.
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • Known allergy or hypersensitivity to adapalene or components of the intervention.

Treatment and study plan

auricular acupressure

Other

Auricular acupressure was performed by applying pressure to specific auricular points according to traditional medicine principles. The intervention was administered as an adjunctive therapy in combination with topical adapalene.

Other names: Ear Acupressure

Adapalene 0.1% Gel

Drug

Topical adapalene 0.1% was applied to affected areas once daily as standard treatment for acne vulgaris.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) score

    Time frame: From baseline to week 4

    The Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) was used to assess acne severity. The total GAGS score was calculated at baseline and at the end of treatment. The primary outcome was the change in GAGS score from baseline to the end of treatment, and comparisons were made between the two study groups.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesion counts

    Time frame: From baseline to week 4

    The number of inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules) and non-inflammatory lesions (open and closed comedones) was recorded at baseline and weekly during treatment.

    The secondary outcome was the change in lesion counts from baseline to week 4 between the two treatment groups.

  2. Change in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score

    Time frame: From baseline to week 4

    Quality of life was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), a validated questionnaire consisting of 10 items.

    The secondary outcome was the change in DLQI score from baseline to week 4, comparing the two study groups.

  3. Incidence of treatment-related adverse events

    Time frame: During the 4-week treatment period

    Adverse events were monitored throughout the study period, including skin dryness, burning sensation, itching, erythema, and other local or systemic reactions.

    The frequency and type of adverse events were recorded and compared between groups.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Efficacy of Auricular Acupressure Combined With 0.1% Adapalene in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jan 16, 2026
Registry last updated
Jan 16, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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