Acne VulgarisNCT07348978
Auricular Acupressure Combined With Adapalene for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris
A study testing Auricular Acupressure and Adapalene 0.1% Gel in people with Acne Vulgaris, run by University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City at 1 site in Vietnam.
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Acne Vulgaris
- What is being tested?
- Auricular Acupressure and Adapalene 0.1% Gel
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 64 participants
- Where
- 1 siteVietnam
- Study dates
- 1 Nov 2024to 10 Nov 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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.
Who cannot join
- 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.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Efficacy of Auricular Acupressure Combined With 0.1% Adapalene in 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.
Read the detailed description
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.
- Conditions
- Acne Vulgaris
- Being tested
- Auricular Acupressure, Adapalene 0.1% Gel
- Keywords
- Auricular Acupressure, Adapalene, Acne Treatment, Traditional Medicine, Complementary Therapy
- Medical subject headings
- Acne Vulgaris
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Auricular AcupressureOther
Also called Ear Acupressure
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.
Adapalene 0.1% GelDrug
Topical adapalene 0.1% was applied to affected areas once daily as standard treatment for acne vulgaris.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Auricular Acupressure Plus Adapalene | Experimental | Participants received auricular acupressure combined with topical 0.1% adapalene. Receives: Other: Auricular Acupressure; Drug: Adapalene 0.1% Gel |
| Active Comparator | Experimental | Participants received topical 0.1% adapalene alone. Receives: Drug: Adapalene 0.1% Gel |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) score
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.
Measured: From baseline to week 4
Secondary outcomes (3)
Change in inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesion counts
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.
Measured: From baseline to week 4
Change in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score
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.
Measured: From baseline to week 4
Incidence of treatment-related adverse events
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.
Measured: During the 4-week treatment period
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted16 Jan 2026
- Study start1 Nov 2024
- Primary completion30 Jun 2025
- Study completion10 Nov 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Acne VulgarisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh CityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were assigned to one of two parallel groups according to the study protocol.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 64 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Trang Le Thi Ha, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City
- Investigators
- Bay Thi Nguyen, PhD, Principal investigator, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh CityHuy Chung Ly, Study director, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07348978
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2464-DHYD-HDDD
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 26 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 16 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared due to ethical and privacy considerations and because the study was conducted at a single center
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 16 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Efficacy of Auricular Acupressure Combined With 0.1% Adapalene in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07348978
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2464-DHYD-HDDD
- Conditions
- Acne Vulgaris
- Keywords
- Auricular Acupressure, Adapalene, Acne Treatment, Traditional Medicine, Complementary Therapy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 64 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh CityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Nov 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Nov 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 16 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants were assigned to one of two parallel groups according to the study protocol.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Auricular Acupressure Plus Adapalene | Experimental | Other: Auricular Acupressure, Drug: Adapalene 0.1% GelParticipants received auricular acupressure combined with topical 0.1% adapalene. |
| Active Comparator | Experimental | Drug: Adapalene 0.1% GelParticipants received topical 0.1% adapalene alone. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- 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.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Auricular AcupressureAlso: Ear AcupressureAuricular 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 | Auricular Acupressure Plus Adapalene |
| Adapalene 0.1% GelTopical adapalene 0.1% was applied to affected areas once daily as standard treatment for acne vulgaris. | Drug | Active Comparator, Auricular Acupressure Plus Adapalene |
Primary outcome
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.
3 secondary outcomes
Change in inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesion counts
Time frame: From baseline to week 4
Change in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score
Time frame: From baseline to week 4
Incidence of treatment-related adverse events
Time frame: During the 4-week treatment period
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 16 Jan 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared due to ethical and privacy considerations and because the study was conducted at a single center
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Bay Thi Nguyen, PhD principal investigator
University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City
Huy Chung Ly study director
University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Auricular Acupressure and Adapalene 0.1% Gel in people with Acne Vulgaris, run by University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City at 1 site in Vietnam.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 16 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Vietnam. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) score (time frame: From baseline to week 4). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 16 Jan 2026.