Assessing Attributes of Topical Vehicles for the Treatment of Acne, Atopic Dermatitis, and Plaque Psoriasis

Results by Condition

Unless otherwise noted, participant responses generally were consistent across the North Carolina and New York focus groups. Results from the study, which included a total of 54 participants, suggested a high degree of similarity among preferences for topical treatment attributes across the 3 conditions. Moisturizing was the single attribute that was mentioned across all 3 conditions in all 6 focus groups as an important characteristic in a topical dermatologic treatment. Other attributes mentioned by at least 1 participant in 5 of 6 focus groups included the following: absorbs/disappears/dries quickly, available in various formulations, does not bleach or stain skin/hair/clothing, is not greasy/oily, is not sticky/tacky, is long lasting/long acting/stays on/lasts through sweating or hand washing, is fragrance or odor free, is easy to apply/simple to use, and can use all the time.

A few condition-specific attributes also were noted. An attribute was considered condition specific if it was mentioned by at least 1 participant in both groups for any condition. Preferred properties for topical medications that were specific to acne patients included the following: easy to dispense/dispenses right amount, nondrying, product goes on/spreads smoothly, container (eg, tube, pump) is not easily broken/does not leak, and creamy. Preferred properties that were specific to AD patients included the following: is not noticeable to others/conceals area, good consistency, and cooling. Preferred properties that were specific to 2 conditions included no residue among acne and AD patients and soothing among AD and PP patients. Preferred properties for topical medications across all focus groups are described in further detail in Table 3.