Zinc
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy
The evidence for zinc in the treatment of acne is lacking. It is plagued by weak randomized controlled trials and mostly case reports and historical use. It is believed zinc may provide benefit by decreasing sebum production, decreasing anti-inflammatory mediators, and may have antimicrobial effect against P. acnes. Current evidence suggests that topical zinc may provide no benefit in acne treatment and may have adverse effects such as redness of the skin and allergic type reactions. As such, it should not be recommended for the treatment of acne.
There appears to be more evidence around the use of oral zinc for the treatment of acne. When oral zinc is compared to placebo, there is a decrease in types of lesions and number of lesions, specifically papule and pustule type lesions. It also scored better on an acne severity index as compared to placebo. In a comparison between placebo vs zinc vs minocycline, zinc was found to be superior to placebo but inferior to minocycline, indicating it may have some form of antimicrobial effect that is less than that of usual antibiotics used in acne treatment.
Unfortunately oral zinc is mired by substantial gastrointestinal effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These side effects are pronounced and common, and up to 30% of patients in studies have stopped using zinc due to the side effects. Due to the side effect profile of oral zinc, it may not be suitable as an acne treatment. Zinc should only be used under guidance of a physician and not used for the purpose of self-care.
References:
1. Weimar VM, Puhl SC, Smith WH, tenBroeke JE. Zinc Sulfate in Acne Vulgaris. Arch Dermatol. 1978; 114: 1776-1778.
2. Cochran RJ, Tucker SB, Flannigan SA. Topical Zinc Therapy for Acne Vulgaris. Int J Dermatol. 1985; 24: 188-190.
3. Brandt S. The clinical effects of zinc as a topical or oral agent on the clinical response and pathophysiologic mechanisms of acne: a systematic review of the literature. J Drugs Dermatol. 2013; 12(5): 542-545.
The evidence for zinc in the treatment of acne is lacking. It is plagued by weak randomized controlled trials and mostly case reports and historical use. It is believed zinc may provide benefit by decreasing sebum production, decreasing anti-inflammatory mediators, and may have antimicrobial effect against P. acnes. Current evidence suggests that topical zinc may provide no benefit in acne treatment and may have adverse effects such as redness of the skin and allergic type reactions. As such, it should not be recommended for the treatment of acne.
There appears to be more evidence around the use of oral zinc for the treatment of acne. When oral zinc is compared to placebo, there is a decrease in types of lesions and number of lesions, specifically papule and pustule type lesions. It also scored better on an acne severity index as compared to placebo. In a comparison between placebo vs zinc vs minocycline, zinc was found to be superior to placebo but inferior to minocycline, indicating it may have some form of antimicrobial effect that is less than that of usual antibiotics used in acne treatment.
Unfortunately oral zinc is mired by substantial gastrointestinal effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These side effects are pronounced and common, and up to 30% of patients in studies have stopped using zinc due to the side effects. Due to the side effect profile of oral zinc, it may not be suitable as an acne treatment. Zinc should only be used under guidance of a physician and not used for the purpose of self-care.
References:
1. Weimar VM, Puhl SC, Smith WH, tenBroeke JE. Zinc Sulfate in Acne Vulgaris. Arch Dermatol. 1978; 114: 1776-1778.
2. Cochran RJ, Tucker SB, Flannigan SA. Topical Zinc Therapy for Acne Vulgaris. Int J Dermatol. 1985; 24: 188-190.
3. Brandt S. The clinical effects of zinc as a topical or oral agent on the clinical response and pathophysiologic mechanisms of acne: a systematic review of the literature. J Drugs Dermatol. 2013; 12(5): 542-545.