Effects of oral zinc and vitamin A in acne

Arch Dermatol. 1977 Jan;113(1):31-6. doi: 10.1001/archderm.1977.01640010033003.

Abstract

The effects of oral zinc sulfate (corresponding to 135 mg of zinc daily) alone and in combination with vitamin A (300,000 international units) daily on acne lesions have been compared with those of vitamin A alone and of a placebo. The number of comedones, papules, pustules, and infiltrates were counted at each visit. After four weeks, there was a significant decrease in the number of papules, pustules, and infiltrates in the zinc-treated groups. The effect of zinc plus vitamin A was not better than zinc alone. After 12 weeks of treatment, the mean acne score had decreased from 100% to 15%. The mechanism for the effect of zinc therapy in acne, to our knowledge, is not presently known.¿

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy*
  • Administration, Oral
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Drug Evaluation
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Placebos
  • Sulfates
  • Vitamin A / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin A / therapeutic use*
  • Zinc / administration & dosage
  • Zinc / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Placebos
  • Sulfates
  • Vitamin A
  • Zinc