Serum zinc levels and efficacy of zinc treatment in acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Yee BE, Richards P, Sui JY, Marsch AF
Published in Dermatologic Therapy
Methodology
PRISMA systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing serum zinc in acne patients versus controls and trials of oral or topical zinc for acne
Key Findings
Acne patients had significantly lower serum zinc than controls, and zinc treatment significantly reduced mean inflammatory papule count with no increase in side effects versus comparators.
Conclusions
Zinc is effective for acne, particularly for inflammatory papules, as monotherapy or adjunctive treatment.
Limitations
Included non-randomised studies, heterogeneous zinc salts, doses and routes; small trial sizes; publication bias possible.
Supplements Studied
Zinc is effective for the treatment of acne, particularly at decreasing the number of inflammatory papules, when used as monotherapy or as an adjunctive treatment.
Outcomes Measured
Patients who were treated with zinc had a significant improvement in mean inflammatory papule count compared to those who were not treated with zinc.
Patients with acne had lower serum zinc levels, and zinc treatment reduced inflammatory papule counts in pooled trials.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Academic/institutional
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.