Oral zinc sulfate in the treatment of rosacea: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Sharquie KE, Najim RA, Al-Salman HN
Published in International Journal of Dermatology
Methodology
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover; zinc sulfate 100 mg three times daily versus identical placebo for 3 months per period; disease severity score at monthly visits.
Key Findings
25 patients with rosacea (19 completed) took zinc sulfate 100 mg or placebo three times daily for 3 months, then crossed over. In those starting on zinc, the mean severity score fell from 8 (SD 2.0) significantly within the first month and, after crossing to placebo, drifted up from month five but stayed below pre-treatment levels. In those starting on placebo, scores stayed high for the first 3 months and only fell significantly after month four on zinc. Only mild gastric upset in 3 patients (12%) was reported.
Conclusions
Zinc sulfate appeared safe and effective for rosacea in a small crossover trial.
Limitations
Very small single-centre sample with 6 of 25 dropping out, subjective severity scoring, and a clear carryover effect in the crossover that complicates interpretation.
Supplements Studied
Zinc sulfate was found to be a good option in the treatment of rosacea, as it was safe, effective and lacking important side-effects.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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