Acne Vulgaris Information and Natural Treatments

Acne vulgaris, most commonly refered to as just acne, is a moderate to severe skin condition caused by inflamed glands in the skin. Acne is characterized by red, bumpy infected areas of tender skin that may develop into small cyst like bumps possibly resulting in scarring.

This form of acne usually appears on the face, neck and back. While acne is most common among teenagers, it may also affect young adults and adults of both sexes. The male hormone, testosterone, and infection are believed to be the main catalysts of acne in most people.

Nutritional Supplementation and Acne Treatment

Based on the results of a number of clinical studies, researchers now believe zinc may be a potent tool for fighting acne. Some trials show that zinc supplementation is as effective for acne as traditional antibiotics. Research suggests that acne suffers may take up to 30 mg of zinc twice daily for a few months and once a day thereafter. If zinc supplementation is effective improving the visual appearance of acne, results will be evident after about three months of supplementation. Some professionals suggest that copper supplementation should be included with prolonged zinc supplementation to prevent copper deficiency.

Vitamin A is also used to fight severe acne. Accutane® is a popular prescription drug containing vitamin A that has provided extended relief to many suffering from severe acne. Other experimentation with vitamin A includes the use of extremely high daily doses of vitamin A (up to 500,000 IU) to curb acne conditions; however, the termination of this type of treatment generally results in the reemergence of acne in patients within a few months. However, the downside of using vitamin A in connetion with acne is that high doses of vitamin A can be toxic. Alway consult a doctor before starting any type of vitamin A supplementation regimen.

Some researchers believe that Pantothenic acid may have a positive effect on acne suffers. One trial administered a cream containing this acid between four and six times daily to acne patients. In addition to applying the cream, the patients ingested four 2.5 gram doses of pantothenic acid each day. After the acne began responding to treatment, the levels of the acid were lowered to a daily dose of between 1 and 5 grams. Results of the study showed severe acne to begin responding to the acid after six months. Moderate acne showed significant relief after only a couple months.

The results of a two month clinical studies showed that applying niacinamide gel twice a day improved acne conditions. Presently, niacinamide is thought to improve acne only when used topically.

Conflicting reports are available showing the results of vitamin B6 on acne. Although one report implies that the vitamin relieves premenstrual acne breakouts, no compelling research is available to support this theory. However, research in the past has indicated that certain doses of vitamin B6 may relieve acne by decreasing levels of skin oiliness. Research continues to show inconsistency as another report claims that vitamin B6 may aggravate acne conditions.

Treating Acne with Herbs

Herbs are also being tested as an option for treating acne. One study compared the effectiveness of tea tree oil to a common acne medication, benzoyl peroxide. Results claimed tea tree oil to be more effective due to the smaller number of side effects it produced; however, tree tree oil is not as strong as benzoyl peroxide and requires a longer application period.

In one acne study the herb Commiphora mukul, or guggul, was used as well as tetracycline, a drug used to fight acne. Guggul produced effects similar to those of tetracycline in treating cystic acne.

Burdock root is an herb used by some in the past to treat skin conditions. While burdock root is sometimes used in combination with other herbs, none of these herbs or combinations have been proven to safely or effectively treat acne.

Previous German studies propose that premenstrual acne may be controlled though use of vitex because of its possible regulatory effects on hormones.

Literature

Hillström, L Pettersson L, Hellbe L, et al. Comparison of oral treatment with zinc sulfate and placebo in acne vulgaris. Br J Dermatol 1977;97:681-4.
Verma KC, Saini AS, Dhamija SK. Oral zinc sulphate therapy in acne vulgaris: a double-blind trial. Acta Dermatovener (Stockholm) 1980;60:337-40.
Michaelsson G. Oral zinc in acne. Acta Dermatovener (Stockholm) 1980;Suppl 89:87-93 [review].
Michaelsson G, Juhlin L, Ljunghall K. A double blind study of the effect of zinc and oxytetracycline in acne vulgaris. Br J Dermatol 1977;97:561-6.Kligman AM, Mills OH Jr, Leyden JJ, et al. Oral vitamin A in acne vulgaris. Preliminary report. Int J Dermatol 1981;20:278-85.
Leung LH. Pantothenic acid deficiency as the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. Med Hypotheses 1995;44:490-2.
Shality AR, Smith JR, Parish LC, et al. Topical nicotinamide compared with clindamycin gel in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. Internat J Dermatol 1995;34:434-7.
Snider B, Dietman DF. Pyridoxine therapy for premenstrual acne flare. Arch Dermatol 1974;110:130-1.
Joliffe N, Rosenblum LA, Sawhill J. Effects of pyridoxine (vit B6) on resistant adolescent acne. J Invest Dermatol 1942;5:143-8.
Braun-Falco O, Lincke H. The problem of vitamin B6/B12 acne. A contribution on acne medicamentosa. MMW Munch Med Wochenschr 1976;118(6):155-60.
Bassett IB, Pannowitz DL, Barnetson RS. A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne. Med J Austral 1990;53:455-8.
Thappa DM, Dogra J. Nodulocystic acne: oral gugulipid versus tetracycline. J Dermatol 1994;21:729-31.
Hoffman D. The Herbal Handbook: A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1988, 23-4.