Abstract
PREVENTIVE EFFICACY OF VITAMIN A AND ORAL ZINC IN PATIENTS WITH ACNE VULGARIS

The pathogenesis of acne, the exact mechanisms is not clearly understood. Vitamin A and Zinc are essential for human health and known to play an important role in acne pathogenesis. We aimed to evaluate plasma levels of vitamin A and zinc in acne patients in relation to the severity of the disease. A total number of 55 patients (36 females and 19 males) of age ranging from 15-30 years and 25 aged healthy volunteers as control group were enrolled in the present study. All patients are assessed according to Global Acne Grading System. Acne patients further grouped as group 1 (Control) and group 2 (Treated). Before treatment the level vitamin A and zinc were significantly lower in patients with acne when compared with the control group. Whereas, patients treated with vitamin A and Zinc showed statistically significant difference for plasma vitamin A and serum Zinc levels with decrease in the severity of the acne when compared with untreated group. Our results showed that treatment with vitamin A and Zinc decrease in the severity of acne. Supportive treatment with these vitamins and zinc in severe acne may lead to satisfactory results.