Prospective, Randomized, Open-Label Trial Comparing the Safety, Efficacy, and Tolerability of an Acne Treatment Regimen with and without a Probiotic Supplement and Minocycline in Subjects with Mild to Moderate Acne. Issue 2 (March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jung, Gordon W.; Tse, Jennifer E.; Guiha, Isabella; Rao, Jaggi
• Is Part Of: Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery. Volume 17:Issue 2(2013)
• Page Start: 114
• Page End: 122
• Publication Date: 2013-03
• Subjects: Dermatology -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Skin -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Dermatology -- Canada -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Canada -- Periodicals; Skin -- Surgery -- Canada -- Periodicals; 616.5005
• DOI: 10.2310/7750.2012.12026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1203-4754

Abstract

Background: Systemic antibiotics are an effective treatment for acne vulgaris. However, intolerable side effects may invariably occur. Objective: To determine whether probiotics reduce the side effects imparted by systemic antibiotics while working synergistically with the latter in treating inflammatory acne. Methods: Forty-five 18- to 35-year-old females were randomly assigned to one of three arms in this prospective, open-label study. Group A received probiotic supplementation, whereas group B received only minocycline. Group C was treated with both probiotic and minocycline. Clinical and subjective assessments were completed at baseline and during the 2-, 4-, 8-, and 12-week follow-up visits. Results: All patients demonstrated a significant improvement in total lesion count 4 weeks after treatment initiation ( p < .001), with continued improvement seen with each subsequent follow-up visit ( p < .01). At the 8- and 12-week follow-up visits, group C had a significant decrease in total lesion count versus groups A ( p < .001) and B ( p < .01). Two patients (13%) from group B failed to complete the study secondary to vaginal candidiasis. Conclusion: Probiotics may be considered a therapeutic option or adjunct for acne vulgaris by providing a synergistic antiinflammatory effect with systemic antibiotics while also reducing potential adverse events secondary to chronic antibiotic use.