The role of zinc in the treatment of acne: A review of the literature

Dermatologic TherapyVolume 31, Issue 1 e12576 Review Article The role of zinc in the treatment of acne: A review of the literature Jessica Cervantes, Corresponding Author Jessica Cervantes J.Cervantes1@umiami.edu orcid.org/0000-0001-6697-3145 Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FloridaCorrespondence Jessica Cervantes, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1475 NW 12th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA. Email: J.Cervantes1@umiami.eduSearch for more papers by this authorAriel E. Eber, Ariel E. Eber Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FloridaSearch for more papers by this authorMarina Perper, Marina Perper orcid.org/0000-0003-4916-6434 Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FloridaSearch for more papers by this authorVanessa M. Nascimento, Vanessa M. Nascimento Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FloridaSearch for more papers by this authorKeyvan Nouri, Keyvan Nouri Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FloridaSearch for more papers by this authorJonette E. Keri, Jonette E. Keri Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida Dermatology Service, Miami VA Hospital, Miami, FloridaSearch for more papers by this author Jessica Cervantes, Corresponding Author Jessica Cervantes J.Cervantes1@umiami.edu orcid.org/0000-0001-6697-3145 Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FloridaCorrespondence Jessica Cervantes, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1475 NW 12th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA. Email: J.Cervantes1@umiami.eduSearch for more papers by this authorAriel E. Eber, Ariel E. Eber Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FloridaSearch for more papers by this authorMarina Perper, Marina Perper orcid.org/0000-0003-4916-6434 Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FloridaSearch for more papers by this authorVanessa M. Nascimento, Vanessa M. Nascimento Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FloridaSearch for more papers by this authorKeyvan Nouri, Keyvan Nouri Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FloridaSearch for more papers by this authorJonette E. Keri, Jonette E. Keri Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida Dermatology Service, Miami VA Hospital, Miami, FloridaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 28 November 2017 https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.12576Citations: 26Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Abstract Acne vulgaris is a chronic disease of the pilosebaceous units presenting as inflammatory or noninflammatory lesions in individuals of all ages. The current standard of treatment includes topical formulations in the forms of washes, gels, lotions, and creams such as antibiotics, antibacterial agents, retinoids, and comedolytics. Additionally, systemic treatments are available for more severe or resistant forms of acne. Nevertheless, these treatments have shown to induce a wide array of adverse effects, including dryness, peeling, erythema, and even fetal defects and embolic events. Zinc is a promising alternative to other acne treatments owing to its low cost, efficacy, and lack of systemic side effects. In this literature review, we evaluate the effectiveness and side-effect profiles of various formulations of zinc used to treat acne. CONFLICT OF INTEREST The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. Citing Literature Volume31, Issue1January/February 2018e12576 RelatedInformation