Serum zinc levels and efficacy of zinc treatment in acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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#acne-vulgaris #diagnostic-tests-routine #humans #organic-chemicals #zinc

Serum zinc levels and efficacy of zinc treatment in acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Yee et al., 2020 | Dermatol Ther | Meta Analysis

Citation

Yee Brittany E, Richards Phillip, ... Marsch Amanda Fleming. Serum zinc levels and efficacy of zinc treatment in acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Dermatol Ther. 2020-Nov;33(6):e14252. doi:10.1111/dth.14252

Abstract

Oral and topical zinc have been used for the treatment of acne, but there is a lack of definitive evidence for their efficacy. (a) To determine if mean serum zinc levels differ between acne patients and controls and (b) to determine the efficacy of zinc preparations in the treatment of acne. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to recommended PRISMA [Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses] guidelines. Subjects with acne had significantly lower serum zinc levels compared to controls. Patients who were treated with zinc had a significant improvement in mean inflammatory papule count compared to those who were not treated with zinc. There was no significant difference in the incidence of side effects in zinc supplementation vs comparators. Acne patients have decreased serum zinc levels. Zinc is effective for the treatment of acne, particularly at decreasing the number of inflammatory papules, when used as monotherapy or as an adjunctive treatment.

Key Findings

Zinc is effective for the treatment of acne, particularly at decreasing the number of inflammatory papules, when used as monotherapy or as an adjunctive treatment.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population acne had significantly lower
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Acne Vulgaris
  • Diagnostic Tests, Routine
  • Humans
  • Organic Chemicals
  • Zinc

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: zinc-skin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09