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.

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.

• Authors: Gordon W Jung, Jennifer E Tse, Isabella Guiha, Jaggi Rao
• Journal: Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery (J Cutan Med Surg) 2013 Mar-Apr Vol. 17 Issue 2 Pg. 114-22 ISSN: 1203-4754 [Print] United States
• PMID: 23582165 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Minocycline

Topics

• Acne Vulgaris (drug therapy)
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Bifidobacterium
• Drug Synergism
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Female
• Humans
• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Lactobacillus delbrueckii
• Minocycline (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Probiotics (therapeutic use)
• Quality of Life
• Young Adult