Acne is the most prevalent skin disease in the United States, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, and it most commonly affects teenagers. Mild acne can primarily be annoying, but more serious forms of acne can be painful and leave permanent scars. Research indicates that both oral and topical zinc may help with this skin condition, says the UMMC. The University recommends consulting with your doctor before taking zinc for acne.
The Problem
Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder that begins with overproduction of skin oil, known as sebum. In teens, this may be due to hormonal changes, according to the UMMC. Excess oil prevents dead skin cells from shedding, and both the oil and these cells clog hair follicles, also called pores. This leads to inflammation and an environment where acne-causing bacteria thrive. Both oral zinc supplements and topical zinc applications show some effectiveness for treating acne.
Potential
Zinc has traditional uses for treating skin disorders, according to the U.S. Institutes of Health at its MedlinePlus website. People have historically used zinc to enhance wound healing, and some research backs this usage, says MedlinePlus. In addition, skin conditions and slow wound healing are signs of zinc deficiency, and zinc seems to be essential for proper immune system function.
Research
MedlinePlus gives zinc the grade "B" for treating acne. Although some high-quality research indicates that both topical and oral zinc are effective therapies for acne, other studies have shown conflicting results. Because some studies evaluated combination treatments, it is not always possible to determine the importance of zinc in the medication.
Combination Treatment
A study published in the May-June 2005 issue of the "European Journal of Dermatology" indicates that taking 30 mg of zinc orally per day in combination with the topical antibiotic erythromycin, a common acne therapy, can decrease bacterial resistance to the topical medicine. In addition, zinc is included in the topical medicine Zineryt, which is available in several European countries, according to Net Doctor. This preparation combines erythromycin with zinc to increase skin absorption of the antibiotic.
Safety
Because oral zinc supplements can have some negative effects, the UMMC recommends talking with your doctor before taking them. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Zinc also interacts with tetracycline, a commonly prescribed antibiotic for acne treatment. Although zinc is generally safe when taken at recommended doses, high doses are associated with anemia and immune system suppression.
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