Effect of a topical erythromycin-zinc formulation on sebum delivery. Evaluation by combined photometric-multi-step samplings with Sebutape.
Zinc displays 'in vitro' some antiandrogen activity through an inhibition of the 5 alpha-reductase activity. The clinical relevance of this effect is unknown, particularly during zinc therapy of acne. As sebum production could be a pharmacological target, a sensitive method was used for measuring the rate of sebum delivery to the skin surface during treatment with a topical 4% erythromycin-1.2% zinc acetate formulation. A series of four successive 1-h samplings with Sebutape was taken to derive the rate of sebum output from the slope of the regression line given by cumulative data. As a control the classical photometric method was used. Such combined evaluation revealed a sebosuppressive effect for the topical zinc formulation tested.
Piérard
G E
GE
Department of Dermatopathology, University of Liège, Belgium.
Piérard-Franchimont
C
C
D000085:Acetates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019342:Acetic Acid; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D012628:Dermatitis, Seborrheic / Q000378:metabolism; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012627:Sebaceous Glands / Q000378:metabolism; D012629:Sebum / Q000378:metabolism*
D000085:Acetates; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004917:Erythromycin; D019342:Acetic Acid