A double-blind controlled evaluation of the sebosuppressive activity of topical erythromycin-zinc complex.
In a double-blind randomised study, 14 volunteers applied 4% erythromycin plus 1.2% zinc (Zineryt lotion) and 4% erythromycin lotions, each on half of the forehead twice daily for 3 months. The sebum output was evaluated at 3-week intervals using the photometric and the lipid-sensitive film methods. Evaluations of casual level (CL) and sebum excretion rate (SER) were made with a Sebumeter, and total area of lipid spots (TAS) was measured on Sebutapes. Compared to baseline values, the formulation of the erythromycin-zinc complex induced significant reductions in SER after 6 and 9 weeks, and in CL and TAS at 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks. The mean reduction in TAS was over 20% for four successive 1-h samplings on completion of the study. Significant reductions in CL, SER and TAS were observed for the erythromycin-zinc formulation compared to the control lotion at 6 and 9 weeks, and also at 3 weeks for SER and TAS, and at 12 weeks for CL and TAS. This study indicates that sebum output is significantly reduced by the erythromycin-zinc complex. This reduction is theoretically beneficial for the acneic patient.
Piérard-Franchimont
C
C
Department of Dermatopathology, University of Liège, Belgium.
Goffin
V
V
Visser
J N
JN
Jacoby
H
H
Piérard
G E
GE
D000085:Acetates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019342:Acetic Acid; D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012629:Sebum / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism
D000085:Acetates; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004917:Erythromycin; D019342:Acetic Acid