Therapeutic Evaluation of 2% Tea Lotion in Comparison with 5% Zinc Sulfate Solution in the Treatment of Acne Rosacea

Background: There are many effective topical and systemic therapies for acne rosacea. Topical zinc sulfate and tea lotion have been used in treatment of acne vulgaris. Objectives: To evaluate effectiveness of 2% tea lotion in comparison with 5% zinc sulfate solution in the treatment of acne rosacea. Patients and Methods: This single, blinded, comparative therapeutic clinical trial was carried out in the Department of Dermatology—Baghdad Teaching Hospital from June 2006-December 2007. Twenty two patients with acne rosacea were divided into two groups and were instructed to apply the following lotions for two months, Group A used 2% tea lotion twice daily while Group B used 5% zinc sulfate solution twice daily. Patient with severe acne rosacea were excluded from the study. Clinical improvement was evaluated every 2 weeks by determination of the disease severity score (Sharquie’s score) before and after treatment. Results: Eighteen patients with acne rosacea completed the study with their ages ranging from 26 - 70 (40.5 ± 10.9) years. For Group A and Group B were 39.7 ± 8.2, 41.2 ± 13.1 years respectively, with eight patients in Group A, ten patients in Group B. Five percent zinc sulfate solution was statistically significant in reducing the disease severity score in acne rosacea, while 2% tea lotion was beneficial but did not reach statistically significant level as zinc sulfate solution. Conclusion: Five percent zinc sulfate solution was a good alternative remedy to be used in patients with acnerosacea.