Effectiveness of 5% Topical Zinc Sulphate Solution in Reduction of Acne Vulgaris in Patients of Lahore

<p style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; line-height: 200%;"><strong><span style="color: #252525;">Background:</span></strong><span style="color: #252525;"> Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition caused by excessive sebum production, bacterial colonization, and inflammation.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; line-height: 200%;"><strong><span style="color: #252525;">Objective: </span></strong><span style="color: #252525;">To determine the effect of the 5% topical zinc sulfate solution on reducing the GAGS score in patients with acne vulgaris.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; line-height: 200%;"><strong><span style="color: #252525;">Methodology: </span></strong><span style="color: #252525;">This descriptive case series study was conducted in the department of dermatology of a public sector hospital<strong>&nbsp;</strong>from August 1, 2019, to February 1, 2020. A<strong> </strong>total of one hundred participants fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Pretreatment photographs were taken, and the baseline GAGS score was documented. Each patient was instructed to use 5% topical zinc sulfate twice daily on the affected area for two months. Compliance was assured by follow-up after every 15 days. The participants were followed up for two months to assess the changes in the GAGS score.<strong> </strong></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; line-height: 200%;"><strong><span style="color: #252525;">Results:</span></strong><span style="color: #252525;"> A total of one hundred participants suffering from acne vulgaris were included. The mean age was 28.6 years. There were 46 (46.0%) males and 54 (54.0%) females. After two months of use of the 5% topical zinc sulfate for acne vulgaris, 29 (29.0%) had no response, while 45 (45.0%) and 26 (26.0%) had a fair and good response, respectively.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; line-height: 200%;"><strong><span style="color: #252525;">Conclusion:</span></strong><span style="color: #252525;"> The 5% zinc sulfate solution demonstrated a significant reduction in the GAGs score. Most responders, particularly those with disease severity grades II and I, exhibited a significant therapeutic response, suggesting it to be an effective mode of treatment for patients with mild to moderate acne.</span></p>