EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF DOXYCYCLINE GEL WITH ZINC OXIDE FOR TREATMENT OF MODERATE ACNE VULGARIS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
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Keywords
Acne Vulgaris, doxycycline gel, zinc oxide gel, Topical Therapy, Randomized trial
Abstract
Background Acne vulgaris, commonly known as acne, is a chronic skin condition characterized by the occurrence of comedones , papules, pustules and sometimes cysts with nodules. It primarily affects adolescents and young adults, but can persist into adulthood.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of doxycycline gel versus zinc oxide in the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris at tertiary care Hospital, Karachi.
Study design: Randomized controlled trial.
Place and duration of study: This study was conducted at Department of Dermatology, Dow university hospital, Karachi from November 2023 till February 2024.
Methodology: Data was prospectively collected from patients after taking consent. The sample size for the study was 100 patients, 50 in each group (A- doxycycline gel and B- zinc oxide gel) were included. Patients presenting with moderate acne vulgaris in either group were assessed for degree of improvement using Global Acne Grading Scale and patients achieving a score of ≤ 18 after 12 weeks of treatment was labeled as efficacy. Data was analyzed on SPSS Version 22.
Results: The study involved participants aged 20-70 years with Group A (mean age 24.20±5.99) and Group B (mean age 26.221±6.50). In both groups, predominantly there were females, majority in the 20- 49 age range. Efficacy was significantly higher in Group B (82%) compared to Group A (12%). Stratification by gender, and age revealed substantial differences in efficacy, particularly for participants with acne duration ≤ 3 months.
Conclusion: The outcome of this study demonstrates that zinc oxide gel had better efficacious results compared to the doxycycline gel monotherapy after 12 weeks of treatment.
References
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Amnah Sarwar
Consultant Dermatologist , Sindh Government hospital Memon goth, Karachi, Pakistan
Fareeda Islam
Professor, Dept of Pharmacology, Karachi Medical &Dental College KMC, Karachi, Pakistan
Baber Khan
Director, Inland Revenue Audit, Pakistan
Rija hussain buriro
Fourth year student, United college of physical therapy, Karachi, Pakistan
Nadia Naeem
Assistant Professor, Dept of Pharmacology, Jinnah Sindh Medical University Karachi
Razia Mushtaq
Consultant Dermatologist , Dar al shifa medical centre , Bahrain
Perah Khadim
Research Officer, Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan
Talia Hasam
Lecturer, Department of Pharmacology, Al-Tibri Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
Sonia khan
Associate Professor, Dept of Pharmacology, Al-Tibri Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
Nabiha Fatima
Third Year student, Doctor of Pharmacy , University of Karachi, karachi, Pakistan
Misha Fatima
First Year, Pre –Medical student, karachi, Pakistan