The Association of Zinc Serum Level with Age, Sex and Disease Severity in Acne Vulgaris Patients

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of pilosebaceous follicles. It is one of the most important skin disorders during adolescence. Zinc is one of essential trace elements in the body that has major roles in maintaining health. The main objectives of this study were to measure zinc serum levels and assess its relationship with age, sex, and disease severity in patients with acne vulgaris. Methods: 100 consecutive patients with acne vulgaris referred to Hazrat-Rassoul-Akram hospital in 2010 were enrolled as a non-random sample. Fasting blood specimens were taken at 9 am and serum zinc level was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. Findings: Mean serum zinc level of acne patients in this study was 106.78 ± 22.2 µg/dl. Mean levels of serum zinc were significantly lower in women compared to men (104.54 ± 2.72 µg/dl and 115.19 ±1.71 µg/dl, respectively; P < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between serum zinc and acne history or severity. Conclusion: According to our findings, there is no link between serum zinc level and acne severity. Further evaluation of other contributing factors is suggested.

Keywords

• Zinc
• Acne vulgaris
• Severity of illness