A role of zinc and magnesium in the pathogenesis and severity of acne vulgaris

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory condition of the pilosebaceous unit which occurs in adolescent age groups. Recently, in the dermatological fields, the serum levels and the roles of Zn and Mg have been studied, especially in acne vulgaris, but the results were controversial. Objective: The aim of the present study is to investigate a relationship between the severity of acne and the serum levels of zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg) in the pathogenesis and severity of acne vulgaris. Methods: This case-controlled study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Integral Institute of Medical Science & Research, Kursi Road, Lucknow. 60 patients with acne vulgaris, whose ages ranged from 20-35, and 60 healthy subjects as controls, whose ages ranged from 20-35, were included in this study. Patients were subdivided into three groups according to the severity of their acne: the
mild acne group (n = 20), the moderate acne group (n = 20), and the severe acne group (n = 20). Investigations included serum estimation of Zn, Cu, and Mg in both patient and control groups. Results: The (mean ± SD) values of serum levels of Zn and Mg did not differ significantly between the patient [all severities combined] and control groups. However, serum Zn level was significantly decreased in the severe acne group compared with controls (P = 0.0001), mild (P = 0.0001), and moderate (P = 0.000) acne groups (P<0.05). Serum Mg concentration was significantly lower in the severe acne group compared with the mild acne group (P<0.011). Conclusion:
This study revealed a significant association between serum levels of each of Zn and Mg with the severity of acne.