Acne, an unsightly and annoying problem that in some cases is recommended to be treated with the use of erythromycin-based creams (antiobiotic). However, a recent study found that an all-natural combination is even more effective than traditional remedies.
Acne, an unsightly and annoying problem that in some cases it is recommended to treat with the use of erythromycin-based creams (antiobiotic). However, a recent study found that an all-natural combination is even more effective than traditional remedies.
Antibiotics that suppress Propionibacterium acnes, a Gram-positive bacterium linked to some skin diseases (such as acne), are the standard treatment for this problem but are becoming less and less effective, due to the appearance of resistant strains.
Here then some plants with antimicrobial action can come to help to be used as an alternative to antibiotic creams.
A study by Skin lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences of the University of Sassari, wanted to verify the anti-acne efficacy of a new cream based on three natural extracts, specifically propolis, tea tree oil and aloe vera, comparing it with the erythromycin cream and a placebo.
For this purpose, 60 patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris were selected, randomly divided into three groups: the first treated with cream containing 20% propolis, 3% tea tree oil and 10% Aloe vera (PTAC), the second with 3% erythromycin cream (ERC) and the third with a placebo.
Responses to treatment were assessed at 15 and 30 days, counting acne lesions through non-invasive measurements and macro photography.
It was thus seen that the first and second groups had different results from placebo showing a good reduction in lesions. The real surprise, however, was that the PTAC formulation was better than ERC in reducing erythema scarring, acne severity index, and total lesion counts.
One to zero therefore for natural remedies!
To discover other natural solutions against acne and to learn more about this skin problem you can read:
- Acne: what it is, causes, types, diet and all the really effective remedies
- Natural remedies for acne
- Acne and pimples on the face: what they reveal about our health
