Complementary and alternative therapy for pediatric acne: A review of botanical extracts, dietary interventions, and oral supplements

Abstract

Many supplements and products containing botanical extracts are marketed to patients for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Additionally, increasing attention has been paid to the role of diet in acne vulgaris. Studies on this topic including pediatric patients are limited, with variable efficacy data. Despite these limitations, knowledge of alternative therapies in pediatric acne vulgaris is often expected from pediatric dermatologists. Here we review available data on the efficacy of complementary and alternative medicines for treatment of acne in pediatric patients, focusing on topical, oral, and dietary modifications.

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Patients with Acne Vulgaris and Factors Perceived to Trigger the Disease

“…Other CAM methods used by patients with acne can be listed as mindfulness-based cognitive hypnotherapy, acupuncture, wet cupping, application of food products such as honey, yoghurt and vinegar, dietary restrictions on milk, sugar and chocolate, food supplements such as zinc, nicotinamide, and fish oil, and application of urea to the face due to its content. [ 14 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 ] There are significant differences between countries concerning the rate of patients' use of these methods. In our study, lemon juice, a plant that widely grows in Turkey, was found to be the most common.…”