Acne occurs to some degree in nearly every teenager and for most people it tends to diminish and then disappear after a few years, but it can persist or reoccur in some individuals. It is usually caused by a blockage of follicles by naturally occurring oils and dead skin cells. Management includes applying products to the affected area such as antiseptics, antibiotics or anti-inflammatory compounds.
There is emerging evidence that one of the B vitamins, vitamin B5, also known as Pantothenic Acid, could be a useful treatment. B vitamins are water soluble and therefore not stored in the body and need to be taken on a regular basis. It has long been known that B vitamins are essential in order to have healthy hair and skin.
A small study published just a few months ago found that after 8 weeks of taking an oral supplement which contained Pantothenic Acid and other B vitamins, the average number of lesions reduced significantly from 20 to 11 and there was also a good improvement in the study participants quality of life.
Another study of 100 Chinese people involved taking 10g of Pantothenic Acid a day orally and applying Pantothenic Acid cream 4-6 times a day. Most of those with mild or moderate symptoms experienced a complete remission within 8 weeks.
Pantothenic Acid is safe at recommended doses and so it is worth trying for people with persistent acne that has not responded well to other treatments.
About the Author
Professor Shaun Holt is
a New Zealand based
doctor, researcher,
author, commentator,
speaker and advisor.