engleski

Significance of propolis in the local treatment of the mild facial acne vulgaris

Since ancient times, propolis has been used as a traditional monastic, folk and natural medicine in many countries. In recent studies, a wide range of pharmacological properties were demonstrated for this substance, including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-oxidant, antitumor, ad stringent and anti-inflammatory activity with the latter one been specially emphasized. Flavonoids and phenol acids in propolis represent main compounds responsible for its various curative effects. Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases. It affects all ages but mainly young people at the sensitive period of puberty. The origin of acne vulgaris is complex and incompletely understood. At least four pathophysiologic events take place within acne-infected hair follicles: androgen-mediated stimulation of sebaceous gland activity, abnormal keratinisation leading to follicular plugging (comedo formation), proliferation of the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes within the follicle, and inflammation. In addition to these four basic mechanisms, genetic factors, stress, and possibly diet may influence the development and severity of acne. Current treatments for acne include topical and oral antibiotics, topical and oral retinoids, topical benzoyl peroxide, topical azelaic acid, topical salicylic acid and hormonal therapy. All acne treatments have potential side effects, some of which may be severe. Therefore, there is a growing demand by patients for a fast, safe, and side-effect-free novel therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of ointment that contains propolis tincture and sulfogirodal embedded in the proper grease base as a topical treatment for mild facial acne vulgaris. The prospective cohort epidemiological study will follow the group of patients suffering from mild facial acne vulgaris for one month. The patients will be instructed to use novel topical treatment based on propolis and the evaluation of their skin will be done using the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) acne severity scale at the beginning of the treatment, two and four weeks after the continuous treatment with propolis based ointment. Propolis extract embedded in this ointment is very effective with sebaceous gland secretion and with retrieving natural balance with young skin damaged by acne and blackheads. Sulfogirodal is a mild ceratolitic that enables „opening“ of sebaceous glands. Same as propolis, it has an anti-inflammatory effect, which helps with skin softening and faster healing of damaged skin parts. Based on all that the success of such treatment is expected for studied group of patients suffering from mild facial acne vulgaris.

propolis; topical treatment; mild acne vulgaris; prospective cohort epidemiological study; Croatia

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