<b>Efficacy of Kampo Medicine for Acne of the Face with Nonreactive Standard Dermatological Therapy</b> / 日本東洋医学雑誌

ABSTRACT

[<b>Objective</b>] In this study, we retrospectively investigated the efficacy of Kampo medicine for refractory acne patients with standard therapy in Japan.<br>[<b>Patients</b>] Two hundred and thirty nine patients with inflammatory acne completed the study. Six Patients discontinued their systemic treatment because of adverse events. The patients included 193 females and 46 males, with a mean age of 26.5 years. They took Kampo medicine three times daily for 3 months, in a manner according to our protocol.<br>[<b>Result</b>] For females, 163 of 199 patients (82%) were in the KUOKETSUZAI Group taking medicines such as keisibukuryogankayokuinin, tokishakuyakusan, tokakujyokito, and kamishoyosan. Here, 124 of 163 patients (76%) had a significant decrease in new and inflammatory eruptions after taking the Kampo medicines alone or in combinations with other KUOKETSUZAI medicines. Fourteen of 19 patients (74%) took seijobofuto, of which 6 of 7 females (86%), and 1 of 3 males (33%) had decreased acne eruptions. Also in KUOKETSUZAI group, significant efficacy was shown in females over 21 years of age on combinations. For males, 18 of 23 patients (78%) taking keigairengyoto and 14 of 20 patients (70%) taking seijobofuto, also had decreased inflammatory acne eruptions.<br>[<b>Conclusion</b>] Kampo medicines exhibit significant efficacy for the treatment of the refractory acne.<br>KUOKESTUZAI category of oriental medicines that improve peripheral blood flow while concurrently facilitating wound healing, and that regulate hormone balance, and improve gastrointestinal motility ; e.g. keisibukuryogankayokuinin, tokishakuyakusan, tokakujyokito, kamishoyosan.