A single-blind comparison of topical erythromycin/zinc lotion and oral minocycline in the treatment of acne vulgaris

This single-blind multicentre study compared the efficacy of topical 4% erythromycin and 1.2% zinc complex (Zineryt) with 50 mg twice daily oral minocycline in patients with acne vulgaris over a 12-week period. Patients' acne improved on both treatments. The erythromycin/zinc complex was more effective in reducing the numbers of comedones by 4 weeks (P = 0.01, Wilcoxon's two-group test for unpaired data) and at 12 weeks (P = 0.004) and superficial inflamed lesions by 12 weeks (P = 0.02). There was no difference in the speed of onset of response to treatment and both treatments were well tolerated.