The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study

Background: Finding an effective treatment for acne that is well tolerated by the patients is a challenge. One study has suggested the efficacy of tea tree oil in treatment of the acne vulgaris. Aim: To determine the efficacy of tea tree oil in mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Methods: This was a randomized double-blind clinical trial performed in 60 patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris. They were randomly divided into two groups and were treated with tea tree oil gel (n=30) or placebo (n=30). They were followed every 15 days for a period of 45 days. Response to treatment was evaluated by the total acne lesions counting (TLC) and acne severity index (ASI). The data was analyzed statistically using t-test and by SPSS program. Results: There were no significant differences regarding demographic characteristics between the two groups. There was a significant difference between tea tree oil gel and placebo in the improvement of the TLC and also regarding improvement of the ASI. In terms of TLC and ASI, tea tree oil gel was 3.55 times and 5.75 times more effective than placebo respectively. Side-effects with both groups were relatively similar and tolerable. Conclusion: Topical 5% tea tree oil is an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne vulgaris

Contact dermatitis in cement workers in Isfahan

<b>BACKGROUND: </b> Due to recent industrialization and inadequately protected workers or in other words poor supervision on constructive workers habits in our large city of Isfahan cement contact dermatitis is relatively high especially among cement factory workers and constructive personnel. <b> PURPOSES: </b> To investigate the prevalence rate of cement contact dermatitis in cement factory workers in Isfahan. <b> METHODS: </b> A case-control clinical study was carried out by randomly selecing 150 factory workders and 150 official clerks in a cement factory in Isfahan in 2001. After a complete physical examination, data was recorded in observational checklists. <b> FINDINGS: </b> The percentages of contact dermatitis prevalences in the first and the second groups were 22&#x0025; and 5.3&#x0025; respectively. About 60&#x0025; of cement workers with contact dermatitis were between 30-40 years of age. There was a direct relationship with age in both groups of the workers. In the high-exposure group, the hand eczema along was 70&#x0025; but in the other group the percentage of involvement was the same in exposed and unexposed anatomical areas. <b> CONCLUSIONS: </b> There was a direct relationship between occurrence and the severity of involvement and duration of contact in the first group. Cent percent of cement workers had contact dermatitis after 10 or less years, but the percentage among the other group was 35&#x0025;. <b> LIMITATION: </b> Irritant contact dermatitis to cement has not been detected