Assessment of Serum Level of 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D in Patients with Acne Vulgaris

Abstract

Background: acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit, characterized by the formation of non-inflammatory comedones and inflammatory papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate serum levels of vitamin D in a group of Egyptian patients with acne vulgaris in comparison to controls, in order to shed more light on its possible role in the pathogenesis and detect any relation between vitamin D and acne severity. Patients and Methods: the study recruited 90 subjects, 60 acne vulgaris patients and 30 age and sex matched healthy controls. All patients were subjected to detailed history taking and examination to detect extent and severity of acne vulgaris. Blood samples were taken from all participants to assess serum 25 OH D level. Results: revealed lower serum vitamin D levels in acne patients in comparison to controls, with statistically significant p value (0.009). Serum 25 OH D level showed no significant difference in females than in males in both patients (p = 0.726) and controls in comparison to patients (p = 0.794). There was no significant difference in level of 25 OH D between participants reporting adequate sun exposure and those reporting inadequate sun exposure in patients (p = 0.804) but it was statistically significant p value in controls in comparison to patients (p < 0.001). Conclusion: the present study revealed lower, statistically significant, serum vitamin D levels in acne patients, suggesting a possible role for vitamin D supplementation in acne treatment.