FAVORABLE EFFECTS OF VITAMIN A IN A CASE OF ACNE OF LONG DURATION

Abstract

In an attempt to alleviate a mild chronic sinusitis, I began to take vitamin A, 100,000 U. S. P. units daily, in January 1943. The vitamin A had no appreciable effects on the sinusitis. However, after I had taken it for six months I was surprised to find my back clear of comedos and acneform papules and pustules for the first time in twenty-one years. (It should be here stated that the acne was of such mild degree that no treatment had ever been previously attempted.) Feeling that the improvement in the acne might have been due to spontaneous cure (aging) and dissatisfied with the results for the sinusitis, I discontinued the medication. About four months later, I noticed a few new comedos and acneform lesions on the back. Daily use of the vitamin A was resumed, and in about three months my back was clear again. Since then I