Akne Tedavisinde Tamamlayıcı ve Alternatif Tedavi Yöntemleri

Abstract

Despite many effective medical treatments available for acne, search for more effective treatment methods having potentially less side effects is still continuing due to the chronic progression of acne with attacks. From these complementary and alternative treatment methods, particularly herbal therapies (phytotherapy), bee venom, acupuncture, and cupping stand out. There are various publications arguing that herbal therapies and particularly those involving tea tree oil, aloe vera, green tea, and resveratrol are effective in all the steps involved in acne pathogenesis owing to their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiandrogenic and/or sebosuppressive activities. Bee venom is argued to be effective in acne treatment due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and acupuncture due to its anti-inflammatory action. Although the mechanism of action of cupping in acne treatment is not fully known, it has been reported to be effective on inflammatory lesions. There is a need, however, for highly evidenced studies to demonstrate the place and significance of these treatment methods in resolving acne.