Clinical Observation of Xiaocuo Prescription for Acne Vulgaris:A Report of 325 Cases

[Objective] To investigate the effect of Xiaocuo Prescription (XP), a herbal medicine compound with the actions of clearing away heat and toxins, activating blood and removing blood-stasis, on acne vulgaris. [Methods] Four hundred and forty six cases of acne vulgaris were randomized to two groups: group A (325 cases) treated with oral use of XP (mainly composed of Flos Lonicerae, Herba Hedyotis Diffusae, Herba Taraxaci, Flos Chrysanthemi, Radix Scutellariae, Cortex Mori, Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, etc.) and external application of Acne Vulgaris Liquid (composed of 3% metronidazole and 2% erythromycin), group B (121 cases) treated with oral use of isotretinoin and external application of Acne Vulgaris Liquid. Skin lesions on the face as well as the side effects were observed before and after treatment. [Results] Ridit analysis showed that curative effect in group A was better that in group B ( u = 2.204 6, P 0.05); XP improved the skin lesions obviously after treatment (P 0.05) but had insignificant difference with group B (P .05). No obvious side effects were found in group A but in 5 cases of group B side effects such as skin dryness, nausea and vertigo were found. [ Conclusion ] XP is effective in treating acne vulgaris . Further research is needed for its therapeutic mechanism.