Successful adjuvant alternative treatment with Saireito (Japanese herbal medicine) for nodulocystic acne

Abstract

Nodulocystic acne is a type of refractory acne. Patients with nodulocystic acne in this study were treated with oral Saireito (Japanese herbal medicine) and concomitant drugs. The efficacy superior to “good” response was 84.0%. Mild adverse reactions consisting of slightly elevated liver enzymes in two patients or hand and foot tremors were observed in one patient. Sinus tract and hypertrophic scar were remarkably improved in one patient. Our observations suggest that Saireito is a candidate adjuvant alternative for the treatment of nodulocystic acne. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the pharmacological mechanism and clinical effects of Saireito alone and acne pathogenesis.