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Is Initial Flare Up Of Acne While Taking Zinc Normal?

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Posted on Thu, 29 Oct 2015
Question: Taking zinc for acne recently. But had a bad breakout this week. Is it normal for zinc to do this before clearing acne? Should I expect this outbreak before it clears? Is it normal when taking zinc?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
This is normal

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query.
Zinc can cause initial flare up. This is normal.
It is better to apply a combination of adapalene and clindamycin along with oral zinc.
This should help you.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (19 hours later)
Thanks, good to know that it is probably the zinc causing inital flare up - why does zinc do this at first?
I think I was zinc deficent because I had a bunch of symptoms:
acne, vitiligo, depression, lower testoserone, zero sex drive. I feel a little better after taking zinc for the week.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (16 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You will get improvement

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Zinc is required for proper immune function.
Lack of zinc causes suppression of immune system.
When zinc levels are maintained immunity gears up and hence acne flares up for few days.
Don't worry soon you will get improvement.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (48 hours later)
Thanks for your advice. Can i ask how long you think it will take before totally clear if it works? Also, should I take my zinc with vitamin A?
I am taking 50mg of zinc a day with 1mg of copper. I also often take upto 10k iu of vitamin A per day. Can you let me know if this is the best dose?
Should I go lower after clearing?
Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (25 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Continue with same dosage

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the follow up.
It will take around a month for good results.
Yes you can take zinc, copper and vitamin A all at once.
You are taking correct dosage of vitamin A.
You must not take vitamin A for more than a month.
It gets stored in liver so over dosage should be avoided.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 6635 Questions

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Is Initial Flare Up Of Acne While Taking Zinc Normal?

Brief Answer: This is normal Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for the query. Zinc can cause initial flare up. This is normal. It is better to apply a combination of adapalene and clindamycin along with oral zinc. This should help you. Let me know if you have any other doubts. Thank you.