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This single-centre clinical study investigated whether an integrated traditional Chinese medicine approach could improve outcomes for patients with moderate-to-severe cystic acne compared with standard conventional treatment. Sixty patients were randomly divided into two groups: a control group receiving oral isotretinoin, red-blue light irradiation, and topical adapalene; and a treatment group receiving the herbal formulas modified Zhibai Dihuang Wan combined with Erzhi Wan, mili-fire needle therapy, and the same red-blue light irradiation and topical treatment. Both groups also received identical skin-care and lifestyle guidance throughout.
Outcomes were measured at the start of the study, after three treatment courses, and after six treatment courses. Both groups showed reductions in Global Acne Grading System scores, lesion counts, and Acne Disability Index scores, but the integrated traditional Chinese medicine group showed greater improvements at both time points. A cure or marked improvement was achieved in approximately 77% of the treatment group compared with approximately 47% of the control group. Rates of adverse events were broadly similar between groups. A follow-up assessment of post-treatment scarring and redness was conducted only in patients who responded well, meaning this portion of the findings is exploratory and does not carry the same weight as the randomised comparison.
Conclusion: The integrated traditional Chinese medicine regimen showed favourable short-term results over conventional treatment alone for cystic acne, though larger studies following all randomised participants are needed to confirm these findings.
Source: Zhong Y, Xia H, Zou Y and colleagues. Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE (2026). View on PubMed (PMID 42965343) · doi:10.3791/71982