Caroline Caperton1, Samantha Block1, Martha Viera1, Jonette Keri1, Brian Berman2. 1. University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miami, Florida. 2. Skin & Cancer Associates, LLP; Co-Director Center for Clinical and Cosmetic Research, Aventura, Florida.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of chocolate on acne exacerbation in males between the ages of 18 and 35 with a history of acne vulgaris. DESIGN: Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: Single-site, outpatient, research, clinical facility at an academic research institution. PARTICIPANTS: Fourteen men between the ages of 18 and 35 were assigned to swallow capsules filled with either unsweetened 100-percent cocoa, hydrolyzed gelatin powder, or a combination of the two, at baseline. MEASUREMENTS: Lesions were assessed and photographs were taken at baseline, Day 4, and Day 7. RESULTS: Of the 14 subjects, 13 completed this Institutional Review Board approved study. A statistically significant increase in the mean number of total acneiform lesions (comedones, papules, pustules, nodules) was detected on both Day 4 (p=0.006) and Day 7 (p=0.043) compared to baseline. A small-strength positive Pearson's correlation coefficient existed between the amount of chocolate each subject consumed and the number of lesions each subject developed between baseline and Day 4 (r=0.250), while a medium-strength positive correlation existed between baseline and Day 7 (r=0.314). No serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: It appears that in acne-prone, male individuals, the consumption of chocolate correlates to an increase in the exacerbation of acne.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of chocolate on acne exacerbation in males between the ages of 18 and 35 with a history of acne vulgaris. DESIGN: Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: Single-site, outpatient, research, clinical facility at an academic research institution. PARTICIPANTS: Fourteen men between the ages of 18 and 35 were assigned to swallow capsules filled with either unsweetened 100-percent cocoa, hydrolyzed gelatin powder, or a combination of the two, at baseline. MEASUREMENTS: Lesions were assessed and photographs were taken at baseline, Day 4, and Day 7. RESULTS: Of the 14 subjects, 13 completed this Institutional Review Board approved study. A statistically significant increase in the mean number of total acneiform lesions (comedones, papules, pustules, nodules) was detected on both Day 4 (p=0.006) and Day 7 (p=0.043) compared to baseline. A small-strength positive Pearson's correlation coefficient existed between the amount of chocolate each subject consumed and the number of lesions each subject developed between baseline and Day 4 (r=0.250), while a medium-strength positive correlation existed between baseline and Day 7 (r=0.314). No serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: It appears that in acne-prone, male individuals, the consumption of chocolate correlates to an increase in the exacerbation of acne.
Authors: Samantha G Block; Whitney E Valins; Caroline V Caperton; Martha H Viera; Sadegh Amini; Brian Berman Journal: J Am Acad Dermatol Date: 2011-10 Impact factor: 11.527