BACKGROUND: Current treatments for acne are often accompanied by undesirable side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Gold and silver nanoparticles are an emerging treatment method with potentially fewer adverse effects. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate current literature discussing the various uses of gold and silver nanoparticles in the potential treatment of acne vulgaris. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search of PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases was conducted through April 22, 2020 to identify studies using gold or silver nanoparticles in the treatment of acne vulgaris. RESULTS: 16 original articles were identified in the systematic review including clinical studies, case reports, and in vitro publications. The available evidence found gold nanoparticles to be effective when combined with phototherapy to target overactive sebaceous glands and bacteria, or to mediate localized, targeted drug release. Silver nanoparticles have primarily been studied for their antibacterial properties. CONCLUSION: This review found gold and silver nanoparticles to be a promising treatment for acne vulgaris. Further randomized controlled studies are needed to determine clinical efficacy and the role of gold and silver nanoparticles in the treatment algorithm for acne. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(6):666-670. doi:10.36849/JDD.5762.
BACKGROUND: Current treatments for acne are often accompanied by undesirable side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Gold and silver nanoparticles are an emerging treatment method with potentially fewer adverse effects. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate current literature discussing the various uses of gold and silver nanoparticles in the potential treatment of acne vulgaris. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search of PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases was conducted through April 22, 2020 to identify studies using gold or silver nanoparticles in the treatment of acne vulgaris. RESULTS: 16 original articles were identified in the systematic review including clinical studies, case reports, and in vitro publications. The available evidence found gold nanoparticles to be effective when combined with phototherapy to target overactive sebaceous glands and bacteria, or to mediate localized, targeted drug release. Silver nanoparticles have primarily been studied for their antibacterial properties. CONCLUSION: This review found gold and silver nanoparticles to be a promising treatment for acne vulgaris. Further randomized controlled studies are needed to determine clinical efficacy and the role of gold and silver nanoparticles in the treatment algorithm for acne. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(6):666-670. doi:10.36849/JDD.5762.