Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of oral azithromycin with oral probiotics, and with the combination of both in improving the patients’ quality of life (QOL).
Methodology: A total of 75 patients who had mild and moderate acne were enrolled and categorized into three groups. The first Group A, was given tab. azithromycin (250mg oral every other day), Group B was given probiotics i.e., Hi-Flora sachet (1 sachet oral every day) & Group C was given both tab. azithromycin and probiotics. Patients’ satisfaction was assessed by a questionnaire, “Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).” Efficacy of regimens was measured by calculating the difference in mean DLQI score at the start and the end of treatment i.e., after 3 months.
Results: All three groups showed significant improvement in QOL. Group A showed a reduction in mean DLQI score by 68.9%, group B by 67.2% and group C by 72.2%.
Conclusion: The combination of azithromycin and probiotics was significantly more effective than azithromycin alone in improving QOL in patients with acne vulgaris.

Key words: Acne vulgaris, treatment efficacy, azithromycin, probiotics.