Effect of Smooth Pulsed Light at 400 to 700 and 870 to 1,200 nm for Acne Vulgaris in Asian Skin

Efficacy and safety of radiofrequency in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa; a systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory skin disease affecting apocrine gland-bearing sites of the body. Radiofrequency (RF) is a minimally invasive method that acts by minimizing thermal damage to the dermis, resulting in collagen synthesis and scar improvement. We systematically reviewed the efficacy and safety of RF in treating HS.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed up to November 18th, 2023, in PubMed/Medline, Ovid Embase, and Web of Science. Clinical studies with English full texts were included. The National Institute of Health (NIH) Quality Assessment Tool for clinical trials and Methodological quality and synthesis of case series and case reports by Murad et al. were utilized for critical appraisal.

RESULTS

Out of 55 identified studies, 11 met our inclusion criteria with 167 subjects who underwent RF therapy alone or combined with an intense pulsed laser (IPL), known as LAight®. LAight® significantly improved clinical outcomes in mild-to-moderate HS patients based on the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Score System (IHS4), Pain-Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR). Moreover, RF therapy alone significantly alleviated the clinical manifestations in patients with mild-to-moderate HS. Additionally, fractional microneedling RF significantly decreased HS-associated inflammatory markers. RF was found to be safe with limited adverse events. However, in moderate-to-severe HS, RF has failed to yield satisfactory results.

CONCLUSION

RF is a safe energy-based method with promising outcomes, especially for long-term application in mild-to-moderate HS. In moderate-to-severe cases, RF should be combined with a systemic medication for further beneficial impacts.

Acne-induced pathological scars: pathophysiology and current treatments

Acne is a common chronic inflammatory dermatosis that can lead to pathological scars (PSs, divided into hypertrophic scars and keloids). These kinds of abnormal scars seriously reduce the quality of life of patients. However, their mechanism is still unclear, resulting in difficult clinical prevention, unstable treatment effects and a high risk of recurrence. Available evidence supports inflammatory changes caused by infection as one of the keys to abnormal proliferation of skin fibroblasts. In acne-induced PSs, increasing knowledge of the immunopathology indicates that inflammatory cells directly secrete growth factors to activate fibroblasts and release pro-inflammatory factors to promote the formation of PSs. T helper cells contribute to PSs via the secretion of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, the pro-inflammatory factors; while regulatory T cells have anti-inflammatory effects, secrete IL-10 and prostaglandin E2, and suppress fibrosis production. Several treatments are available, but there is a lack of combination regimens to target different aspects of acne-induced PSs. Overall, this review indicates that the joint involvement of inflammatory response and fibrosis plays a crucial role in acne-induced PSs, and also analyzes the interaction of current treatments for acne and PS.

The Approach of Intense Pulsed Light Treatment in Patients with Different Severities of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

PURPOSE

To make appropriate therapeutic decisions of intense pulsed light (IPL) for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) patients.

METHODS

Sixty patients with MGD stage 2-3 were enrolled in IPL Group1 and Self-hygiene Group; 110 patients with MGD stage 3-4 were included in IPL + MGX Group and IPL Group2. Patients in IPL groups received IPL treatment once a month for three times. Meibomian gland expression (MGX) was combined with IPL treatment in IPL + MGX Group. Meibomian gland (MG) functions, MGD stage, associated ocular-surface indexes, and response rate were evaluated.

RESULTS

Population characteristics and clinical conditions were comparable between groups. In patients with MGD stage 2-3, both IPL Group1 and Self-hygiene Group improved in MG functions, ocular surface disease index (OSDI) and tear break-up time (TBUT). No statistical difference was found in improvements. Posttreatment response rate was 64.3-66.7% in two groups. In patients with MGD stage 3-4, IPL + MGX Group achieved better improvements in MG expressibility and higher response rate (75.5%) than IPL Group2 (63.3%). Referring to IPL treatment, no statistical difference in MG functions and OSDI improvements was found among MGD patients with different ages, genders, and IPL energy exposure. Patients with higher Fitzpatrick scale improved more in MG expressibility.

CONCLUSION

Self-eyelid hygiene is cost-effective for milder MGD stages. Combining MGX with IPL is necessary in more severe stages. Adult patients with all age and different genders can benefit from IPL treatment. Patients with darker skin can benefit more in expressiblity.

Intense pulsed light treatment for inflammatory skin diseases: a review

Although intense pulsed light (IPL) has been commonly used in the field of medical cosmetics in recent years, the exact outcomes of IPL in the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases remain unclear. To assess the clinical evidence for the use of IPL in the treatment of various inflammatory skin diseases and propose evidence-based recommendations, we searched for relevant publications in the PubMed and Web of Science databases and provided updated information. The inflammatory skin diseases treated with IPL consisted of acne vulgaris, rosacea, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), atopic dermatitis (AD), Riehl's melanosis, lupus erythematosus, cutaneous sarcoidosis, pilonidal cysts, and pigmented actinic lichen planus (PALP). The efficacy of IPL treatment for these inflammatory skin diseases was described and evaluated. Forty-two studies were included to provide this assessment. The evidence suggests that IPL can effectively and safely improve acne vulgaris and rosacea (recommendation grade B). For other described inflammatory skin diseases, IPL can be used as a tentative or supplementary treatment (recommendation grade C and D). The main complications include transitory erythema, edema, and pain, with the possibility of hyperpigmentation, blisters, and a burning sensation in some individuals.

The Use of Lasers and Light Devices in Acne Management: An Update

Acne vulgaris is a disease of the pilosebaceous unit and the most common inflammatory dermatosis worldwide. It is also associated with significant economic burden. Limitations of conventional topical and systemic treatments include long treatment course, intolerable adverse effects, antibiotic resistance, and patient compliance. Therefore, laser and light-based interventions present as alternative options over the past decade and have been used in combination with conventional pharmacological therapies and other physical modalities. An updated overview on the use of lasers and light-based devices in acne management is presented to help clinicians understand the safety and efficacy of these treatment options. The effectiveness of neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) for treating acne is supported by more high-level studies compared with other laser devices. There is limited evidence to support the use of CO₂ lasers, potassium titanyl phosphate lasers, and 1565-nm non-ablative fractional lasers for treating acne. Among light devices, photodynamic therapy is the most studied, showing higher efficacies than some of the conventional topical and oral acne therapies. Intense-pulsed light and blue light therapies also show favorable outcomes. A limitation is that most studies are non-randomized and lack a control group, and report on a variety of device settings, treatment regimens, and outcome measures, making it challenging to summarize and generalize findings. Although the use of laser and light devices to treat acne is promising, further work with randomized controlled study designs and larger sample sizes will provide improved guidance on the application of these modalities.

[Topical and novel device-based therapies for mild hidradenitis suppurativa]

BACKGROUND

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin folds, which requires more outpatient treatment alternatives. Although the disease was previously treated using surgery, new treatment modalities now allow the effective treatment of mild and moderate cases in an ambulatory care setting.

AIM OF STUDY

Local and instrument-based therapies are presented and their efficacy and safety profiles are highlighted.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical evidence for each therapeutic modality are presented and current treatment developments are analyzed based on the future treatment of HS patients in Germany.

RESULTS

Effective treatments for outpatient care of HS patients include topical clindamycin, resorcinol, and intralesional corticosteroids. New devices such as LAight therapy (combining intense pulsed light [IPL] with radiofrequency) are available, which can be used as monotherapy or adjunct therapy in combination with systemic treatment and/or surgery for the management of HS.

CONCLUSION

Evidence-based use of local treatments can provide more efficient outpatient and self-administered strategies, which improves the quality of life of HS patients, especially for patients with recurrent mild and moderate disease.

Combining Deroofing with LAight® Therapy for Long-Term Disease Control of Hurley Stage II Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Case Report

There is an increasing consensus that the treatment of Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) significantly varies with the degree of inflammation and that treatment according to guidelines is not always successful. Here, we report the case of a 31-year-old male with widespread, highly inflammatory Hurley Stage II HS in multiple locations who failed to respond to any kind of established medical treatment, including biologics. As an alternative approach, Ustekinumab was maintained, and additionally the patient was treated with LAight therapy, a combination of intense pulsed light and radiofrequency. After 10 sessions, deroofing of multiple lesions was performed in a two-step process. After a few weeks of healing time accompanied by specialized wound experts, the patient continued with LAight therapy to control and prevent recurrence. This case shows that the combination of LAight therapy and deroofing is a promising treatment plan for the long-term symptom control of mild and moderate HS.

Isotretinoin plus 420 nm intense pulsed light versus isotretinoin alone for the treatment of acne vulgaris: a randomized, controlled study of efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction in Chinese subjects

Either isotretinoin or intense pulsed light (IPL) proved to be effective to alleviate acne lesions, but the combined treatment has rarely been reported. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction of isotretinoin and 420 nm IPL combined treatment. Forty-seven patients with facial acne with Global Evaluation Acne (GEA) graded 2-4 were randomized into study group and control group. The patients in the control group received oral isotretinoin for 8 weeks. The patients in the study group were treated with oral isotretinoin for 8 weeks, together with a biweekly 420 nm IPL treatment for 4 weeks. Topical agents included adapalene and fusidic acid. Efficacy was evaluated using digital photographies taken at baseline and week 12 by an independent dermatologist, including GEA grade, lesion count, lesion reduction percentage, and effective rate. All patients completed a questionnaire about dermatology life quality index (DLQI) and satisfaction visual analog scale (VAS) on week 12, and were followed up for another 2 months. Adverse events were recorded. The patients in the study group experienced significant reduction in GEA grade, total lesions, and inflammatory lesions on week 12, compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The patients in the study group reported lower DLQI and higher VAS satisfaction (p < 0.05) and experienced lower incidence of relapse (p < 0.05). No severe adverse event was identified in both groups. Compared with isotretinoin alone, isotretinoin and 420 nm IPL combined treatment proved to be more effective within limited treatment duration. It was well-tolerated and the patients' satisfaction was high.

A split-face comparative trial of photopneumatic therapy versus intense pulsed light for the treatment of acne vulgaris

A novel photopneumatic (PPX) technology, combining blue light-emitting diode (LED) and broadband intense pulsed light (IPL) with vacuum pressure, was developed for the treatment of acne vulgaris (AV). In this study, we enrolled 50 patients with mild to moderate AV. Five successive treatments were performed on one side of the face with a combined PPX device, and the opposite side was treated with only IPL with the same fluences at 2-week intervals. Clinical improvement was evaluated by inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesion counts. Additionally, patient self-assessment scores were assessed. The results showed that inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesion counts were significantly improved on both sides of the face after treatment (p < .001, p = .001, respectively). Both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesion counts were significantly reduced on the side treated with PPX when compared to the side treated with IPL alone (p = .008, p = .045, respectively). Thirty-eight of 44 patients reported slight to moderate improvement on the patient self-assessment score. No significant side effect was observed during the study periods.In conclusion, PPX therapy is an effective and safe modality to treat mild to moderate AV. This study shows that PPX therapy has superior efficacy for the treatment of AV compared to IPL monotherapy.

The 577-nm pro-yellow diode laser as a reliable and effective tool for facial telangiectasia

BACKGROUND

Laser treatment of vascular skin conditions is very useful option yet remains to be a very challenging task.

AIMS

To evaluate the efficacy of 577-nm diode laser for treating facial telangiectasia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty patients with facial telangiectasia were included in this prospective study. All participants received 3 sessions of a single-pass 577-nm diode laser. Sessions were delivered on a monthly basis, and digital photographic assessment was made at baseline and on follow-up 1 month after the last treatment.

RESULTS

At the final visit, there was a significant improvement (> 50%) reported in 21/30 (70%) patients while a poor response was reported in 2/30 (6.7%) patients. The skin phototype and site of the lesions significantly affected the result outcome (P < .05) while none of the patients' age, sex, or duration of facial telangiectasia significantly affected the treatment outcome (P > .05). Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation occurred in 2(6.7%) patients which resolved within 1.5 months.

CONCLUSION

Facial telangiectasia can be successfully treated with a 577-nm diode laser with minimal side effects.

Combined treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa with intense pulsed light (IPL) and radiofrequency (RF)

BACKGROUND

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory disease with high burden. Treatment options are often unsatisfactory. We assessed the effect of a combination therapy of intense pulsed light (IPL) and radiofrequency (RF).

METHODS

The explorative study included 47 patients and was performed as a prospective, monocentric, randomized, three-arm parallel-group design trial with a prior 12 weeks observation period. Treatment arms were IPL and RF monotherapies or IPL + RF combination therapy. After 12 weeks, all patients received IPL + RF for additional 12 weeks (cross-over). Primary endpoint was the change in active lesion numbers, secondary endpoint the change in Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI).

RESULTS

After 12 weeks, active lesion counts of the IPL + RF group decreased more than in the IPL group (p = .044); the decrease in DLQI was significantly higher in the IPL + RF and RF groups compared to IPL. Prolonged 24-week treatment with IPL + RF obtained better results as 12 weeks. Overall, disease burden after 24 weeks of treatment compared to disease fluctuation during the observation period was significantly lower (change in active lesions -3.6, p = .001; in DLQI -5.2, p = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

IPL + RF treatment appears to represent a promising therapeutic option that leads to reduction of disease activity without severe side effects.

Acne treatment efficacy of intense pulsed light photodynamic therapy with topical licochalcone A, l-carnitine, and decanediol: A spilt-face, double-blind, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Depending on disease severity, standard acne treatments can vary from topical to systemic therapy. However, poor compliance caused by adverse events and antibiotic resistance is a major cause of treatment failure.

AIMS

To determine the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with intense pulsed light (IPL) in the treatment of acne when combined with a cream containing licochalcone A, L-carnitine and decanediol (so-called, 'active formulation') versus PDT alone.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Twenty-nine volunteers, aged 21-39 years (26 women and 3 men, mean age 29.41 ± 5.24 years), with mild to severe facial acne, were enrolled. Each subject's face sides were randomized in a split-face manner to either receive PDT (IPL with a 400-720 nm cut-off filter, at 4 sessions with two-week intervals) combined with the active formulation cream twice daily for 10 weeks on one face side; or PDT and the vehicle cream on the other side, with the same treatment protocol. Reduction in acne quantity, melanin index and erythema index were assessed 2 weeks after the second treatment (day 28), 1 week after the fourth treatment (day 49), and 1 month after the fourth treatment (day 70).

RESULTS

Compared to baseline, patients in the active formulation group demonstrated a faster onset of reduction in the number of lesions at 2 weeks after the second treatment (p=0.010 for inflammatory acne and p=0.001 for non-inflammatory acne). A significantly greater reduction in lesion count was observed in the active formulation group compared with the vehicle group at all timepoints of evaluation for noninflammatory acne (day 28, day 49, and day 70; p=0.003, 0.005 and 0.002 respectively), and at 1 month after the fourth treatment for inflammatory acne (p=0.036). Compared to the vehicle group, the melanin index of the active formulation group decreased significantly at 1 month after the fourth treatment (p=0.015).

CONCLUSION

PDT is more effective in treating acne when combined with a topical cream containing licochalcone A, L-carnitine and decanediol, than PDT alone. Significant acne reduction and improvements in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation were observed, which offers acne patients a better therapeutic option. It is a safe and effective combination treatment for patients with moderate and severe acne.

Efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris with a novel filter

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases affecting young people. Intense pulsed light (IPL) has become a well-recognized method in the treatment of acne vulgaris. We aim evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of a novel IPL filter at wavelength of 400-600 nm and 800-1,200 nm in the treatment of inflammatory acne lesions. Twenty-one patients with Pillsbury I-III facial acne vulgaris between July 2017 and January 2018 were enrolled in this prospective clinical study. Five sessions of IPL treatment were administered to the subjects at 4-week interval. Final assessment was performed 1 month after the final treatment. One month posttreatment, over 75% subjects exhibited excellent or good response. Of the Pillsbury I-II patients, the effective rate reached 88.24%. The inflammatory lesions were dramatically decreased (25.23 ± 2.76 versus 14.01 ± 1.98) and statistically evident (P = .031). According to Hayashi assessment of acne severity, there was a significant improvement at follow-up visit (P = .022). Moreover, patients reported significant improvements in self-evaluation. The novel IPL filter at wavelength of 400-600 nm and 800-1,200 nm provides an effective option to treatment of inflammatory acne lesions, especially for Pillsbury I-II acne patients, with minimal reversible side effects, such as transient post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Approaches to limit systemic antibiotic use in acne: Systemic alternatives, emerging topical therapies, dietary modification, and laser and light-based treatments

Acne is one of the most common diseases worldwide and affects ∼50 million individuals in the United States. Oral antibiotics are the most common systemic agent prescribed for the treatment of acne. However, their use might be associated with a variety of adverse outcomes including bacterial resistance and disruption of the microbiome. As a result, multiple treatment guidelines call for limiting the use of oral antibiotics in the treatment of acne, although actual prescribing often does not follow these guidelines. In this review, the rationale for concerns regarding the use of oral antibiotics for the management of acne is reviewed. In addition, we will discuss our approach to complying with the intent of the guidelines, with a focus on novel topical agents, dietary modification, laser and light-based modalities, and systemic medications, such as spironolactone, combined oral contraceptives, and oral isotretinoin.

Current treatments of acne: Medications, lights, lasers, and a novel 650-μs 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser

The treatment of acne, especially severe acne, remains a challenge to dermatologists. Therapies include retinoids, antibiotics, hormones, lights, lasers, and various combinations of these modalities. Acne is currently considered a chronic rather than an adolescent condition. The appropriate treatment depends on the patient and the severity of disease. The purpose of this study was to review current therapies for acne of all severities and to introduce the 650-μs 1064-nm laser for the treatment of acne.

Efficacy of Intense Pulsed Light Therapy in the Treatment of Facial Acne Vulgaris: Comparison of Two Different Fluences

BACKGROUND

Acne vulgaris is the most common disease of the skin affecting adolescents and young adults causing psychological distress. The combination of antibiotic resistance, adverse effects of topical and systemic anti acne medications and desire for high tech approaches have all led to new enthusiasm for light based acne treatment. Intense pulse light (IPL) therapy has three modes of action in acne vulgaris i.e., photochemical, photo thermal and photo immunological.

AIMS

(1) to study efficacy of IPL therapy in facial acne vulgaris. (2) To compare two fluences - one normal and other subnormal on right and left side of face respectively.

METHODS

(Including settings and design and statistical analysis used). Total 45 patients in age group 16 to 28 years with inflammatory facial acne vulgaris were included in prospective study. Baseline data for each patient was recorded. All patients were given 4 sittings of IPL at 2 weeks interval and were followed for 2 months every 2 weeks. Fluence used was 35J/cm(2) on right and 20J/cm(2) on left side. Percentage reduction in lesion count was calculated at each sitting and follow up and graded as mild (0-25%), moderate (26-50%), good (51-75%) and excellent (76-100%). Side effects were noted. The results were analysed using Mann-Whitney Test.

RESULTS

On right side, excellent results were achieved in 10(22%), good in 22(49%) and moderate in 13(29%) patients. On left side excellent were results achieved in 7(15%), good in 19(42%) and moderate in 16(43%) patients. There was no statically significant difference noted in efficacy of two fluences used in treatment of facial acne vulgaris.

CONCLUSIONS

IPL is a effective and safe option for inflammatory acne vulgaris with minimal reversible side effects. Subnormal fluence is as effective as normal fluence in Indian skin.

Intense Pulsed light Versus 1,064 Long-Pulsed Neodymium: Yttrium-Aluminum- Garnet Laser in the Treatment of Facial Acne Vulgaris

INTRODUCTION

Laser and light-based procedures provide a good and safe modality for treatment of active acne lesions when used properly.

AIM

To compare the clinical efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) versus 1,064 long-pulsed Neodymium:Yttrium-Aluminum- Garnet (Nd: YAG) in treatment of facial acne vulgaris.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy four patients recruited between June 2013 and August 2014 was enrolled in this controlled, single-blind, split-face clinical trial. All participants received 3 sessions of IPL on the right side of the face and 1,064-nm Nd:YAG on the left side of the face at 4-weeks intervals. Final assessment was made by comparison of the changes in the count of inflammatory acne lesions (inflammatory papules, pustules, nodules and cyst) and non-inflammatory acne lesions (Comedones) and the acne severity score between both therapies, based on standardized photography.

RESULTS

At the final visit, the inflammatory acne lesions were reduced on the IPL and 1,064-nm Nd:YAG treated sides by 67.1% and 70.2% respectively (p<0.05 for each), while non inflammatory acne lesions were reduced by 18.3% and 19.3% respectively (p>0.05 for each). For both therapies, there was significant difference in the improvement on inflammatory acne lesions in comparison to non-inflammatory lesions (p<0.05 for each). There was no significant difference in the efficacy of the two therapies in reducing the percentage of both types of acne lesions count from baseline to the end of the study (p>0.05 for each).

CONCLUSION

Both IPL and 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser are effective in treatment of inflammatory facial acne vulgaris. There is no significant difference between the effects of both therapies on facial acne lesions.

Light-based therapies in acne treatment

The use of light and laser in the treatment of acne is increasing as these modalities are safe, effective, and associated with no or minimal complications when used appropriately. These light and laser sources are also being used in combination with pharmacological and/or physical measures to synergize their effects and optimize the therapeutic outcome. This review focuses on optical devices used in treating acne and serves to delineate the current application of various methods, including their utility and efficacy.

An open-label, split-face trial evaluating efficacy and safty of photopneumatic therapy for the treatment of acne

Background

Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease worldwide, with many available treatment modalities, including oral and topical medications and laser therapy. Recently, a novel device (Isolaz, Pleasanton, CA, USA) that combines vacuum pressure and a broadband light source (400 nm to 1,200 nm) was developed for the treatment of acne.

Objective

To determine the clinical efficacy and safety of photopneumatic therapy for the treatment of acne vulgaris of the face.

Methods

Twenty adults with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris received 4 successive treatments on one side of the face with a combined photopneumatic device (intense pulsed light: fluence=5.8 J/cm²; negative pressure=iMP mode) at 2 week intervals. Acne lesions on the opposite side of the face were not treated. Lesion counts were performed at baseline, prior to each treatment session, and at 3 months after the final treatment session.

Results

Significant lesion improvements and reduced numbers of acne lesions were observed on the treated side of the faces. Most patients experienced global clinical improvement. No severe side effects occurred during the study, with only a few patients experiencing transient erythema, purpura and/or exacerbation of pre-existing acne.

Conclusion

Photopneumatic therapy is a safe and effective treatment for mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

Clay jojoba oil facial mask for lesioned skin and mild acne--results of a prospective, observational pilot study

BACKGROUND

External application of clay facial masks is a cosmetic procedure generally used to reduce skin lesions and to improve overall skin condition.

OBJECTIVE

Collecting pilot data about self-treatment with clay jojoba oil masks on participants with acne-prone, lesioned skin and acne.

METHODS

Open, prospective, observational pilot study: Participants received written information, instructions, and questionnaires without direct contact with the study physician. For 6 weeks, they applied the masks 2-3 times per week. The primary outcome is the difference of skin lesions: baseline vs. after 6 weeks.

RESULTS

194 participants (192 female, 2 male, mean age (± SE) (32.3 ± 0.7 years) returned questionnaires and diaries. 133 of these participants returned complete and precise lesion counts (per-protocol (PP) collective). A 54% mean reduction in total lesion count was observed after 6 weeks of treatment with clay facial mask. Both inflammatory and non-inflammatory skin lesions were reduced significantly after treatment compared to baseline: Median counts (MC) of pustules per affected participant were reduced from 7.0 ± 0.9 to 3.0 ± 0.5 (mean individual reduction (MIR) = 49.4%), the MC of the papules from 3.5 ± 2.2 to 1.0 ± 0.4 (MIR = 57.3%), the MC of cysts from 2.0 ± 0.8 to 0.5 ± 0.4 (MIR = 68.6%) and the MC of comedones from 26.5 ± 6.3 to 16.0 ± 4.0 (MIR = 39.1%). DLQI-average score decreased from 5.0 ± 4.5 (mean ± SE) before to 2.1 ± 2.8 after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study gives preliminary evidence that healing clay jojoba oil facial masks can be effective treatment for lesioned skin and mild acne vulgaris.

New approaches in light/laser therapies and photodynamic treatment of acne

Acne is a domain in which the technology and understanding of light/laser therapeutic procedures have advanced considerably. The aim of the paper was to revisit adjunctive physical treatments of acne, including light/laser treatments and photodynamic therapy. This review summarizes findings about such treatment modalities with particular emphasis on efficacy and safety. A number of laser/light-based modalities have been developed to meet the increasing demand for new acne treatments. The current devices correspond, on the one hand, to light-emitting diode therapy and, on the other hand, to the 532-nm potassium titanyl phosphate laser, the 585- and 595-nm pulsed dye laser, the 1450-nm diode laser, the 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser and intense pulsed light. Photodynamic therapy is also available. It is claimed that light/laser treatments might induce a faster response compared with the 1-3 months needed for response to traditional oral and topical treatments. In conclusion, pulsed dye laser shows efficacy in some patients with mild to moderate acne. The relative effectiveness compared with other treatments is unconfirmed; from the published information, evidence-based efficacy assessment of light/laser therapies in acne remains almost impossible.