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

Visible Light in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris, a prevalent dermatological disorder, frequently affects individuals' self-perception and general psychosocial functioning. The growing demand for home-based light therapy devices prompted a systematic review to assess the efficacy of visible light in acne treatment. Overall, 35 studies were included, representing 1185 cases of acne vulgaris (mean age: 23.7 years; sex: 63% female). A total of 69% of the included studies were level 2 evidence. Overall, 92% of patients achieved partial remission of their acne lesions using visible light therapy. Among the patients who experienced a partial remission of their acne, 46% experienced a reduction of 0% to 50% in their acne lesions, while 33% and 12% experienced reductions of 51% to 74% and 75% to 99%, respectively. Notably, blue light emerged as the predominant treatment modality in this context, used in around 64% of the cases. A total of 95% of the patients who were treated with blue light experienced a partial clearance of acne lesions; 44% experienced a reduction of 0% to 50% in their acne lesions, while 42% and 9% experienced reductions of 51% to 74% and 75% to 99%, respectively. Overall, the average total lesion count improved by 43% at week 4 compared to the baseline. The average number of treatment sessions was 22 (range 1-112 sessions). On average, treated patients responded within a period of 4 weeks. Commonly reported side effects included skin irritation and erythema. This review highlights the potential of visible light therapy in acne treatment. Head-to-head studies are needed to compare the efficacy of visible light compared to existing therapies for the treatment of acne.

The 1450-nm Diode Laser Reduces Redness and Porphyrin Density: An Image-Based, Patient-Oriented Appraisal

BACKGROUND

Acne vulgaris remains the leading dermatological condition. The efficacy of laser treatment has been supported by many clinical studies, but studies investigating its multidimensional action are lacking.

AIM

To comprehensively investigate the efficacy of 1450-nm diode laser treatment in patients with inflammatory acne and provide objective and subjective data for doctors in clinical practice.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients with inflammatory acne lesions who underwent three courses of 1450-nm diode laser treatment between October 2019 and August 2020. Facial surface analysis was performed via objective computer assessments using the Canfield VISIA imaging system. Post-treatment subjective assessments were retrieved and analyzed using the clinical global impression-improvement index (CGI-I) and patient global impression of improvement scales (PGI-I).

RESULTS

The final analysis included 20 patients. The changes in the porphyrin VISIA system scores demonstrated significant improvement, with median scores being 35.83, 48.83, and 54.83, respectively. The changes in the red area VISIA scores also showed improvement, with the median scores being 48, 50.33, and 58.83, respectively. The average CGI-I scale scores were 2.2 ± 1.01, 1.70 ± 0.80, and 1.50 ± 0.76, respectively (p = 0.001), and the average PGI-I scale scores were 3.10 ± 0.85, 3.10 ± 0.97, and 3.05 ± 0.95, respectively (p = 0.727), with no significant changes observed in sebum production.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study is the first to provide objective and subjective evidence proving that the 1450-nm diode laser can reduce inflammatory acne lesions.

Randomized split-face controlled study to evaluate 1550-nm fractionated erbium glass laser for treatment of acne vulgaris--an image analysis evaluation

BACKGROUND

Novel and promising results in acne treatment with infrared lasers have been reported. The 1,550-nm erbium glass laser is one of the infrared lasers that may be useful in the treatment of acne.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an erbium glass laser in treatment of active acne and to study the effect of this type of laser on sebaceous glands.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-four patients with active acne lesions were treated using 1,550-nm (30-40 mJ) fractional erbium glass laser. Every patient received 4 sessions with a 2-week interval. Follow-up was done every 3 months for 1 year. The image analyzer computer system was used to measure the sebaceous gland size.

RESULTS

A significant reduction (p < .0001) in the mean count of lesions was observed after treatment and in the follow-up period. A significant reduction in the size of sebaceous glands was also evident after laser treatment.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of active acne with the 1,550-nm erbium glass laser is effective. Papules, pustules, and nodules all respond well to therapy. The sebaceous gland size decreased significantly, which accounts for the long remission period.

Cyclic catamenial dermatoses

Circulating sex hormones follow major fluctuations during the ovarian cycle. The so-called premenstrual syndrome represents a global condition grouping the diversity of catamenial disorders. At the skin level, the sebaceous gland activity is obviously modulated by these endocrine fluctuations. In addition, a series of pathological manifestations take place simultaneously in some women. Among them, the most frequent skin condition is represented by catamenial acne. Concurrently, the autoimmune progesterone dermatitis refers to a diversity of skin alterations resulting from an immune reaction to progesterone. It is present under variable clinical aspects. A series of other recurrent skin conditions are not specifically induced but are merely exacerbated at the end of the ovarian cycle.

Intense Pulsed-Light Therapy for Proliferative Haemangiomas of Infancy

Infantile haemangioma therapy has long been a wait-and-see policy. Since recent development of laser and light therapy, pulsed dye laser has been successfully used for treating superficial haemangiomas. Few studies have been published about treatment with intense pulsed light (IPL) to assess the risk/benefit of IPL in the treatment of infantile haemangiomas during their early proliferative phase. In the present retrospective cohort study, we retrieved data about a series of 14 Caucasian children (median age: 4.8 months) with infantile haemangiomas treated with Photoderm Vasculight flash lamp. All patients experienced a rapid regression of the haemangiomas after 3 treatments on average. Few adverse events were noted, including ulceration and crusts. No residual scarring and cosmetic damages were noticed. Fast growing haemangiomas should be treated with light therapy as soon as possible. This technology is safe, efficient, inducing regression, and preventing any further functional and aesthetic complications. The benefit-risk ratio favours the treatment of most types of haemangiomas which are out of the scope of betablocker administration.