Ann Dermatol.  2012 Aug;24(3):280-286. 10.5021/ad.2012.24.3.280.

An Open-Label, Split-Face Trial Evaluating Efficacy and Safty of Photopneumatic Therapy for the Treatment of Acne

• Lee EJ
• Lim HK
• Shin MK
• Suh DH
• Lee SJ
• Kim NI

• KMID: 2265300
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2012.24.3.280

Abstract

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.

Keyword

Acne vulgaris; Intense pulsed light

MeSH Terms

Acne Vulgaris
Adult
Erythema
Humans
Laser Therapy
Light
Purpura
Skin Diseases
Vacuum

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Change in non-inflammatory acne lesion numbers during the treatment period. Acne lesion counts after each treatment are represented as the percentage of the number of pretreatment acne lesions, where pretreatment numbers are expressed as 100%. The mean number of noninflammatory comedones decreased significantly after each treatment sessions. The individuals (n=9) who opted for additional treatment on the contralateral side of the face saw marked improvement (*p<0.05; **p<0.01 in treated side, †p<0.05 in cross treated side).

• 

  Fig. 2 Change in inflammatory acne lesion number during the treatment period. Acne lesion counts after each treatment are represented as the percentage of the number of pretreatment acne lesions, where pretreatment numbers are expressed as 100%. The mean numbers of inflammatory papules, pustules and cysts were significantly decreased after each treatment session. The individuals (n=9) who opted for additional treatment on the contralateral side of the face saw marked improvement (**p<0.01 in treated side, †p<0.05 in cross treated side).

• 

  Fig. 3 Patient of partial responder group. (a) Before treatment, (b) aggravated acne after 1st photopneumatic therapy, (c) after 4th photopneumatic treatment. Some improvement of acne is apparent, but some remained.

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  Fig. 4 Patient in responder group (a) before treatment, (b) after 1st photopneumatic treatment. (c) After 4th photopneumatic treatment. Improvement of inflammatory and noninflammatory acne lesion was apparent.

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  Fig. 5 Changes in acne lesion number during the treatment period after stratifying by response group (**p<0.01 in responder group, ††p<0.01 in partial responder group).

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  Fig. 6 Patients' self-assessed improvement at 12 weeks after the final treatment.

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