Fluorescence photography in the evaluation of acne.
BACKGROUND
Quantification of acne remains a challenge. It may be difficult to identify lesions by standard flash photography. Previous studies have shown that foci of light in fluorescence photographs correspond to high protoporphyrin IX production by Propionibacterium acnes in open comedones, follicles, and inflammatory lesions.


OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to study the utility of fluorescence photography for evaluation of acne.


METHODS
Forty subjects with mild to moderate acne vulgaris were randomly selected to apply either clindamycin 1% topical solution or vehicle twice daily. Counts of acne lesions and flash and fluorescence photographs were obtained at baseline, and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks.


RESULTS
At 12 weeks, the treatment group had a larger percentage change in open comedones, less fluorescence in all areas assessed, and a larger percent decrease in fluorescence than the vehicle group.


CONCLUSIONS
Fluorescence photography appears to be a useful tool to chart the course of acne treatment.
Lucchina
L C
LC
Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA.
Kollias
N
N
Gillies
R
R
Phillips
S B
SB
Muccini
J A
JA
Stiller
M J
MJ
Trancik
R J
RJ
Drake
L A
LA
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002981:Clindamycin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005453:Fluorescence; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018859:Hair Follicle / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D010781:Photography / Q000379:methods*; D011425:Propionibacterium acnes / Q000378:metabolism; D011524:Protoporphyrins / Q000378:metabolism
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D011524:Protoporphyrins; D002981:Clindamycin; C028025:protoporphyrin IX; C007084:clindamycin phosphate