Effect of smooth pulsed light at 400 to 700 and 870 to 1,200 nm for acne vulgaris in Asian skin.
BACKGROUND
Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment is effective for acne in Caucasians, but no significant improvements have been observed in studies on Asian skin.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of IPL on acne vulgaris in Asian skin.


METHODS
Twenty-five Japanese patients, mainly of skin phototypes III or IV and moderate to severe acne, were treated five times with IPL at wavelengths of 400 to 700 nm and 870 to 1,200 nm. Results were evaluated in terms of changes in numbers of noninflammatory comedones and inflammatory papules, pustules, and cysts and acne grade before and after treatment.


RESULTS
After the first exposure, numbers of noninflammatory and inflammatory acne lesions decreased to 36.6% and 43.0%, respectively, of their pretreatment values. After five treatments, they decreased to 12.9% and 11.7%, respectively, of their pretreatment values. Acne grade improved significantly over the course of the study. Transient erythema, with or without burning or stinging, was noted in 20 (80%) patients, but no major adverse reactions were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
IPL with dominant wavelengths of 400 to 700 nm had a satisfactory effect on acne vulgaris in Asians.
Kawana
Seiji
S
Department of Dermatology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan. kawa2559@nms.ac.jp
Tachihara
Rieko
R
Kato
Tokue
T
Omi
Tokuya
T
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000628:therapy*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008297:Male; D012867:Skin / Q000528:radiation effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult