title: Investigator-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized comparative study on combined vacuum and intense pulsed light versus intense pulsed light devices in both comedonal and papulopustular acne.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim was to compare the treatment effectiveness of intense pulsed light (IPL) and vacuum versus IPL with placebo for mild to moderate comedonal and inflammatory acne.
  
  
  METHODS
  We randomized 180 patients with mild to moderate comedonal and inflammatory acne into three groups: Group A - 60 patients treated with vacuum and IPL, Group V - 60 patients treated with IPL, and Group 0 (control group) - 60 patients who received topical treatment with Sebium H2O Micellaire Solution. We evaluated the results using the Leeds revised acne-grading system and Cardiff Acne Disability Index.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significant reduction in the number of papules, pustules, and comedones in Groups A and V compared with those in the control group (p < 0.001) with a more rapid decrease of the papules from Group A compared with that from Group V. We found an improvement in the clinical aspect (p < 0.001) when we compared Groups A and V with controls. Patients belonging to Group A were more satisfied compared with those belonging to Group V (p = 0.004) and significantly more satisfied compared with those belonging to Group 0 (p < 0.001). In conclusion, we consider that both the devices are efficient, the combination of vacuum and IPL representing a therapeutic option for the comedonal acne.
authors.affiliation: Medical Center Dr.Ianosi, Dermatological Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova , Romania.
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ianosi
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Neagoe
authors.forename: Madalina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Calbureanu
authors.forename: Gabriel
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ianosi
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D000328:Adult; D004438:Ecchymosis / Q000209:etiology; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D062325:Intense Pulsed Light Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012629:Sebum / Q000378:metabolism; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014618:Vacuum; D055815:Young Adult