title: Safety and Cosmetic Effects of Photodynamic Therapy using Hexyl Aminolevulinate and Intense Pulsed Light: A Pilot Study Conducted in Subjects with Mild-to-moderate Facial Photodamage.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the cosmetic effects of photodynamic therapy with hexyl aminolevulinate cream and intense pulsed light in subjects with mild-to-moderate facial photodamage.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six-month, open-label, single-center, pilot study comprising three study treatments, each separated by 30 days, and two follow-up visits (one and four months following third treatment).
  
  
  METHODS
  Tennessee Clinical Research Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten women (ages 36 to 64 years) with skin color classified as Fitzpatrick I to III.
  
  
  METHODS
  The investigator evaluated erythema, dryness, bruising, crusts and erosions, and stinging/burning immediately before and after each treatment and at each follow-up visit. In addition, the investigator rated cosmetic appearance at each follow-up visit. Subjects rated stinging, tingling, itching, and burning 15 minutes after each treatment and cosmetic effects (radiance, smoothness, pore appearance, evenness of skin tone, and overall effect) at each follow-up visit.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean (standard error of the mean) objective cosmetic appearance scores were 0.900 (0.233) and 1.400 (0.267) (0=very much improved; l=much improved; 2=improved) one and four months following treatment, respectively. Mean subjective assessments of radiance, smoothness, pore appearance, evenness of skin tone, and overall effect ranged from 2.200 to 2.800 (2=much improved; 3=improved) one and four months following treatment. Mean objective erythema, dryness, bruising, and stinging/burning scores were <1 (minimal/slight) at all time points. Mean subjective post-treatment stinging, tingling, itching, and burning scores were <1 (mild) at all time points.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Photodynamic therapy with hexyl aminolevulinate and intense pulsed light improved cosmetic appearance and was generally well tolerated. Further investigation in larger patient populations is warranted.
authors.affiliation: Tennessee Clinical Research Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
authors.forename: Michael H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Gold
authors.forename: Julie A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Biron