Acne erythema improvement by long-pulsed 595-nm pulsed-dye laser treatment: a pilot study

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Recent studies have demonstrated that pulsed-dye laser (PDL) treatment is beneficial for inflammatory acne treatment. However, persistent erythema after inflammatory acne vulgaris ('acne erythema') remains a therapeutic challenge. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of a long pulse duration 595-nm PDL (V-beam laser) therapy for the treatment of acne erythema. METHODS: Twenty patients with acne erythema were treated using two successive sessions with a 595-nm PDL at 4-week intervals. Overall acne severities were assessed using Leeds scores, degree of improvement using standardized digital photographs, erythema indexes and skin elasticity findings at baseline, and 4 weeks after each treatment. Patients' self-assessments were also recorded. RESULTS: A total of 90% of acne erythema patients achieved clinical improvement. Lesion counts decreased 24.9% after the first treatment (p<0.05) and by 57.6% (versus baseline) after the second treatment (p<0.05). Significant improvements were also noted in mean Leeds scores, erythema indexes, and skin elasticities after each treatment. Treatment-related pain was well-tolerated and adverse effects were limited to transient erythema and edema at treatment sites. CONCLUSION: A long pulse duration 595-nm PDL was found to improve acne erythema with minimal discomfort and an increase in skin elasticity.