Laser treatments of active acne

Abstract

The utility of laser therapy is increasingly being recognized in the treatment of active acne vulgaris. We aimed to perform a narrative review of the medical literature on the use of laser therapy for the treatment of active acne vulgaris. We performed a PubMed literature search on September 1, 2016 using the search terms "active acne," "acne," "laser therapy," and "laser surgery." Case reports, case series, cohort, and controlled trials were included. Studies of lasers in the treatment of acne, including erbium glass, Nd:YAG, pulse dye laser (PDL), potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser, and laser-based photodynamic therapy, have been published. While treatment of active acne with lasers has been successful, many studies are limited by small patient number and lack of control populations and comparison to standard therapies for active acne. Laser therapies are increasingly becoming part of or an adjunct to the medical treatment of active acne and are a useful treatment modality.

Modified 3-Step Broadband Light Treatment for Inflammatory Acne Vulgaris and Post-Acne Erythema in Asian Patients

“…3,5 However, although various pulsed dye, diode, potassium titanyl phosphate, and carbon dioxide laser devices, radiofrequency systems, and BBL systems have been used, further randomized controlled studies are needed for optimizing laser-and light treatment settings for acne vulgaris. 3,5 In the present study, we discovered that two Japanese patients with active acne vulgaris and post-acne erythema experienced satisfactory improvement therein after treatment with a modified 3-step BBL protocol without the use of topical photosensitizers.…”

“…[1][2][3][4] The mechanism of action thereof is theoretically based on the selective photothermolysis of factors contributing to the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. [2][3][4] Thereby, microorganisms, pilosebaceous units, and surrounding dermal inflammatory and vascular components can be modified or destroyed.…”

“…[1][2][3][4] The mechanism of action thereof is theoretically based on the selective photothermolysis of factors contributing to the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. [2][3][4] Thereby, microorganisms, pilosebaceous units, and surrounding dermal inflammatory and vascular components can be modified or destroyed. [2][3][4] Early intervention using light and laser sources for treating inflammatory acne lesions has also been deemed to reduce the risks of post-acne erythema and scarring.…”

“…[2][3][4] Thereby, microorganisms, pilosebaceous units, and surrounding dermal inflammatory and vascular components can be modified or destroyed. [2][3][4] Early intervention using light and laser sources for treating inflammatory acne lesions has also been deemed to reduce the risks of post-acne erythema and scarring. 3,4 In a previous report, a novel 3-step protocol designed to deliver broadband light (BBL) in three different treatment settings was introduced for treating inflammatory acne.…”

“…[2][3][4] Early intervention using light and laser sources for treating inflammatory acne lesions has also been deemed to reduce the risks of post-acne erythema and scarring. 3,4 In a previous report, a novel 3-step protocol designed to deliver broadband light (BBL) in three different treatment settings was introduced for treating inflammatory acne. 1 In step 1, the BBL treatment settings comprise a cut-off filter of 420 nm, a fluence of 4-6 J/cm 2 , a pulse duration of 240-300 msec, and 3 passes over active acne lesions to induce photobiologic reaction by targeting porphyrins in Propionibacterium acnes.…”