577-nm high-power optically pumped semiconductor laser is safe and effective in the treatment of inflammatory acne: a prospective, single-center, split-face comparative study

Abstract Objective This study aimed to appraise the efficacy of a 577-nm high-power optically pumped semiconductor laser (HOPSL) for the treatment of inflammatory acne. Methods The study included 50 patients with acne vulgaris (inflammatory type), 14 men, and 36 women; patient ages ranged from 16 to...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: E. M. Mohamed, K. M. Tawfik, I. B. Elsayed, E. Bölke, P. A. Gerber
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2021-09-01
Series:European Journal of Medical Research
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-021-00573-z
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Summary:Abstract Objective This study aimed to appraise the efficacy of a 577-nm high-power optically pumped semiconductor laser (HOPSL) for the treatment of inflammatory acne. Methods The study included 50 patients with acne vulgaris (inflammatory type), 14 men, and 36 women; patient ages ranged from 16 to 35 years. The left side of the face was treated with a single pass of a 577-nm high-power optically pumped semiconductor laser (HOPSL) every 2 weeks for 3 sessions. The severity of acne examined prior to the first session and 4 weeks after the last session (Investigator's Global Assessment of acne severity, IGA; single lesion count). Results At baseline, no statistically significant difference in the severity of inflammatory acne lesions between both sides was observed. One month after the final session, a significant improvement (IGA reduction of > 50%) of the overall severity of acne was observed in 49 patients (98%) on the laser-treated side versus 41 (82%) the control side of the face (P < .05). Hence, we found a significant reduction in the mean percentage of inflammatory papules, pustules, and nodules on the laser-treated versus the control side (79.33 vs 56.92, 78.04 vs 43.33, 64.85 vs 21.93%, respectively) (P < 0.05). Side effects in the form of erythema and irritation during sessions were transient and tolerated by the patients. Conclusion The 577-nm high-power optically pumped semiconductor laser is effective and safe for the treatment of inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules, and nodules) in acne patients.
ISSN:2047-783X