The efficacy of intense pulsed light and heat energy therapy compared to benzoyl peroxide gel 2.5% in the treatment of mild and moderate acne vulgaris
Abstract: The use of
technology-based light therapies such as intense pulsed light and heat energy (IPL)
provides an alternative therapy for patients with acne. However, clinical
evidence is required to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the IPL. This study
aimed to evaluate the efficacy of IPL compared to benzoyl peroxide (BP) as
standard therapies in patients with acne vulgaris. The study was conducted with
randomized controlled trial parallel design involving patients with mild and
moderate acne vulgaris. Acne severity was determined by the method of Combined
Acne Severity Classification (CASC). Statistical analysis using repeated
measurement analysis of variance was conducted to assess the reduction in lesions
and number of P. acnes in each group followed by independent t-test to compare of
both groups. A p value <0.05 was considered significant. Sixty-two patients
with mild and moderate acne vulgaris were enrolled in this study and treated
with IPL (32 patients) and with BP gel 2.5% (30 patients). Two patients from
the IPL were droppedout. All subjects showed improvement in acne lesions.
Reduction of the number of non-inflammatory lesions at IPL therapy group was
not significantly different than the BP gel 2.5% at week 2 (p=0.705) and 4
(p=0.186). Reduction in the number of inflammatory lesions in the IPL treatment
group was not significantly different than BP gel 2.5% at week 2 (p=0.604) but
significantly higher at week 4 (p=0.003). The reduction of P. acnes
colonization in the IPL group was significantly higher than BP gel 2.5% group
at week 2 (p=0.000) and 4 (p=0.000). In conclusion, the efficacy of IPL in the
reduction of the number of inflammatory lesions and the P. acnes colonization
is better than BP on patients with acne vulgaris.
Keywords: acne vulgaris – P.
acnes – blackhead -intense pulsed light and heat energy - benzoyl peroxide
Author: Triasari Oktavriana,
Agnes Sri Siswati, Kristiana Etnawati
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg150364
