Light-emitting diode 415 nm in the treatment of inflammatory acne: An open-label, multicentric, pilot investigation

Light-emitting diode 415 nm in the treatment of inflammatory acne: An open-label, multicentric, pilot investigation
April 2006
J. F. Tremblay a; D. J. Sire b; N. J. Lowe c; R. L. Moy
Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy

Background. The management of acne remains a challenge, with current therapies linked to significant side effects and patient non-compliance. Phototherapy using blue light has been proven in the treatment of acne vulgaris and offers the clinician an effective alternative.

Objective. To determine the effect of narrowband light-emitting diode (LED) blue light in the reduction of inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions in patients with mild to moderate acne and to evaluate patient tolerance of the therapy.

Methods. Forty-five patients were treated with high-intensity pure blue light, 415 nm and 48 J/cm2, receiving two treatments of 20 minutes per week for a period of 4-8 weeks. Clinical assessment was performed at baseline, and 2, 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. A patient's therapeutic response was measured using a global improvement scoring system.

Results. The mean improvement score was 3.14 at 4 weeks and 2.90 at 8 weeks. Nine patients experienced complete clearing at 8 weeks. The treatment was well tolerated, with 50% of patients highly satisfied with the treatment.

Conclusion. This open-label study suggests the therapeutic efficacy of high-intensity LED pure blue light in the treatment of acne vulgaris with no reported side effects.

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