A Novel Percutaneous Delivery System: Needle-Free Injection and Its Clinical Applications in Dermatology

Needle-free injection is commonly used in the fields of inoculation and diabetes. Moreover, its potential as a powerful tool for percutaneous drug delivery is being fully realized in the field of dermatology. Compared with conventional subcutaneous needle injection, needle-free injection causes less pain, has a shorter recovery time, allows for easier control of the pressure and dosage, and is less reliant on the operational technique. Thus, we performed a systematic review of currently available literature to examine the applications of this novel percutaneous delivery system in dermatology. We identified more than 30 prospective and retrospective studies and case reports for inclusion. We found that needle-free injection can be used for both medical and non-medical aesthetic purposes, including treatment of scars, wrinkles, condylomata acuminata, cutaneous tumors, recalcitrant plantar warts, nail psoriasis, and hyperhidrosis. Needle-free injection is very efficient and safe overall, especially when performed with gas-powered injectors; however, close attention is needed when applying high-pressure injectors in areas of relatively thin skin.