Acne erythema improvement by long‐pulsed 595‐nm pulsed‐dye laser treatment: A pilot study

Objectives: Recent studies have demonstrated that pulsed‐dye laser (PDL) treatment is beneficial for inflammatory acne treatment. However, persistent erythema after inflammatory acne vulgaris ('acne erythema') remains a therapeutic challenge. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of a long pulse duration 595‐nm PDL (V‐beam laser®) therapy for the treatment of acne erythema. Methods: Twenty patients with acne erythema were treated using two successive sessions with a 595‐nm PDL at 4‐week intervals. Overall acne severities were assessed using Leeds scores, degree of improvement using standardized digital photographs, erythema indexes and skin elasticity findings at baseline, and 4 weeks after each treatment. Patients' self‐assessments were also recorded. Results: A total of 90% of acne erythema patients achieved clinical improvement. Lesion counts decreased 24.9% after the first treatment (p<0.05) and by 57.6% (versus baseline) after the second treatment (p<0.05). Significant improvements were also noted in mean Leeds scores, erythema indexes, and skin elasticities after each treatment. Treatment‐related pain was well‐tolerated and adverse effects were limited to transient erythema and edema at treatment sites. Conclusion: A long pulse duration 595‐nm PDL was found to improve acne erythema with minimal discomfort and an increase in skin elasticity.