A 595 nm pulsed dye laser as an adjuvant intervention for post-comedone extraction erythema and comedone reduction: A randomized, split-face controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Comedone extraction provides greater satisfaction for acne treatment than conventional treatment alone; however, post-comedone extraction erythema (PCEE) remains a concern for patients.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of pulsed-dye laser (PDL) in PCEE and comedone reduction.

METHODS

Mild-to-moderate acne patients were randomly allocated in split-face fashion. Three comedones were extracted on each facial side. On the PDL-treated side, 595-nm PDL was delivered to the entire side with an additional shot on three comedone-extracted sites. Erythema index (EI) and total acne lesion counts (TALC) were evaluated at baseline, week 2 and 4. The comprehensive acne severity scale (CASS) was assessed by three blinded independent pediatric dermatologists. Participant satisfaction surveys were completed at the end of the study.

RESULTS

Thirty-five participants (age 12.9-24.2 years) showed no differences in the EI and TALC at baseline on both sides. At weeks 2 and 4, the EI on the PDL-treated side was significantly lower (p < 0.001) with a greater EI reduction (p < 0.001) when compared to the control side regardless of gender and menstruation. There was significantly lower TALC on the PDL-treated side at week 2 (p < 0.001) and week 4 (p = 0.02). No complications were noted with high participant satisfaction reported (median 8; IQR 7-9). PDL remained significantly associated with EI improvements after controlling for gender, menstruation cycle, and examination stress.

CONCLUSION

PDL can be an adjunctive intervention for the treatment of PCEE and comedone reduction due to its effectiveness and high participant satisfaction.