Abstract
Acne vulgaris is a common condition affecting populations and age groups in varying severities worldwide. Traditional approaches to treating acne vulgaris have long consisted of the use of retinoids and antimicrobials. With high prevalence rates of acne vulgaris and its growing resistance to antibiotics, it is important to find alternative treatment options to mitigate this complication. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been successfully used in other disease processes and has been recently introduced for the treatment of acne vulgaris. PDT’s proposed mechanisms include inhibiting Propionibacterium acnes proliferation and promoting healthy tissue growth by altering gene expression of P. acnes and reducing tissue inflammation. With varying lasers and light sources, the approach to acne vulgaris treatment is complex and evolving. Our research consisted of a meta-analysis to evaluate PDT’s effectiveness and determine its practicality in the treatment of common acne. Data showed positive results from a multitude of PDT lasers utilized. From our research, it is suggested that PDT is effective at treating acne vulgaris but needs to be tailored to each patient in order to see optimal results.
By giving dermatologists another tool in the treatment of acne vulgaris, it will distance patients from the chronic use of antimicrobials.
Included in
Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris
Acne vulgaris is a common condition affecting populations and age groups in varying severities worldwide. Traditional approaches to treating acne vulgaris have long consisted of the use of retinoids and antimicrobials. With high prevalence rates of acne vulgaris and its growing resistance to antibiotics, it is important to find alternative treatment options to mitigate this complication. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been successfully used in other disease processes and has been recently introduced for the treatment of acne vulgaris. PDT’s proposed mechanisms include inhibiting Propionibacterium acnes proliferation and promoting healthy tissue growth by altering gene expression of P. acnes and reducing tissue inflammation. With varying lasers and light sources, the approach to acne vulgaris treatment is complex and evolving. Our research consisted of a meta-analysis to evaluate PDT’s effectiveness and determine its practicality in the treatment of common acne. Data showed positive results from a multitude of PDT lasers utilized. From our research, it is suggested that PDT is effective at treating acne vulgaris but needs to be tailored to each patient in order to see optimal results.
By giving dermatologists another tool in the treatment of acne vulgaris, it will distance patients from the chronic use of antimicrobials.