Evgenia Slutsky-Bank MD | Ofir Artzi MD | Eli Sprecher MD | Amir Koren MD
Abstract
Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is considered an effective treatment for
acne vulgaris. A significant drawback is pain during illumination. Daylight PDT (DLPDT) is more tolerable.
Objective: To assess and compare the efficacy and tolerability of DL-PDT and C-PDT
for acne vulgaris through a prospective split-face trial.
Methods and Materials: Fifteen patients underwent 4 treatment sessions at 3-week intervals. First, 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) was applied to the entire face, after which
the face was divided into 2 symmetrical areas: The right side was exposed to sunlight,
and the left half was illuminated with red light. Photographs were obtained and evaluated by two dermatologists blinded to the study protocol. The patients reported side
effects and downtime.
Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in the number and percent
change of inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions on both sides. Adverse effects
were markedly decreased on the DL-PDT side compared to the C-PDT side (p < .01).
The average downtime duration was longer for the C-PDT side (p < .001).
Conclusion: DL-PDT was at least as effective as C-PDT with fewer adverse effects
and a shorter downtime duration.
KEYWORDS
Acne vulgaris, daylight, photodynamic therapy