Investigator-blind,placebo-controlled,randomized comparative study on combined vacuum and intense pulsed light versus intense pulsed light devices in both comedonal and papulopustular acne

Abstract

Introduction: The aim was to compare the treatment effectiveness of intense pulsed light (IPL) and vacuum versus IPL with placebo for mild to moderate comedonal and inflammatory acne. Patients and methods: We randomized 180 patients with mild to moderate comedonal and inflammatory acne into three groups: Group A – 60 patients treated with vacuum and IPL, Group V – 60 patients treated with IPL, and Group 0 (control group) – 60 patients who received topical treatment with Sebium H₂O Micellaire Solution. We evaluated the results using the Leeds revised acne-grading system and Cardiff Acne Disability Index. Results: There was a significant reduction in the number of papules, pustules, and comedones in Groups A and V compared with those in the control group (p < 0.001) with a more rapid decrease of the papules from Group A compared with that from Group V. We found an improvement in the clinical aspect (p < 0.001) when we compared Groups A and V with controls. Patients belonging to Group A were more satisfied compared with those belonging to Group V (p = 0.004) and significantly more satisfied compared with those belonging to Group 0 (p < 0.001). In conclusion, we consider that both the devices are efficient, the combination of vacuum and IPL representing a therapeutic option for the comedonal acne.