Treatment of acne vulgaris using 1,565 nm non-ablative fractional laser in combination with isotretinoin and pricking blood therapy

Abstract

Objective We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the 1,565 nm non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) in combination with isotretinoin and pricking blood therapy (PBT) for treatment of AV. Methods A retrospective analysis of 60 patients with moderate-to-severe AV was performed. Four groups (n = 15) were evaluated: 1,565nm NAFL alone, oral isotretinoin alone, double therapy (NAFL + isotretinoin) and triple therapy (NAFL + isotretinoin + PBT). Results The triple therapy showed the highest improvement rate of inflammatory papules and boxcar atrophic scars. The patients receiving oral isotretinoin alone, double or triple therapy showed a significant decrease in volume of boxcar atrophic scars. The NAFL alone, double or triple therapy significantly decreased index of hemoglobin. Furthermore, the triple therapy significantly decreased indexes of hemoglobin and red areas as compared to the other three treatments. All four treatments significantly decreased indexes of pore sizes and wrinkles. Conclusion This study showed that the triple therapy is effective for treatment of AV, which is worthy of further evaluation and investigation.