Intense pulsed light versus benzoyl peroxide.

The intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy has three mechanisms of action in acne vulgaris: photochemical, photoimmunological, and photothermal. In this clinical trial, 47 patients with facial inflammatory acne lesions, ages ranging from 15 to 40 years, were enrolled. Patients were categorized into two groups: (a) 20 patients in Group A treated with IPL for 3 sessions, 3 weeks apart, (b) and 27 patients in Group B treated with benzoyl peroxide (BPO) 2.5% gel daily at night for 9 weeks. Follow up was done at 3 weeks after the end of treatment. The effect of treatment was evaluated objectively according to total lesion counting and digital photographic assessment and subjectively according to the patients' satisfaction. IPL is an effective and well-tolerated method for the treatment of inflammatory facial acne like BPO. Therefore, the IPL can be used as a standard therapy for inflammatory acne vulgaris.

The effect of 1540-nm fractional erbium-glass laser in the treatment of androgenic alopecia.

BACKGROUND: Androgenic alopecia is common, chronic dermatologic disorder. A variety of lasers and light sources appear to be safe and effective in the treatment of AGA. AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 1540-nm fractional erbium glass laser in the treatment of AGA. PATIENTS/METHODS: This was an interventional therapeutic study for the treatment of patients with AGA. The patients received 10 sessions with 1540-nm fractional erbium glass laser at 2-week intervals. The assessment of the response was done before and at the end of follow-up period, both objectively (the change in the density of terminal hair and the diameter of the hair shaft) and subjectively (patient satisfaction). Any adverse effects were documented during the study. RESULTS: Forty-seven out of 51 patients completed the study. After 5 months of laser treatment, the density of hair and hair thickness was significantly increased in both males and females (P value .001). CONCLUSION: The 1540-nm fractional erbium-glass laser seems to be an effective and safe option for treatment of patients with AGA. The improvement was accomplished in a short period.