Gold photothermal therapy on acne of Asians: Preliminary study

Abstract

Conventional methods of acne treatment are less effective (topical antibiotics), and have side effects such as irritation (topical retinoids), antibiotics resistance (oral and topical antibiotics), teratogenicity (isotretinoin). Therefore, a new safe and effective treatment is needed for acne. Treatment using light sources, including blue light and IPL (intense pulsed light), is also increasing to enhance the effectiveness of acne treatments. Photodynamic therapy uses not only light sources, but also apply photosensitizer. The most commonly used photosensitizer is 5-aminolevulinic acid, methyl aminolevulinate, which is effective for inflammatory acne, but the possible side effects include light-induced pain, post-procedure erythema, swelling, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Especially, patients have to avoid sun exposure for a certain period because of the photosensitizer. According to the previous studies, selective photothermolysis of sebaceous follicles with topically delivered light-absorbing gold microparticles has been reported as a well tolerated, effective treatment for acne. Nine patients with moderate to severe acne were treated with gold photothermal therapy. All patients received three successive treatment at 1-week intervals with photo pneumatic IPL after applying the gold microparticles on the skin. The effect of the treatment was evaluated with the photographs, number of the pustule, papule, and comedone. There was a significant decrease in the number of pustule, papule, and comedone in all patients without severe adverse effect. A punch biopsy was done in 3 patients before and after the treatment, and selective destruction of the sebaceous gland was observed in the histology. Herein, we introduce gold photothermal therapy as an effective and safe treatment option for acne in Asians.