Assessment of Effectiveness of Intense Pulse Light Versus Fractional co2 Laser in Treatment of Both Stages of Acne Vulgaris

Acne is an inflammatory and non-inflammatory disorder, associated with socialization and mental health problems that affects more than 80% of teenagers [1]. Acne is characterized by inflamed papules, and black and white comedons affecting the face, neck, back, and chest. in more severe cases cysts and scarring can also occur. Various treatment modalities have been introduced, however, Laser is still a more effective, convenient, and safer therapies, as other therapies have many adverse effects including poor efficacy, recurrence, high cost, irritation, bacterial resistance, and teratogenicity.

Aim: To study the treatment of different types of acne vulgaris by fractional laser and intense pulsed light ( IPL) to assess the potential role of their curative effect

Methods: sixty patients with both stages (inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne) involving their face were divided into 2 groups: Group -1: 30 patients with inflammatory acne received split face treatment 530 nm intense pulsed light ( IPL) in one side (subgroup-A) and fractional co2 on the other side (subgroup-B), Group-2: 30 patients with non-inflammatory acne received split face treatment 530 nm IPL in one side(subgroup-C) and fractional co2 on the other side(subgroup-D). Treatments once every 2 weeks. Assessments at baseline and after the fourth session by counting the lesions and usage of the global acne grading system.

Results: No statistically significant difference (p-value > 0.05) between studied groups as regard age and sex. No statistically significant difference (p-value > 0.05) between the studied groups as regard acne duration. As regards the pre-session acne score, there was: No statistically significant difference (p1 = 0.285). After treatments, there was: Highly statistically significant difference (p3 < 0.001) between subgroup- A & subgroup- B. As regards the 6th session acne score, there was: Highly statistically significant difference (p1 < 0.001) between subgroup-C & subgroup-D. A highly statistically significant difference (p2 < 0.001).

Conclusion: The highly significant improvement in inflammatory lesions among patients treated with IPL however, fractional co2 laser is considered a better therapeutic modality for non – inflammatory acne