A prospective, split-face, randomized controlled trial of intense pulsed light-photodynamic therapy for seborrhea

Dixin Wang; Yu Yan; Peiru Wang; Haiyan Zhang; Yajing Cao; Bo Wang; Linglin Zhang; Xiuli Wang

Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy (Feb 2024)

A prospective, split-face, randomized controlled trial of intense pulsed light-photodynamic therapy for seborrhea

Dixin Wang,
Yu Yan,
Peiru Wang,
Haiyan Zhang,
Yajing Cao,
Bo Wang,
Linglin Zhang,
Xiuli Wang

Affiliations

Dixin Wang: Institute of Photomedicine, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
Yu Yan: Institute of Photomedicine, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
Peiru Wang: Institute of Photomedicine, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
Haiyan Zhang: Institute of Photomedicine, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
Yajing Cao: Institute of Photomedicine, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
Bo Wang: Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States; Avera Medical Group Dermatology Aberdeen, Aberdeen, South Dakota 57401, United States
Linglin Zhang: Institute of Photomedicine, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Corresponding authors at: Institute of Photomedicine, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200043, China.
Xiuli Wang: Institute of Photomedicine, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Corresponding authors at: Institute of Photomedicine, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200043, China.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 45
p. 103973

Abstract

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Background: Seborrhea poses a common cosmetic concern in adolescents and young adults, often accompanied by enlarged pores, and contributing to various skin conditions, including acne vulgaris and seborrheic dermatitis. At present, there is a lack of effective treatment for this problem, and the potential of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in reducing sebum remains inconclusive. Objective: This exploratory, prospective, single-center, double-blinded, randomized split-face controlled trial aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light-photodynamic therapy (IPL-PDT) versus IPL therapy for seborrhea. Methods: Participants with seborrhea underwent 3 times of IPL treatment (590 nm, 15–17 J/cm2 based on patient's tolerance) for one hemifacial part and IPL-PDT treatment for the other. Follow-up assessment was conducted up to 8 weeks after the final treatment. Results: Compared with single IPL treatment, IPL-PDT can significantly inhibit sebum secretion and decrease pore size. PDT group exhibited no additional damage to the skin barrier, with even lower transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Additionally, the PDT group showed superior improvement in scores of porphyrins, red areas, and ultraviolet (UV) spots. Both groups experienced only mild topical adverse effects, well tolerated by the participants. Conclusion: IPL-PDT is a more effective method than IPL in the treatment of seborrhea, as well as on the improvement of the skin barrier function.

Published in Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy

ISSN: 1572-1000 (Print); 1873-1597 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Netherlands
LCC subjects: Medicine: Medicine (General)
Website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/photodiagnosis-and-photodynamic-therapy

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