Efficacy of adjunct (laser) therapy to topical agents among Southern Nigerian acne vulgaris patients

Abstract

This study evaluated the efficacy of Adjunct Laser therapy compared to self-management topical agents among acne vulgaris patients. A parallel randomized controlled trial involving 40 volunteer age ranged 17–28 years (22 ± 4). 35 participants who completed the study were sampled from the stratified 6 faculties’ population of the campus who were screened after meeting the selection criteria and giving the sorted individual consents. Both participants and assessors (physician) were parallel, block and blinded randomized. The outcome measures included distribution and severity of facial acne, counts of baseline lesion of comedones, papule, pustule and nodule, Estimate nos. of face acne eruptions; Mean density of acne calculated and recorded at base line prior each 8 RX sessions in 4 weeks [Density = n/25 cm² (Initial Density − Present Density = Level of Clearance)]. 2 × 4 × weeks R_x (laser group-invisible infrared non-ablative laser therapy supine lying via 905 nm pulsed single probe [Operation frequency: 2000 Hz ± 10%; Pulse Width: 160 ns ± 10%; Dosage = 5 J/cm² × 12 min duration]. 10 min Post-RX monitor. Results showed significant improvement in clearance rate of acne (post-laser therapy) relative to their counterparts in control group (54.98% vs. 17.97%, t = 9.773, p = <0.0001, CI = 95%). Conclusively, laser was observed significant adjunct therapy in improving acne clearance rate compared to self-administered topical agent approach only.