强脉冲光ACNE滤光片不同脉冲数治疗寻常痤疮临床观察

目的:探讨强脉冲光ACNE滤光片不同脉冲数治疗寻常痤疮的疗效及安全性对比分析。方法:纳入2023年8月-2023年10月在笔者医院医疗美容科门诊就诊的寻常痤疮患者,根据筛选标准最终入选30例。采用自身左右脸对照的试验设计,用随机数字表法将患者两侧面部随机分为三脉冲治疗侧和双脉冲治疗侧,首先使用ACNE滤光片对痤疮部位进行两遍治疗,两侧面部选择相同的能量密度、脉冲延迟及子脉宽,仅脉冲数有差别,三冲侧子脉宽为4 ms-4 ms-4 ms三脉冲,双冲侧子脉宽为4 ms-4 ms双脉冲,之后再用其他滤光片对全面部进行治疗,两侧参数一致。间隔4周治疗1次,共3次。每次治疗后4周评估对比双侧疗效,并在每次治疗中及治疗后记录随访期间不良反应。结果:治疗后三冲侧在痤疮总数目及其疗效指数、炎性痤疮数目及其疗效指数、有效率、显效率等指标评估上均优于双冲侧,差异有统计学意义;在非炎性痤疮数目及其疗效指数上,两侧对比差异无统计学意义。安全性上,双冲侧有1例患者在治疗后额部出现片状结痂、水疱,三冲侧未出现明显不良反应。结论:用强脉冲光ACNE滤光片治疗寻常痤疮,相比于4 ms-4 ms双脉冲,选择4 ms-4 ms-4 ms三脉冲可能是更优的参数。

Ocular surface changes in moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris

AIM:To investigate ocular surface disorders and tear function changes in patients with acne vulgaris and explore the potential relationship between acne vulgaris and dry eye.METHODS:This cross-sectional study included right eyes of 53 patients with acne vulgaris and 54 healthy controls.The participants completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI)questionnaire.The following ocular surface-related parameters were measured:tear meniscus height(TMH),noninvasive tear breakup time(NIBUT),Schirmer I test(SIT),lipid layer thickness(LLT)score of the tear film,meibum score,meibomian gland orifice obstruction score,the ratio of meibomian gland loss,conjunctival hyperemia score,and corneal fluorescein staining(CFS)score.RESULTS:The stability of the tear film decreased in acne vulgaris patients.In the acne group,the TMH and NIBUT were lower,whereas the OSDI,meibum score,meibomian gland orifice obstruction score,ratio of meibomian gland loss,and conjunctival hyperemia score were higher compared with controls(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the CFS score,SIT,or LLT score between the groups(P>0.05).In two dry eye groups,the TMH,NIBUT,and LLT score were lower in the acne with dry eye(acne-DE)group,and the meibum score,meibomian gland orifice obstruction score,ratio of meibomian gland loss and conjunctival hyperemia score in the acne-DE group were higher(P<0.05).There were no significant differences between OSDI,SIT,and CFS score(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:Patients with moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris are more likely to experience dry eye than those without acne vulgaris.Reduced tear film stability and meibomian gland structure dysfunction are more pronounced in patients with moderate-to-severe acne and dry eye.

Tamanu Oil in Acne Management: Potential Anti-Inflammatory and Wound-Healing Properties for Scar Reduction

Tamanu oil, derived from the nuts of Calophyllum inophyllum, has gained increasing attention for its potential in acne management due to its purported anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. This analysis evaluates the efficacy of tamanu oil in acne treatment with a specific focus on its impact on inflammation and scar reduction. The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive analysis of tamanu oil’s dual mechanism of action: reducing acne-related inflammation and promoting the healing of acne scars. Clinical trials and laboratory analyses were conducted to assess the oil’s effectiveness in diminishing erythema, swelling, and post-acne scarring compared to conventional treatments. Preliminary findings demonstrate that tamanu oil significantly reduces inflammation and accelerates wound healing, potentially offering a promising adjunct or alternative to standard acne therapies. Future research should aim to optimize formulation and application protocols, long-term effects, and comparative therapeutic efficacy with other anti-inflammatory agents. Tamanu oil offers a novel and effective approach to acne management, with potential advantages that go beyond inflammation reduction to include enhanced scar reduction, making it a subject that warrants further investigation.

Autocrine IL-8 Contributes to Propionibacterium Acnes-induced Proliferation and Differentiation of HaCaT Cells via AKT/FOXO1/Autophagy

Objective Proprionibacterium acnes(P.acnes)-induced inflammatory responses,proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes contribute to the progression of acne vulgaris(AV).P.acnes was found to enhance the production of interleukin-8(IL-8)by keratinocytes.This study aimed to investigate the role of IL-8 in P.acnes-induced proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes and the underlying mechanism.Methods The P.acnes-stimulated HaCaT cell(a human keratinocyte cell line)model was established.Western blotting and immunofluorescence were performed to detect the expression of the IL-8 receptors C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 1(CXCR1)and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2(CXCR2)on HaCaT cells.Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay,5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine(EdU)assay and Western blotting were performed to examine the effects of IL-8/CXCR2 axis on the proliferation and differentiation of HaCaT cells treated with P.acnes,the IL-8 neutralizing antibody,the CXCR2 antagonist(SB225002),or the CXCR1/CXCR2 antagonist(G31P).Western blotting,nuclear and cytoplasmic separation,CCK-8 assay,and EdU assay were employed to determine the downstream pathway of CXCR2 after P.acnes-stimulated HaCaT cells were treated with the CXCR2 antagonist,the protein kinase B(AKT)antagonist(AZD5363),or the constitutively active forkhead box O1(FOXO1)mutant.Finally,autophagy markers were measured in HaCaT cells following the transfection of the FOXO1 mutant or treatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine(3-MA).Results The expression levels of CXCR1 and CXCR2 were significantly increased on the membrane of HaCaT cells following P.acnes stimulation.The IL-8/CXCR2 axis predominantly promoted the proliferation and differentiation of P.acnes-induced HaCaT cells by activating AKT/FOXO1/autophagy signaling.In brief,IL-8 bound to its receptor CXCR2 on the membrane of keratinocytes to activate the AKT/FOXO1 axis.Subsequently,phosphorylated FOXO1 facilitated autophagy to promote the proliferation and differentiation of P.acnes-induced keratinocytes.Conclusion This study demonstrated the novel autocrine effect of IL-8 on the proliferation and differentiation of P.acnes-induced keratinocytes,suggesting a potential therapeutic target for AV.

Re-evaluating the necessity of routine laboratory monitoring during isotretinoin therapy for acne

In this letter,we discuss the topic of necessity of routine laboratory monitoring during isotretinoin treatment for acne.According to Park and colleagues,it is advisable to monitor the levels of triglycerides,alanine aminotransferase,and aspartate aminotransferase every 5 to 6 months.Additionally,the levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein should be checked within the first two months of treatment.Isotretinoin is a commonly prescribed agent mainly used to treat acne.Despite its high effectiveness,it necessitates regular monitoring of laboratory parameters due to its side effect profile.Currently,there remains a lack of consensus on the appropriate frequency for monitoring these parameters during treatment with isotretinoin.This letter will provide insight into this complex and controversial topic.Based on existing literature,we concluded that the incidence of changes in lipid and liver aminotransferase levels during isotretinoin treatment for acne was low and likely clinically insignificant.For generally healthy people,we recommend testing lipid and liver profiles once at baseline and a second time at the peak dosage.However,frequent testing might still be beneficial in certain populations of patients.

痤疮皮杆菌(Cutibacterium acnes)的研究进展

痤疮皮杆菌(Cutibacterium acnes)可以引起皮肤及其他组织或器官感染和疾病,是造成青春痘的主要细菌,所以研究较多,发展变化较快,尤其最近其分类学发生了较大的变化,使其研究和临床应用等方面不易追踪而造成混乱。本文从痤疮皮杆菌的分类进化、生理生态、保护机制及其利用、致病机制及其防御治疗等方面进行综述,以期了解痤疮皮杆菌系统进化关系,全面而系统地了解该类微生物,为其服务于后期的深入研究、治疗预防等应用提供参考。

Research on the Nursing Effect of Glycolipids on Acne Skin

Glycolipids are lipid compounds,which are a type of amphiphilic molecules containing glycosyl ligands.This experiment studied the efficacy of glycolipids on acne skin care from the aspects of antibacterial,anti-inflammatory,anti-allergic,oil-control,soothing and repair.Research results show that glycolipids have excellent antibacterial properties against P.acnes;when the dosage of glycolipids reaches 10μg/mL,the inhibition rate of glycolipids on lipid synthesis in SZ95 cells can reach 20%;glycolipids can induce LPS induction RAW264.7 cells have the inhibitory effect on the release of inflammatory factors IL-6 and NO;when the glycolipids concentration is 15 mg/mL,the inhibition rate of glycolipids on hyaluronidase reaches 45.8%;when the glycolipids concentration is 25μg/mL,the inhibition rate on calcium ion concentration reaches 45.3%;glycolipids have a significant promoting effect on wound healing.Furthermore,human efficacy evaluation shows that glycolipids products have comprehensive care effects on acne skin.This study will help further promote the application of glycolipids in cosmetic products,especially in skin care products for acne skin.

Balancing Dermatological and Gynecological Considerations: Evaluating the Necessity of Pelvic Exams in OCP Prescriptions for Acne Management

Routine pelvic examinations in women prescribed oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) for acne management are scrutinized to assess their impact on dermatological outcomes versus gynecological health. A synthesis of clinical trials, patient surveys, and medical guidelines reveals that these routine exams do not significantly enhance the effectiveness of acne treatment with OCPs but are linked to increased patient discomfort and false-positive results. Evidence suggests that routine pelvic examinations do not significantly impact the effectiveness of acne management with OCPs but are associated with increased patient discomfort and higher rates of false-positive results. The analysis indicates that a more personalized approach, focusing on selective pelvic examinations based on individual risk factors and clinical symptoms, may offer a more practical and patient-centered alternative. The review advocates for a reexamination of existing guidelines to better align with a model of individualized care, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize best practices at the intersection of dermatological and gynecological care. Adopting a personalized approach to pelvic examinations could substantially improve patient care by minimizing unnecessary interventions and discomfort while maintaining the efficacy of acne treatment with oral contraceptive pills.

Inhibition of Propionibacterium acnes by refined bamboo vinegar and preparation of the slow-release system with bamboo charcoal as the carrier

Background:Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases that can significantly impact a considerable proportion of individuals over their lifetime.Objective:This study focuses on the exploration of the application potential of bamboo vinegar in cosmetics.Materials and Methods:The stock solution of bamboo vinegar is subjected to reduced-pressure distillation at different temperatures to obtain refined bamboo vinegar.Then,inhibition of Propionibacterium acnes(P.acnes)by refined bamboo vinegar is observed.Moreover,the refined bamboo vinegar is adsorbed and released with activated bamboo charcoal as the carrier.In all,this study aims to probe into the mechanism of the controlledrelease system of bamboo vinegar.Results:The results shows that the harmful substances(tar)in bamboo vinegar distilled at 70℃decreased by 94.44%,which is a more notable decrease compared with that in the stock solution.The total organic acid content in bamboo vinegar after reduced-pressure distillation is 11.840%,reaching the national standard for refined bamboo vinegar(GB/T 31734–2015).Additionally,the minimum inhibitory concentration of refined bamboo vinegar against P.acnes using the punch method is 7.90 mg/mL.This indicates that refined bamboo vinegar has the potential as a prospective raw material for formulations in anti-acne cosmetic products.Furthermore,the release rate of bamboo charcoal/bamboo vinegar in water for 15 min reaches 70.57%,which then slows down to a plateau.The slow-release behavior is agreed with the Ritger-Peppas model and is beneficial to relieve the irritation of bamboo vinegar to the skin and lengthen its bacteriostatic duration.Conclusion:The foregoing conclusions can serve as the theoretical foundation for the application of bamboo vinegar in anti-acne cosmetics.

Curative observation and the influence on the mental status of the patients with acne scars treated with pixe12940 laser

目的：了解痤疮凹陷性瘢痕患者的心理健康状况，观察Pixel 2940激光治疗痤疮凹陷性瘢痕的疗效及对患者心理健康的影响。方法：2010年10月～2012年8月，笔者科室采用Pixel 2940激光治疗痤疮瘢痕患者39例，并在治疗前和治疗结束后1月用Cardiff痤疮心理评估量表评估患者心理状况。结果：Pixel 2940激光治疗痤疮凹陷性瘢痕有效率达94．9％，副反应少而轻；痤疮影响了患者的心理健康，患者常常感到焦虑、愤怒和自信心下降等，但治疗后心理明显好转。结论：用Pixel 2940激光治疗痤疮凹陷性瘢痕疗效稳定、副反应少，可改善患者心理健康状况。

逍遥散联合异维A酸对青春期后中重度痤疮患者IL-8和Qol-Acne评分的影响

目的:探究逍遥散联合异维A酸软胶囊治疗青春期后中重度痤疮患者的临床效果。方法:选取笔者医院收治的72例青春期后中重度痤疮患者为研究对象,随机分为观察组与对照组,每组36例,对照组给予异维A酸软胶囊口服治疗,观察组在对照组的基础上给予联合逍遥散口服治疗,两组均治疗1个月。比较两组患者的中医症候积分、炎性因子水平、皮损积分和生活质量评分。结果:治疗后,两组患者的中医证候积分均显著降低,且观察组低于对照组(P<0.05);两组患者的IL-8和TNF-α值均显著降低,且观察组低于对照组(P<0.05);两组患者的情感功能、社会功能、自我感知评分升高,观察组高于对照组,且皮肤病生活质量指数(DLQI)评分均降低,观察组低于对照组(P<0.05);随着治疗时间的延长,皮损积分逐渐降低,均低于治疗前,且每个时间点比较,观察组均低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:逍遥散联合异维A酸软胶囊治疗青春期后中重度痤疮疗效显著,可明显减少皮损,并改善患者生活质量。

Effects of cosmetics containing purified honeybee(Apis mellifera L.) venom on acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a chronic dermatologic problem with multiple factors involved in its pathogenesis. Alternative solutions to acne treatment were instigated by antibiotic resistance despite of its extensive use. Purified bee venom （PBV） has been proposed as a promising candidate for that purpose. The present study was designed to confirm the antibacterial effect of PBV and access the efficacy of cosmetics containing PBV in subjects with acne vulgaris. METHODS： The skin bacterium Propionibacterium acnes was incubated with PBV at various concentrations and bacterial growth was evaluated using the colony forming unit （CFU） assay. The mechanism of PBV employed in killing P. acnes was examined by scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and transmission electron microscopy （TEM）. In addition, a total of 12 subjects were randomized in a double-blind, controlled trial to receive either cosmetics containing PBV or cosmetics without PBV for two weeks. Evaluations included lesion counts and skin microorganism. RESULTS： PBV exhibited antimicrobial activity in a concentration-dependent manner, reducing the number of P. acnes CFU by approximately 6 logs at a concentration of 0.5 mg. When PBV concentration was higher than 1.0 mg, no P. acnes colonies were spotted on an agar. TEM and SEM of untreated P. acnes illustrated the normal pleomorphic structure, whereas the PBV- treated bacterium lost the integrity of surface architecture. Significant difference （P=0.027） in the grading levels based on numbers of lesion counts for inflammatory and noninflammatory was observed in favour of the PBV group compared with the control group. In terms of average decrement of skin microorganism, subjects receiving cosmetics containing PBV experienced a significant 57.5% decrease of adenosine triphosphate levels, whereas participants receiving cosmetics without PBV experienced a nonsignificant decrease of 4.7%. CONCLUSION： These results show that the in vitro actions of antimicrobial activity of PBV were translated in vivo. Cosmetics containing PBV provided a certain degree of efficacy in terms of lesion counts and skin microorganism concentration compared with cosmetics without PBV in subjects with acne vulgaris. PBV may be a good candidate compound for developing therapeutic drua for the treatment of acne vulaaris.

Adherence to acne treatment guidelines in the military environment-a descriptive,serial cross-sectional study

Background:Acne vulgaris,a common skin disease,affects up to 80% of the population.Moderate to severe acne requires treatment with a combination of topical and oral drugs such as antibiotics,hormones and retinoids.Retinoids have many contraindications and adverse effects requiring close monitoring.The study's objectives were to describe prescribing trends in acne medication over time in a military setting,and assess physician adherence to guidelines for acne treatment,including drug precautions,clinical monitoring,and treatment progression.Methods:We conducted a descriptive,serial cross-sectional study of acne drugs prescribed in the Israel Defense Forces(IDF) in the years 2002–2007,analyzing the classes of drugs prescribed and patient characteristics.In addition,the clinical quality of the medical encounter was assessed by examining physician adherence to IDF guidelines.Results:Between 2002 and 2007,64,281 patients were treated for acne.Treatment courses generally persisted for 1–2 months.Over 70% of female patients receiving oral retinoids were not concomitantly receiving oral contraceptives.Conclusions:This study provides a unique perspective of acne treatment in a military setting,overall displaying good adherence to general guidelines.The common prescription of oral retinoids to young females without concomitant contraception is alarming.

Depressed Acne Scars—Effective, Minimal Downtime Treatment with a Novel Smooth Motion Non-Insulated Microneedle Radiofrequency Technology

Background: The microneedle fractional RF handpiece used in our study (Intensif Handpiece, EndyMed Medical, Caesarea, Israel) is a novel handpiece that uses a tip with 25 non-insulated, gold plated microneedle electrodes. The needles are inserted into the skin by a specially designed electronically controlled, smooth motion motor minimizing patient discomfort. RF emission delivered over the whole dermal portion of the needle allows effective coagulation resulting in minimal or no bleeding, together with bulk volumetric heating. Study Design/Materials and Methods: The study included 20 patients, treated for depressed acne scars using the IntensifTM?Microneedles handpiece (EndyMed PRO Platform System, EndyMed Medical, Caesarea, Israel). The degree of clinical improvement was assessed by the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) and subjects satisfaction by post treatment questionnaires. Results: The number of treatments per patient varied between 1 and 6 (average 3.3 treatments per patient). Eleven patients (55%) reported none to minimal pain, six (30%) moderate discomfort and only three (15%) reported significant pain. Objective evaluation of the improvement by a board certified dermatologist showed improvement in 95% of patients. 25% showed excellent improvement, 50% experienced good improvement, and the 20% showed minimal improvement. One patient showed no improvement. Conclusions: The presented results show that the tested electronically controlled motorized insertion, non-insulated microneedle treatment technology provides a minimal discomfort, minimal downtime, effective and safe treatment for depressed acne scars.

High-throughput RNA sequencing reveals the anti-inflammatory mechanism of baicalin on Propionibacterium acnes-induced acne in rabbits

Objective:Propionibacterium acnes(P.acnes)plays an important role in the development of acne,an inflammatory skin disease with a high-incidence.In this study,we used high-throughput RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)to reveal the anti-inflammatory mechanism of baicalin on P.acnes-induced acne in rabbits.Methods:The Kligman method was used to induce acne in the ears of New Zealand rabbits.The effect of baicalin on the acne model was evaluated by the number of acne lesions and hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining of acne tissues.Enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay was used to measure the protein expression levels of tumor necrosis factor a(TNFA),interleukin-1 b(IL1B),IL6,and IL8 in the serum of rabbits.RNA-seq was performed to investigate the mechanism of anti-inflammatory activities of baicalin on acne.Immunohistochemical analysis and Western blot were used to validate the expression levels of related proteins in acne tissues.Results:Baicalin treatment significantly reduced the number of acne lesions and lesions of the ear as well as levels of serum inflammatory cytokines.RNA-seq data showed that baicalin treatment globally suppressed inflammation,especially the TNF signaling pathway and Staphylococcus aureus infection pathway,in the rabbit acne model.Conclusion: Baicalin effectively ameliorates P. acnes-induced acne in rabbits by suppressingthe inflammatory response in rabbits.

Rapid remission of refractory synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis syndrome in response to the Janus kinase inhibitor tofacitinib: A case report

BACKGROUND Synovitis,acne,pustulosis,hyperostosis,and osteitis(SAPHO)syndrome is a rare autoinflammatory disease for which clinical treatment has not been standardized.Janus kinase(JAK)inhibitors represent a novel therapeutic option for rheumatoid arthritis,psoriatic arthritis,and some other autoinflammatory diseases.However,the clinical utility of JAK inhibitors in treating SAPHO syndrome has not been thoroughly investigated.In this study,we describe a patient with SAPHO syndrome who failed to respond to conventional treatment but demonstrated a remarkable and rapid response to the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old female patient presented with swelling and pain at the sternoclavicular joints,back pain that limited her activities,arthralgia in the right knee,and cutaneous lesions.Her symptoms were unresponsive to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs,Tripterygium wilfordii hook f,and bisphosphonates.SAPHO syndrome was diagnosed in accordance with dermatological and osteoarticular manifestations and abnormal inflammatory factors.Multiple image studies have illustrated bone lesions and pathological fractures of vertebral bodies.Oral treatment with tofacitinib at 5 mg twice daily with methotrexate and bisphosphonates was initiated.The patient reported that her pain symptoms were relieved after 3 d and her cutaneous lesions were reduced after 4 wk of treatment.Vertebral lesions were improved after 6 mo on tofacitinib.No serious adverse effects were noted.CONCLUSION JAK inhibitor therapy may be a promising strategy to treat SAPHO syndrome.

Review of the Therapeutic Advance of Acne Treatment

Acne vulgaris is among the most frequent chronic skin disorders in adolescents, characterized by inflammation of the pilosebaceous unit. The psychological distress due to the disfiguring is the main problem that affects the quality of life for patients suffering from acne. Drugs for the treatment of acne are one of the main contents of drug research on common skin diseases. Acne treatment has remained relatively unaltered over the last years. Still, in conjunction with the increase of bacterial resistance to antibiotics throughout the world, there is a global trend away from antibiotic monotherapy treatment. This review discussed the currently used treatment options and evaluated the issues and evidence supporting their usage for patients with acne, including drug therapy with topical, oral, hormonal therapy, and so on. Drug therapy is the most common method in the clinic. Due to the multifactorial etiology of acne vulgaris, most drugs cannot meet the treatment requirements. Therefore, the screening and development of excellent drugs are one of the key targets for treating acne in the future.

Retrospective Study of the Use of a Fractional Radio Frequency Ablative Device in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris and Related Acne Scars

Background: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common disease that often results in disfiguring facial scarring that carries into adulthood. Here we report our experience with fractional radiofrequency (FRF) device in treatment of patients with acne and acne related scarring. Materials & Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients with acne scarring who completed a four treatment regimen in our clinic. Results: We identified eight patients who completed four treatments with median age of 20.5 years (range 17 - 41). All patients demonstrated significant improvement of acne lesions and acne scarring. Skin biopsies demonstrated reduction of scar depth and increased new collagen production, and repopulation of the scar tissue by elastic fibers and adnexal structures after the fourth treatment. Conclusion: FRF emerges as a safe and effective treatment modality for AV and acne related scars. Further randomized controlled studies are required to fully evaluate the magnitude of this positive effect and more basic science studies are needed in order to better characterize its mechanism of action on acne lesions.

Effective Treatment of Atrophic and Icepick Acne Scars Using Deep Non-Ablative Radiofrequency and Multisource Fractional RF Skin Resurfacing

Background and Objectives: Effective treatment for atrophic (depressed) and icepick acne scars requires treatment of both epidermis—for roughness, texture and hyperpigmentation, and the dermis—for collagen remodeling. All first generation radiofrequency systems allow nonablative RF treatment while a few others allow simple bipolar Fractional RF skin resurfacing. The FDA cleared multisource radiofrequency therapy system (EndyMed PRO, EndyMed Ltd., Cesarea, Israel) allows, for the first time, phase controlled multisource RF for both deep (up to 11 mm) non ablative RF and fractional RF skin resurfacing on the same treatment device. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Ten subjects with atrophic acne scars were enrolled in the study. Patients were photographed using standardized methods. In each treatment session, each patient received a full face 3DEEP non ablative skin tightening treatment followed by a Fractional skin resurfacing treatment. The treatment sessions were repeated once a month to a total of up to 4 treatments. Results: All subjects experienced mild-moderate edema and erythema as an immediate response to treatment. Edema resolved after up to three hours post treatment and erythema lasted up to 2 days. Micro ablative crusts were formed 1 - 2 days post treatments and lasted up to 5 days on facial areas. Patients' photographs—before each treatment session and 1 and 3 months after the last session—were graded according to the accepted Cosmetic Improvement Scale. All patients obtained significant skin improvement. Seventy percent of patients had 50% - 75% improvement one month after the third treatment session while the other thirty percent experienced a 25% - 50%. Discussion and Conclusions: The presented results describe for the first time a new treatment system (EndyMed PROTM) that allows both deep non ablative RF delivery and Fractional skin resurfacing on the same treatment platform. This work shows the synergy of combining these two applications for the improvement of acne scars, as well as for some secondary possible pigmentation and vascular improvement.

Evaluation of Self-Treatment of Acne Using Silk’n Blue Phototherapy System

Background: At-home phototherapy devices for the treatment of acne have emerged as an appealing treatment option and as an effective adjunct treatment to existing modalities. The principal goal of the study was to determine the changes in the number of inflammatory lesions in acne patients. Methods: Patients received instruction for daily at-home use of Silk’n Blue device for 12 weeks. Follow-up visits were conducted at 1 and 3 months to collect data. Results: Fifteen subjects with mild to severe cases experienced improvement over the course of the trial. The decrease in mean inflammatory acne counts (from 41.26 to 24.46) and mean percent reduction (41.8%) were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Some participants experienced percent reductions as great as 67%. No adverse events were recorded. Conclusions: The Silk’n Blue device is a safe and effective modality for at-home treatment of mild, moderate, and severe inflammatory acne vulgaris with proper use.