Comparative Efficacy of Filtered Blue Light (Emitted From Sunlight) and Topical Erythromycin Solution in Acne Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial



Faghihi G¹ ; Vali A² ; Asilian A¹ ; Radan MR³ ; Esteki H⁴ ; Elahidoost M⁴
Source: Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatologists Published:2011

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris is one of the commonest skin conditions. The visible light has attracted attention as a new and safe therapeutic option, as some studies show more than 80% response to 420 nm phototherapy with a significant reduction in inflammatory acne lesions after only eight treatments. Patients and methods: We evaluated the use of blue light and topical erythromycin in 32 acne patients. The right-sided lesions were treated with erythromycin solution twice daily and the left ones were treated with irradiation of sunlight by a filter for 15 minutes once daily for 8 weeks and in another treatment group, the lesions in sides of the face were treated on reverse manner. Results: The difference between the treatment and control sides was not significant at week 4, and 8 (p>.05). After 12 weeks of starting the program, a mean improvement of 20% in lesion counts was achieved by the blue light phototherapy. In our study, a mean improvement of 46% in acne score was achieved with the blue light compared to 58% with topical erythromycin (p>0.05). Conclusion: We found that visible light phototherapy improved partially acne lesions and may be an appealing noninvasive alternative for the treatment of acne.