Phototherapy of Acne Vulgaris with Low Level Narrow Band Red Light (680 nm)

Lee, Bo Hyun; Kim, Hye One; Han, Hee Jin; Kang, Kweon Soo; Park, Chun Wook; Lee, Cheol Heon; Houh, Won

Abstract

BACKGROUND
It has been reported that the phototherapy with blue light (415 nm) or a mixed blue and red light (415 nm and 660 nm) is effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris. however, the effects of red light on acne vulgaris have not been investigated. OBJECT: To examine the effects of red light (680 nm) on patients with moderate acne vulgaris. METHODS: Patients treated their skin by themselves, using portable light source (680 nm), and irradiation was performed for 7 minute twice daily. Each patient was evaluated every 2 weeks with Burton scale and the numbers of papules and pustules. After 6 weeks, the degrees of satisfaction of patients and physicians were assessed. RESULT: Therapy with red light significantly decreased the numbers of papules and pustules (p<0.01). The numbers of satisfied patients and physicians at the end of treatment were 59 (83.1%) and 56 (78.9%) respectively. Side effect was not reported, except only one patient complained of headache. CONCLUSION: Phototherapy with red light (680 nm) was effective and safe treatment for patients with acne vulgaris.