A study to determine the effect of combination blue (415 nm) and near-infrared (830 nm) light-emitting diode (LED) therapy for moderate acne vulgaris

J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2009 Jun;11(2):125-8. doi: 10.1080/14764170902777349.

Abstract

Background and objective: Acne vulgaris remains a major problem in dermatological practice. Phototherapy for acne with blue (415 nm) and red (633 nm) light-emitting diode (LED) arrays has recently attracted attention. This pilot study assessed the efficacy of the combination of 415 nm and near-infrared (IR) LED therapy for moderate acne.

Methods: Seventeen individuals were recruited: 13 females and four males. Skin types ranged from type II to type VI, and the acne grades at baseline ranged from Burton grade 1 to 5. Patients underwent twice-weekly 20-minute sessions of LED therapy for 4 weeks, alternating between the blue (415 nm) and near-IR (830 nm) heads. No other treatment was allowed. Results were assessed and compared with the baseline values at 1, 4 and 8 weeks post-treatment.

Results: Six individuals failed to complete the study. Eleven individuals showed improvement ranging from 0% to 83.3%. A downward shift in the Burton grade was seen overall. Non-inflammatory lesion counts increased in four patients, but improved in the other seven by an average of 48.8%. No adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions: The combination therapy for acne produced results which were less effective in the reduction of inflammatory lesions than those achieved with the previously reported blue/red combination. Further study with a much larger patient population is warranted.

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / radiotherapy*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infrared Rays / therapeutic use*
  • Lasers, Semiconductor / adverse effects
  • Lasers, Semiconductor / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phototherapy / adverse effects
  • Phototherapy / instrumentation*
  • Phototherapy / methods*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Young Adult