Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease occurring in the pilosebaceous units. It particularly affects the face of young adults, but the chest and back can also be involved. It’s most popular treatments remain oral antibiotics, topical retinoids, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide and Isotretinoin.

Lasers can be effective and safe in treating acne; with intense pulsed light (IPL) revealing high efficacy rates, tiniest discomfort, fast recovery times and outstanding cosmetic and therapeutic outcomes.

A recent prospective study assessed the efficacy, safety and reproducibility of a novel IPL protocol proposed as monotherapy for treating acne (chest and back).

Patients (n = 50) aged 14 to 30 years with moderate papulopustular acne on the chest and back (Cook’s Acne Grading Scale method 4-6, Pillsbury Scale III-IV) were enrolled and subjected to four IPL sessions at 2-week intervals for each patient.

The results were as follows:

• 50% of the patients demonstrated an excellent outcome  
• 35% of the patients demonstrated a good outcome
• Light erythema and mild burning were the most common side effects, which spontaneously resolved within 24 to 96 hours.

Backing the previous reports, this study proved IPL to be a safe and effective treatment for severe cases of acne on the chest and back, with excellent esthetic and therapeutic results in a majority of the patients.

Source: Piccolo D, Kostaki D, Dianzani C, et al. Effective intense pulsed light protocol in the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris of the chest and back. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2022;15(3):22-5.