Modified 3-Step Broadband Light Treatment for Inflammatory Acne Vulgaris and Post-Acne Erythema in Asian Patients

Light and laser sources have been used as additive or alternative therapeutic modalities for the treatment of active acne vulgaris with or without the use of topical photosensitizers. Early intervention on inflammatory lesions has been deemed to reduce the risks of post-acne erythema and scarring. A novel 3-step protocol was introduced to treat inflammatory acne lesions and scarring by delivering broadband light (BBL) at three different treatment settings. This paper describes the successful treatment of two Japanese patients with active acne vulgaris and post-acne erythema using a modified 3-step BBL treatment protocol. The modified approach comprised of treatment with a cut-off filter of 420 nm and a pulse duration of 150 msec (step 1), a cut-off filter of 590 nm and a pulse duration of 200 msec (step 2), and a cut-off filter of 590 nm and a pulse duration of 12 sec (step 3). One month after the last treatment, both patients exhibited marked reductions in inflammatory acne lesions and post-acne erythema. The overall skin tone and texture were also improved after the 3-step BBL treatment without major side effects.