A chlorin e6 derivative-mediated photodynamic therapy for mild to moderate acne: A prospective, single-blind, randomized, split-face controlled study

Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease involving the pilosebaceous unit. Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of a chlorin e6 derivative-mediated photodynamic therapy (STBF-PDT) in the treatment of mild to moderate acne patients. Methods: In this prospective patient single-blind randomized split-face controlled study, patients diagnosed with mild to moderate acne were treated with four sessions of STBF-PDT on one-half of the face, while the other half were treated with the same dose of red-light treatment without photosensitizer. Follow-up assessment including the skin lesion clearance rate, facial fluorescence scattering spots on VISIA Porphyrins mode, and skin physiological parameters was conducted before and after treatment as well as 2 and 4 weeks after the final treatment. Results: A total of 26 patients were recruited, of which 22 patients completed this study. STBF-PDT is significantly effective in improving lesions in patients with acne. The clearance rate of total lesions was 67.42+8.51 % in the STBF-PDT group and 41.05+11.97 % in the control group 4 weeks after the treatment (P < 0.001). The average clearance rate of inflammatory lesions was 84.41+7.13 % in the STBF-PDT group and 50.10+13.91 % in the control group, with a statistically significance (P < 0.0001). The skin sebum of the STBF-PDT side was significantly lower than that on the control side. There was no obvious adverse reaction especially no pain or reactive acne. Conclusion: STBF-PDT may be a safe and effective treatment for mild to moderate acne and can significantly inhibit sebum secretion.