Comparative Study Of Photodynamic Therapy With Riboflavin-Tryptophan Gel And 13% 5-Aminolevulinic Acid In The Treatment Of Mild To Moderate Acne Vulgaris

Suparat Wangsuwan, Jitlada Meephansan

Division of Dermatology, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand

Correspondence: Jitlada Meephansan
Division of Dermatology, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus, Klong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
Tel +66 02 564 4444 Ext 4495
Email kae_mdcu@yahoo.com

Background: Non-invasive photodynamic therapy (PDT) with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) has been used as an alternative acne treatment for many years. Riboflavin and tryptophan are newly introduced photosensitizers.
Objective: To compare the efficacy of PDT with riboflavin-tryptophan (RT) gel with that of 13% ALA for the treatment of facial acne.
Methods: We performed a double-blind, split-face study of 37 subjects with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris. RT gel was applied to half of the face, and 13% ALA was applied to the other half. Then, the whole face was irradiated using a blue light-emitting diode for 20 mins. Four treatment sessions were performed over a 4-week duration, at 1-week interval. The acne lesion counts and acne severity were assessed. Sebum secretion, Propionibacterium acne colonization, pore size, and skin texture were also evaluated.
Results: PDT with RT gel demonstrated good efficacy, non-inferior to ALA for acne treatment, with a significant reduction in acne lesion counts, severity grading, porphyrin, and sebum output. The pore size and skin texture were improved. Side-effects were minimal and well tolerated in all subjects.
Conclusion: PDT therapy with RT gel is an effective alternative treatment for acne vulgaris.

Keywords: acne vulgaris, photodynamic therapy, 5-aminolevulinic acid, riboflavin, tryptophan