Photodynamic Therapy With Methylaminolevulinate 80 mg/g Without Occlusion Improves Acne Vulgaris

Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with methylaminolevulinate (MAL) under occlusion is effective for the treatment of acne vulgaris but is associated with significant phototoxic side effects. Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical MAL with or without occlusion followed by red light exposure in patients with facial acne vulgaris. Patients/Methods: Forty-four patients with facial acne vulgaris were randomized to receive four MAL applications (80 mg/g) at two-week intervals with occlusion on either the right or left side followed 90 minutes later by either 25 or 37 J/cm(2) of red light. Results: At 18 weeks after the first MAL-PDT treatment, the percentage of inflammatory lesions was reduced by a median of 31.7, 59.4, 58.1 and 55.8 percent for patients randomized to 25 J/cm(2) without occlusion, 25 J/cm(2) with occlusion, 37 J/cm(2) without occlusion and 37 J/cm(2) with occlusion respectively. MAL-PDT was, in general, well tolerated and only two patients discontinued their participation due to adverse events. Conclusion: PDT with MAL at 80 mg/g without occlusion reduces the number of inflammatory lesions in patients with facial acne vulgaris.