Topical Riboflavin versus 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Acne: A Split-face Randomized Study

ALA-PDT has been widely used in mild to moderate acne vulgaris worldwide. However, very few studies used riboflavin-PDT to treat acne vulgaris.BACKGROUNDALA-PDT has been widely used in mild to moderate acne vulgaris worldwide. However, very few studies used riboflavin-PDT to treat acne vulgaris.To investigate the efficacy and adverse events of riboflavin-PDT to treat mild to moderate facial acne, and compare it with ALA-PDT on a non-inferiority basis.OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy and adverse events of riboflavin-PDT to treat mild to moderate facial acne, and compare it with ALA-PDT on a non-inferiority basis.33 eligible patients were enrolled, and 30 patients completed follow-up. Either side of the face was assigned randomly to riboflavin or ALA blue-light-PDT. Patients received 3 sessions of PDT in 1-week intervals and were followed up at weeks 4, 6, and 10.METHODS33 eligible patients were enrolled, and 30 patients completed follow-up. Either side of the face was assigned randomly to riboflavin or ALA blue-light-PDT. Patients received 3 sessions of PDT in 1-week intervals and were followed up at weeks 4, 6, and 10.Both ALA and riboflavin-PDT significantly reduced non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions at weeks 4, 6, and 10 compared to baseline (P all