Evaluation of the 1,540‐nm Erbium:Glass Laser in the Treatment of Inflammatory Facial Acne

BACKGROUND The erbium:glass laser is approved to treat inflammatory acne on the back. OBJECTIVE This aim of this study was to evaluate the use of the 1,540‐nm erbium:glass laser in the treatment of moderate to severe inflammatory acne on the face. METHODS AND MATERIALS An erbium:glass laser (Aramis, Quantel Medical, Clermont‐Ferrand, France) was used to treat 15 patients with moderate to severe acne four times at 2‐week intervals. Active lesions were first treated with six pulses at 10 J/cm2. The entire face was then treated with a single pass using bursts of four pulses at 10 J/cm2. Sebum measurements were performed. Six patients continued in a double‐arm study to determine whether an additional treatment at 6 months would prolong the lesion‐free period. Final evaluation was at 9 months. RESULTS At 6‐month follow‐up, patients rated improvement as 68%, and the mean investigator improvement assessment was 78%. Sebum measurements did not change. No patients required anesthesia, and no side effects were observed. A single retreatment session 6 months after the initial course held clearance at 80% at 9‐month follow‐up, whereas patients without retreatment had 72% clearance. CONCLUSION Treatment of inflammatory facial acne with the 1,540‐nm erbium:glass laser is effective and relatively painless. Papules, pustules, and nodules all respond well to therapy. Additional treatment sessions may prolong the lesion‐free period, and maintenance therapy should be included as a part of the treatment course.