Novel Photopneumatic Therapy for the Treatment of Rosacea

Abstract

Background: Rosacea is a common skin condition, but the currently available treatments are not satisfactory. Objective: We wanted to assess the efficacy and safety of photo-pneumatic therapy (PPx), which delivers pneumatic energy and broadband light (400 similar to 1,200 nm), for the treatment of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. Methods: Twenty two patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea were treated 3 similar to 5 times with PPx. Three independent dermatologists evaluated the efficacy of PPx by comparing the photographs taken before and after treatment. Patient self-assessment was also done by interviews. Results: The photographic assessment by the dermatologists of the improvement showed that >50% improvement occurred in 64% (14/22) of the patients. The specific categories of improvement were as follows: poor (<25% improvement), 1 patient; fair (25 similar to 50% improvement), 7 patients; good (50 similar to 75% improvement), 11 patients; and excellent (>75% improvement), 3 patients. Based on the patients` self-assessment, 20 patients (91%) acknowledged an improvement. Conclusion: PPx is an effective and safe treatment option for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea.