The Efficacy of Intense Pulsed Light Versus Topical Nicotinamide 4% in Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

ABSTRACT Background Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a Food and Drug Administration‐approved device for the management of several dermatologic disorders, including Acne vulgaris (AV). Nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, constitutes a possible therapeutic approach for AV. It has powerful anti‐inflammatory benefits without the danger of bacterial resistance or systemic adverse effects. Purpose To contrast the efficacy and safety of IPL and topical nicotinamide 4% cream in the management of AV. Methods This comparative work was conducted on 20 participants aged from 18 to 40 years both sexes, with different clinical types of AV. The patients' faces were allocated into two sides: The right side of the face was treated with 4 IPL sessions at two‐weeks intervals, while the left side was treated with topical nicotinamide 4% cream twice daily for 2 months. Clinical assessment of acne lesions in all patients was performed before starting treatment and one and 3 months after the last session. Results A significant enhancement of inflammatory acne lesions existed after treatment with IPL and nicotinamide 4% topical cream. A significant variation existed between the two sides of the face after treatment according to the degree of enhancement, in which the IPL showed better improvement than the nicotinamide 4% cream. Moreover, patients were more satisfied with IPL treatment. Conclusions IPL seems to be a safe and effective therapy in the management of mild to moderate inflammatory acne and an alternative to other systemic modalities of acne treatment when they are contraindicated.