Concomitant Therapy of Oral Isotretinoin with Multiplex Pulsed Dye Laser and Nd: YAG Laser for Acne.

Objective: To evaluate concomitant therapy of oral isotretinoin with multiplex pulsed dye laser and Nd:YAG laser.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients who received treatment of oral isotretinoin and non-ablative laser therapy to treat acne vulgaris at a single outpatient dermatology clinic site in Ontario, Canada between 2009 and 2017.

Results: 187 patients were included, consisting of 45.5 percent males (n=85) and 54.5 percent females (n=102) with a mean age of 21.4 years. 31.6 percent (n=59) of patients reported experiencing side effects from concomitant isotretinoin and NAL therapy, the most common being eczema (n=14), erythema (n=11), significant dry skin/lips/eyes (n=8), flushing (n=6), and bruising (n=6). 99.2 percent of patients achieved clear or almost clear at treatment completion. Of those who expressed satisfaction, 65.2 percent (n=122) reported being satisfied with the treatment and the remaining patients did not report satisfaction nor dissatisfaction.

Limitations: Limitations exist mainly due to the absence of standardized lesion counts and a comparator cohort. Thus, it is not possible to comment on whether the combination of isotretinoin and NAL is more efficacious that either treatment alone.

Conclusion: Concomitant use of isotretinoin and non-ablative laser therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for acne vulgaris that provides patient satisfaction.