Photothermal therapy using gold nanoparticles for acne in Asian patients: A preliminary study

Acne is a common skin disease that occurs in pilosebaceous units and is often prevalent in adolescence. There are many acne treatments, but they are associated with side effects, such as antibiotic resistance, teratogenicity, and irritation. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a more effective and safe alternative treatment for managing acne in patients of all ages. This study aimed to confirm the effect of gold photothermal therapy for acne. About 12 patients who visited the dermatologic clinic with moderate to severe acne vulgaris were included in the study, regardless of age or sex. All patients received three successive treatments at 1- to 2-week intervals with a photopneumatic device after applying the contents of a gold nanoparticle ample to the skin. Changes in the number of papules, pustules, and comedones before and after treatment, along with the overall improvement, were assessed. In four patients, a biopsy was taken before and 1 month after the last treatment. Significant reductions in acne lesions were observed after the use of gold photothermal therapy (papules, P = .001; pustules, P < .001; and comedones, P = .001). As noted in the Physician Global Assessment, the patients showed an average improvement of more than 50% in their condition. In the histopathological findings, a decrease in inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrotic changes of the dermis were observed after gold photothermal therapy. Gold photothermal therapy showed significant clinical and histological improvements in acne vulgaris in Asians without serious adverse effects.