Successfully Treated Severe Acne Using Selective Electrothermolysis in a Patient with Nephrotic Syndrome

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Medical Devices
• Aesthetics

Background:

• Acne vulgaris is a prevalent skin condition affecting adolescents and young adults.
• Conventional acne treatments may cause side effects or be contraindicated in certain patients.
• Systemic corticosteroids, used for conditions like nephrotic syndrome, can exacerbate acne.

Observation:

• A 22-year-old male patient on high-dose systemic steroids developed severe facial and neck acne.
• The patient's underlying medical condition precluded the use of systemic acne therapies.
• A selective electrothermolysis device targeting sebaceous glands was considered as an alternative treatment.

Findings:

• Treatment with a microneedle radiofrequency device demonstrated significant improvement in acne lesions.
• The selective electrothermolysis procedure exhibited minimal adverse effects.
• The patient experienced dramatic skin lesion improvement and expressed satisfaction with the outcome.

Implications:

• Microneedle radiofrequency offers a promising localized treatment option for severe acne, particularly in medically compromised patients.
• This technology provides a potentially safer alternative to systemic agents for managing treatment-resistant or steroid-induced acne.
• Further research into selective electrothermolysis for acne could expand therapeutic options in dermatology.