A comparative study for clinical efficacy between topical 5% tranexamic acid gel versus placebo gel in combination with pulsed dye laser 595 nm in the treatment of post-acne erythema
Abstract:
Post-acne erythema is common by found after inflammatory acne. This research aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of topical 5% tranexamic acid versus placebo gel with both sides of 595-nm pulsed dye laser. A total of 15 participants with bilateral post-acne erythema on both cheeks were enrolled. In addition, 5% tranexamic gel and placebo gel were randomly assigned to each side of the face and applied twice daily for 12 weeks. Treatment outcomes were assessed using erythema index measurements, erythema counts by photograph, clinical assessment via quartile grading scale, patients satisfaction, and side effects. The results showed that 5% tranexamic gel group had significantly greater erythema index reduction than the placebo gel group in combination with pulsed dye laser at 12-week visit (p = 0.001) However, total number of post-acne erythema counts, and clinical assessment score did not show significant difference between the 2 groups (p >0.05). Tranexamic gel 5% group had significantly higher satisfaction score than placebo gel group (p =0.048). Common side effects included mild skin dryness and redness. In conclusion, 5% tranexamic acid gel is better effective in reducing post-acne erythema than placebo gel in combination with 595-nm pulsed dye laser.