A comparative study between topical oxymetazoline hydrochloride 1.5% in liposomal gel versus topical placebo-liposomal gel in combination with pulsed dye laser 595-nm for the treatment of post acne erythema
Abstract:
Post-acne erythema is a common problem that can affect patients quality of life. Currently, there is no gold standard treatment for post-acne erythema. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of topical Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride 1.5% in liposomal cream versus placebo liposomal cream in combination with Pulsed Dye Laser 595 nm in the treatment of post-acne erythema. This study was a prospective, double-blinded, randomized-controlled trial, intra-individual split face, comparative experimental study conducted on 20 patients aged 18-45 years with post-acne erythema at Mae Fah Luang University Hospital, Bangkok. All patients received pulsed dye laser 595 nm treatment on designated acne erythema lesions on both sides of the face, followed by application of Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride 1.5% liposomal cream on one side and placebo liposomal cream on the other side, twice daily for 12 weeks. Evaluations were conducted at weeks 4, 8, and 12, assessing the Erythema Index using Mexameter® MX18, the Investigators' Global Improvement scale (IGA), and the Clinician Erythema Assessment scale (CEA), along with Global satisfaction score and adverse effects.
The result showed that Oxymetazoline group had significantly greater reduction of Erythema Index measured by Mexameter® MX18 than the placebo group at week-8 and week-12 visit. According to the IGA, the Oxymetazoline group had significantly higher IGA scores at levels 3-4 compared to the placebo group at weeks 4, 8 and 12 visit. Oxymetazoline group had significantly better improvement of acne redness at least 2 levels assessed by CEA than the placebo group at week-8 and week-12 visit. Moreover, Oxymetazoline group had higher Global satisfaction score than the placebo group. No adverse effects were observed in both groups.
In conclusion, topical Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride 1.5% in liposomal gel had significantly greater reduced acne erythema than placebo gel when combined with pulsed-dye laser 595 nm.