Effect of 5-Aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy combined with 30% supramolecular salicylic acid in moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris: a prospective, randomized, split-face controlled study

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of ALA-PDT combined with 30% SSA treatment on moderate to severe acne vulgaris. A total of 19 patients with moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, split-face controlled study. The patients were treated once a week for a total of two treatments and followed up until 4 weeks after the final treatment. ALA-PDT combined with 30% SSA treatment significantly reduces the number of lesions compared to PDT treatment, especially for comedones and papules without additional damage to the skin barrier. It also reduces post-treatment erythema as well as ultraviolet (UV) spots, althrough all patients mild pain during SSA treatment. ALA-PDT combined with 30% SSA enhances the efficacy of ALA-PDT in moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris and attenuates adverse effects partially.