Evaluation of 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photorejuvenation of neck skin

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of the combination of red light or intense pulsed laser (IPL) with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of photodamaged neck skin. Methods: The anterior of the neck was divided into four 2 cm x 2 cm sections and randomly assigned to red-light, red-light-PDT, IPL or IPL-PDT group. ALA cream of 5% was applied to PDT regions for 2 h prior to light irradiation. Treatment was repeated once. The stratum corneum (SC) hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), L*, a*, b* values, melanin index (MI), erythema index (El), skin elasticity and skin thickness were examined by a blinded investigator. The function and volume of thyroid were also measured. Results: After red-light-PDT, IPL-PDT and IPL treatment, the appearance of photoaging lesion was improved. The SC hydration, L* value, elasticity and thickness increased, whereas the TEWL and MI value decreased. These changes in red-light-PDT and IPL-PDT group were more obvious than IPL group. The a* and EI value increased in red-light-PDT group. No significant change was noticed in red-light group. Partial irradiation of the thyroid did not affect the function and volume of the thyroid. Conclusion: IPL-PDT and red-light-PDT showed better rejuvenation effect than IPL or red light alone on the neck skin. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.