Energy-Based Devices in Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a chronic dermatologic complaint with a multifactorial cause. Traditionally, antibiotics and retinoids have been used to manage the condition; patient compliance has been an ongoing issue. A variety of energy-based devices have been reported to be effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris. OBJECTIVE: To review and summarize the current literature specific to treatment of acne vulgaris with energy-based devices. METHODS: A review of the current literature of energy-based devices used for the treatment of acne vulgaris. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Although limited randomized controlled trials for the treatment of acne have been performed, significant clinical improvement of acne vulgaris, especially of inflammatory lesions, has been demonstrated with a variety of energy-based devices. Newer approaches may lead to even better results.