Topical Tranexamic acid versus Oxymetazoline after Q-Switched 1064 Nm Nd: YAG Laser therapy for post-acne erythema

Addressing post-acne erythema, integrating Q-switched 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser therapy with topical vasoconstrictors like Tranexamic acid or Oxymetazoline presents a novel, effective and safe approach with reduced side effects.

To assess the effectiveness of combining Q-switched 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser (non-invasive aesthetic procedure) with Oxymetazoline and Tranexamic acid when applied topically for treating post-acne erythema (PAE).

This controlled trial involved 30 PAE patients from the outpatient clinic of Dermatology at Benha University Hospital, Egypt. Each patient received Q-switched Nd: YAG laser treatment followed by topical application of Oxymetazoline on one side of the face and Tranexamic acid on the other. This treatment was administered three times, spaced two weeks apart. Digital photographs of the patients were clicked to evaluate the therapeutic progress.

Following both treatments, there was a noteworthy improvement in PAE count and grade compared to the start of this therapy (Figure 1 and Figure 2). 

Based on the investigator's evaluation scale, over a quarter of the patients exhibited outstanding improvement on the right side of their face, while approximately a quarter demonstrated clear improvement on the left side. Pain and erythema were the most generally recorded side effects.Top of Form

Integrating Q-switched 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser therapy with vasoconstrictors offers a novel, effective approach to treating PAE.