Narrow Band Ultraviolet B Versus Red Light-Emitting Diodes in the Treatment of Facial Acne Vulgaris: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: One of the most common dermatological conditions affecting most teenagers is acne. Phototherapy was described as a therapeutic modality with low-side effects of acne vulgaris (AV). Hence, we examined the effects of narrow band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) versus red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on facial AV. Methods: Forty-five subjects suffering from facial AV mild to a moderate degree were randomly assigned into three groups, 15 subjects within every group. Group A was equipped to NBUVB with 311-313 nm and an initial dose of 250 mJ/cm2, thrice a week for 8 weeks, Group B was equipped red LED with wavelengths 633 ± 6 nm and power density of 80 mW/cm2, thrice a week for 8 weeks, whereas group C had received the only erythromycin as a control group. Outcome measures included measurement of acne lesion count and degree of severity. Measures at three-time intervals were assessed: baseline, 4 weeks (post I), and 8 weeks (post II). Results: Acne numeral findings revealed a significant variance among groups A, B, and C in favor of group A (p < 0.001). Notable improvements were observed across all three groups (p < 0.001). The degree of adjustment effects indicated a greater increase in group A in comparison with group B (p < 0.01), whereas no statistical variance was detected between group B and group C (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Both NBUVB and red LED were effective in acne treatment; NBUVB, however, revealed a highly efficient treatment than red LED in decreasing the acne lesions count and the improved degree of AV severity as measured by the global investigator's assessment scale. Clinical Trial Registration No. NCT04254601.