The Efficacy and Safety of Dual-Frequency Ultrasound for Improving Skin Hydration and Erythema in Patients with Rosacea and Acne

Abstract

Inflammatory skin diseases, such as rosacea and acne, are major causes of facial erythema and accompanying skin barrier dysfunction. Several methods to restore the impaired skin barrier and improve facial erythema, such as medication, radiofrequency, laser, and ultrasound therapy were attempted. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of dual-frequency ultrasound with impulse mode, for improving skin hydration and erythema in Asian subjects with rosacea and acne. Twenty-six subjects with facial erythema received an ultrasound treatment once per week, for 4 weeks, over both cheeks. The erythema index and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured at each visit. Clinicians assessed the erythema improvement and patients evaluated their satisfaction level. The average decrease in TEWL and erythema index at 6 weeks was 5.37 +/- 13.22 g center dot h(-1)center dot m(-2) (p = 0.020) and 39.73 +/- 44.21 (p = 0.010), respectively. The clinician's erythema assessment and the subject satisfaction questionnaire score significantly improved at final follow-up (p < 0.001; p = 0.003, respectively). No serious adverse effects were observed during the treatment and follow-up periods. The dual-frequency ultrasound with impulse mode appears to be effective and safe for improving skin hydration and erythema in patients with rosacea and acne.