Retrospective evaluation of the efficacy of plasma shower and 585 nm Q-Switched laser in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris

Objective: The primary aim of this retrospective study is to comparatively evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety profiles of cold atmospheric plasma (Plasma Shower) and 585 nm Q-switched laser in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Materials and Methods: Clinical records of 47 patients treated with Plasma Shower or 585 nm Q-switched laser at Inonu University Turgut Ozal Medical Center Dermatology Clinic between September 2023 and March 2025 were reviewed retrospectively. Acne severity was assessed using the Global Acne Grading System, and scores were recorded at baseline, the second week, and the fourth week. Repeated measures ANOVA and paired samples t-tests were employed for statistical analyses. Results: The Plasma Shower group showed an average reduction of 42.5% in global acne scores from baseline to the fourth week, whereas the 585 nm Q-switched laser group exhibited a reduction of 32.2%. The difference between the two treatment methods was statistically significant. Plasma Shower demonstrated faster and more prominent improvement in inflammatory acne lesions, while the 585 nm Q-switched laser was more effective on post-inflammatory erythema. Both treatments were found safe and well-tolerated by patients throughout the treatment period. Conclusions: Cold atmospheric plasma (Plasma Shower) is clinically advantageous for rapidly achieving effective results, particularly in inflammatory acne vulgaris. The 585 nm Q-switched laser may be preferred in clinical scenarios where post-inflammatory erythema is predominant. Further studies involving larger patient groups and longer-term follow-up are recommended to support these findings. Keywords: Acne Vulgaris, Cold Atmospheric Plasma, 585 nm Q-switched Laser, Plasma shower