0.5% Timolol drops versus IPL for treating red marks left by acne (post‑inflammatory erythema)

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a prospective comparative interventional study that compares topical 0.5% timolol ophthalmic solution applied to affected skin with intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy for post‑inflammatory erythema following acne. Participants aged 12 years and older with clinically diagnosed PIE will receive treatments per protocol and attend scheduled follow-up visits. Erythema severity will be tracked using standardized clinical grading and objective measurement tools over a defined treatment period, with safety monitoring for adverse effects and contraindications to beta‑blockers. Key exclusions include post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation at the treatment site and other dermatologic conditions that could confound assessment.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria: Participants must meet all of the following criteria:

* Age ≥ 12 years with a history of acne vulgaris.
* Clinically diagnosed with post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) secondary to acne vulgaris.
* Willing and able to provide informed consent (or assent with parental/guardian consent if under 18 years of age).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Refusal to participate or inability to comply with study procedures (examinations, treatment, follow-up visits), or loss to follow-up.
* Presence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) at the study site that may interfere with accurate assessment of erythema.
* Presence of other dermatologic conditions affecting the treatment area (e.g., atopic dermatitis, rosacea, lupus erythematosus).
* Known hypersensitivity or adverse reaction to timolol or other beta-adrenergic receptor blockers.
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
* History of cardiovascular or respiratory conditions contraindicating beta-blocker use (e.g., asthma, atrioventricular block, bradycardia \<50 beats per minute, hypotension).
* Use of other topical medications or cosmetic products (except sunscreen) on the study area during the study period.

Where it's running

• Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermato-Venereology
  Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Pham Duc Vu
• Email: vupham14@pnt.edu.vn
• Phone: +84 913681158

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.