0.5% Timolol drops versus IPL for treating red marks left by acne (post‑inflammatory erythema)
Efficacy of 0.5% Topical Timolol Eye Drops in the Treatment of Post-Inflammatory Erythema Following Acne Vulgaris: A Comparative Study With Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
This will test whether applying 0.5% timolol eye drops to the skin can reduce the red marks left after acne in people age 12 and older, compared with intense pulsed light (IPL).
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ho Chi Minh City) |
| Trial ID | NCT07474883 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people aged 12 or older with persistent post‑inflammatory erythema from acne, no significant hyperpigmentation at the treatment site, and no contraindications to beta‑blockers.
Not a fit: Patients with post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation at the site, other skin diseases affecting the area, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or cardiovascular/respiratory contraindications to beta‑blockers are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a low‑cost, topical, non‑invasive option to reduce acne‑related red marks that might be more accessible than device‑based therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Topical timolol and other beta‑blockers have shown benefit for vascular skin lesions like infantile hemangiomas, but direct evidence for treating acne‑related post‑inflammatory erythema is limited and relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Ho Chi Minh City
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.