Polarized light photography enhances visualization of inflammatory lesions of acne vulgaris.

Abstract

Polarized light photography has been used to selectively differentiate surface from subsurface features of photoaged skin. Our purpose was to compare acne assessments obtained from clinical evaluations with assessments from photographs obtained with flash photography and with perpendicular polarized light photography. Assessments of acne with the Cunliffe scale were made of 32 subjects. Retrospective evaluations of standard and perpendicular polarized light photographs were made in a blinded fashion by a panel of evaluators. Visualization of inflammatory acne lesions was enhanced with perpendicular polarized light photography, with clear delineation of erythematous borders. Acne assessments with the use of a Cunliffe scale were significantly higher (p = 0.001) from perpendicular polarized light photographs than for clinical evaluations. Polarized light photography enhances visualization of inflammatory acne lesions in a manner not possible with conventional flash photographs, permitting accurate evaluation of the extent of disease and the effectiveness of therapy.