|
Acne Clinical
Trial
The following article
appeared in the "Cosmetic Dermatology Journal" in February,
2004. It was a study to determine the efficacy and tolerability
of electrolized oxidized water (EOW) produced by the Charme
system in treating mild to moderate acne.

Alpesh Desai, DO; Cynthia
J. Tam, DO; Kinnari Bhakta, BS; Tajas Desai, DO: Rashmi Sarkar,
MD; Neil B. Desai. BS
Dr. Alpesh Desai is a Dermatologist
and Clinical Researcher at Coast Dermatology in Torrance, California.
Dr. Tarn is an intern at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic
Medicine, Pennsylvania. Ms. Bhakta is a medical student and Dr.
Tejas Desai is an intern at University of North Texas Health
Science Center, Fort Worth. Dr. Sarkar is a Dermatologist at
Safdarjung Hospital & Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, New
Delhi, India. Mr. Desai is a student at Dartmouth College, Hanover,
New Hampshire. Dr. Alpesh Desai is a consultant and advisory
board member for Mikuni
Corporation. Drs. Tarn, Tejas Desai and Sarkar, and Ms. Bhakta
and Mr. Desai report no actual or potential conflict of interest
in relation to this article.
The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and
the tolerability of the Charme system, a hand-held device
that electrolyzes a water-based sodium chloride solution and
delivers electrolyzed oxidized water (EOW) to the skin, in the
treatment of mild to moderate acne. A total of 31 patients with
mild to moderate acne vulgaris were enrolled in this 8-week,
open-label, split-face pilot study. Acne lesion counts and physician
global assessments were taken at each visit, as well as patient
satisfaction and global assessments and high-resolution digital
photographs. Statistical analysis of the results for treatment
versus baseline scores was performed using a Hotelling T test
and repeated-measures analysis of variance. Values of .04 or
less were considered statistically significant. A total of 25
patients (mean age, 24.7 years, ranging from 15 to 47.years)
completed the study. The mean reduction in total acne lesion
counts from baseline to the end of treatment was 40.9 for the
EOW-treated side (right side) and 18 for the untreated side (Heft
side) (P=.04). Investigators observed a significant mean reduction
in inflammatory lesions, both papules and pustules (P<01),
as well as in the number of individual papules (75.7 vs 19.4)
and pustules (42 vs 7.38) on the treated side versus the untreated
side (P=.Q2). The mean reduction of the noninflammatory lesions,
however, was not significant (P=.336). Physician global assessment
indicated that 100 of the patients showed clinical improvement
of 25 or more, while 50 of the patients observed a moderate improvement
of 50 or more at the end of the treatment period. Interestingly.
75 of the patients preferred the EOW delivery system to other
conventional treatment modalities. Only 5 patients had transient,
cutaneous adverse effects, such as pruritus, erythema, burning/stinging,
and/or peeling, that ceased by week 2. Patient satisfaction with
the EOW system was rated high, with 80 of the patients in the
study assessing the EOW device as good or excellent, while 16
rated the device as fair. Only 4 of the patients were dissatisfied
with the device. The pilot study demonstrated that the EOW system
is an effective and well-tolerated method of treatment for patients
with acne. The device appeared to be effective primarily on inflammatory
acne lesions. This is most likely attributed to the antimicrobial
properties of the EOW that reduce the Propionibacterium acnes
populations.
Antimicrobial Effects of
Low pH Water in a Laboratory Setting
Acne vulgaris is an extremely
common condition that affects more than 40 to 50 million individuals
annually in the United States alone.1 Although more prevalent
in teenagers, acne can also have an impact on every age group.2
Both sexes and all races are prone to this often distressing
skin condition.3 Many physicians trivialize this condition, .but
considerable research has explored the psychosocial impact and
quality of life for patients with acne. A study by Mallon et
al4 assessed the quality of life for patients and compared it
with other chronic conditions. They found that patients with
acne have social, psychological, and emotional problems of the
same magnitude as those with chronic asthma, epilepsy, diabetes,
back pain, or arthritis. Acne contributes to low self-esteem
and self-confidence and often leads to anger, frustration, and
social withdrawal.5 A key factor in the pathogenesis of inflammatory
acne is the proliferation of Propionibacteiium acnes.6-8 During
adolescence, hormonal changes cause increased activity of the
sebaceous glands.9,10 This results in excess sebum production
and abnormal keratinization in the sebaceous gland duct leading
to the follicle.11-12 Obstruction of the follicle then occurs,
providing a favorable environment for P acnes proliferation.7,13
Additionally, excess sebum serves as an excellent nutritional
source for P acnes populations.14 This process leads to inflammation
and the resultant papules and pustules observed in patients with
inflammatory acne.13 Many treatment options for acne currently
exist, and a significant amount of money is spent by Americans
each year on prescription and nonprescription
medications.15-16 These treatment options, however, have limitations.
Topical acne preparations, such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoids,
often irritate the skin and lead to decreased patient compliance.17-18
The mainstay treatment for mild to moderate acne is topical and/or
oral antibiotics, but in recent years antibiotic resistance has
become a major concern.19-22 In addition/oral antibiotic therapy
is not effective for many patients, and a new therapeutic modality
is needed for their acne. Topical retinoids often are selected
for their effect on keratinization and anti-inflammatory properties.19-21
But these agents commonly cause a great deal of skin irritation,
such as peeling, dryness, erythema, stinging, burning, and photosensitivity,
precluding their use for many patients.23-25 Isotretinoin is
an effective treatment for acne; however, it has numerous side
effects and is reserved for severe or refractory cases.26-27
Chemical peels, laser ablation, and surgery generally are not
directed to combat active disease but rather to mitigate the
resultant scars and hyperpigmentation.28-29 That is why an effective,
safe, nonirritating, and easy-to-use modality is highly desirable
and needed.
This study examined the
Charme system, a hand-held device that electrolyzes a water-based
sodium chloride solution and delivers etectrolyzed oxidized water
(EOW) to the skin.
The system produces fine particles, 40 urn or less in diameter,
that are able to penetrate the epidermis and upper dermis. EOW
has been used for many years in Japan for its antimicrobial properties
in the treatment of thermal injury, pressure ulcers, and nosocomial
infections.30-32 In addition, EOW has been used for cleaning
and disinfecting medical equipment, such has hemodialysis units.33-35
Studies show that the device is active against a wide range of
bacteria, including anaerobes, gram-positive and gram-negative
species, and even viruses, including HIV and hepatitis 33,36
(Table). Furthermore, the device uses a naturally occurring substance,
eliminating the need for artificial substances.
By producing an electrolyzed,
low pH solution that is active against a wide variety of bacteria
and delivering it to the skin, the device offers a potential
treatment modality for mild to moderate acne. The purpose of
this open-label pilot study was to determine the efficacy and
tolerability of the device in the treatment of mild to moderate
acne.
METHODS
A total of 31 subjects qualified and were enrolled in this split-face,
open-label, clinical study. To be included, patients had to present
with 5 to 50 facial noninflammatory lesions (open and closed
comedones), 5 to 60 inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules),
and no more than 3 cystic lesions on each side of the face. No
other dermatologic disease could be present on the face. Patients
were excluded from the study if they used topical acne medications
in the preceding 14 days, systemic antibiotics in the past 30
days, or systemic retinoids in the last 6 months prior to initiation
of treatment. Pregnant and lactating women, as well as women
using oral contraceptives, were excluded from the study. Patients
were not allowed to use any over-the-counter acne medications
or washes during the study period. Only mild moisturizers and
sunscreens were permitted throughout the study. Informed consent
was obtained from all patients. For minors, a parent or legal
guardian cosigned the informed consent and accompanied the minor
patient on each visit during the treatment period.
At baseline, each patient in
the study gave a medical history and had a physical examination.
A thorough assessment of the severity of acne was made, and the
number and type of acne lesions were noted. Patients were given
detailed information on how to use the EOW study device. This
included demonstrations on how to pour the base solution (a low
concentration of 2500 ppm sodium chloride) into the device. The
evaluator also gave demonstrations on the distance (approximately
10 cm from the face) and duration (a minimum of 10 seconds to
a maximum of 30 seconds) for using the device. Each patient was
given an EOW device, 3 bottles of base solution, and 2 unscented,
mild soap bars. At each visit, empty solution bottles were retrieved
and recorded.
Each patient was instructed
to use only the unscented, mild soap to cleanse the entire face
twice a day. After the face was washed and dried, the EOW device
was to be used only on the right side of the face for 10 to 30
seconds continuously twice daily (morning and night), while the
left side of the face remained untreated (control). A log sheet
was provided to each patient to keep track of the time, date,
and duration of each treatment and any adverse effects experienced.
Efficacy and cutaneous tolerance
were assessed 4 times over the trial period: at baseline and
weeks 2, 4, and 8. At each of these visits, the number and type
of acne lesions were evaluated, and patient and physician assessments
were recorded. Vital signs and adverse effects also were recorded
at each visit, and device compliance was reviewed. Telephone
calls were made to each patient at 2-week intervals to stress
device compliance and to assess the general well-being of the
patient.
Cutaneous tolerance was assessed
by determining the degree of erythema, peeling, stinging/burning,
and pruritus. All cutaneous tolerance evaluations were graded
on a 0 to 3 scale: 0=none; 1 =mild; 2=moderate; and 3=severe.
Global improvement compared with baseline was graded by the physician
at each follow-up visit, using this 6-point scale: 0=no signs
of acne; 1=markedly (75) improved; 2=moderately (50) improved;
3=slightly (25) improved; 4=no improvement; and 5=worse. Using
the same scale, patients graded improvement in their acne over
the course of the treatment period. At the conclusion of the
study, patient satisfaction with the EOW device was measured
using a 0 to 3 scale: 0=not satisfied; 1=fair; 2=good; and 3=excellent.
This patient questionnaire also included assessment of the EOW
device, compared with conventional acne treatments, based on
a numerical scale. Patients were photographed by a standardized
method, using high-resolution digital photography at baseline
and at each subsequent visit. Results of treatment versus baseline
scores were assessed using a Hotelling T test and repeated-measures
analysis of variance. All statistical tests were 2-sided, and
values of .04 or less were considered statistically significant.
RESULTS
Patients
A total of 25 of 31 patients completed the 8-week efficacy and
tolerability study; 2 patients were disqualified for treating
the entire face with the EOW device, and 4 were lost to follow-up
or moved to another geographic region. The mean age was 24.7
years, with a range of 15 to 47 years. The ethnicity groups represented
in this study were: white (32), Asian (32), Hispanic (20), and
African American
(16).
Clinical Assessment
There were no significant differences between the right and left
side of the face at baseline in any of the parameters to be evaluated.
The mean reduction in the total number of acne lesions from baseline
to the end of treatment (8 weeks) was 40.9 for the EOW-treated
side (right side) and 18 for the untreated side (left side) (P=.04).
There was a consistent reduction in total lesion count in the
EOW-treated side, with clinically relevant reductions at week
8, compared with an inconsistent clinical response in the untreated
side (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Patient is a 28-year
old Caucasian female with long-standing inflammatory acne refractory
to oral and topical antibiotics, topical retinoids and benzoyl
peroxide.
Treated Side of Face
2A. Before treatment, numerous inflammatory acne lesions are
noted. (Right side of face)
2B. After 8 weeks of treatment
with CHARME twice daily, significant improvement is noted with
minimal irritation.
(Right side of face)
Untreated side of face
2C. Same patient at baseline without treatment on left side of
face.
2D. Control at 8 weeks. No
improvement observed in acne lesion counts.
The mean reduction in the number
of inflammatory lesions (pustules and papules) from baseline
to the end of treatment was 49.1 in the EOW-treated side, compared
with 9.9 in the untreated side
(P<.01). The mean reduction in each specific type of inflammatory
lesion was also clinically
significant. The treated side had a mean reduction of 75.7 and
42.0 in the number of pustules and papules, respectively. The
untreated side showed only a mean reduction of 19.4 and 7.38
in the number of pustules and papules, respectively (P=.002)
(Figures 3 and 4).
There was not a statistically
significant reduction in the number of noninflammatory acne lesions
(open/closed comedones) or cysts between the treated and untreated
side of the face (P=.336).

Physician-assessed global improvement
increased steadily, as noted in the percentage of patients improving
from baseline, with 100 of patients showing 25 or more improvement
by week 8 (Figure 5). Patient-assessed global improvement in
acne also steadily increased during the course of the study period.
At week 8, 50 of the patients graded overall their improvement
as moderate, with improvement of 50 or more for the right side
of the face (Figure 6). .In addition, 75 of the patients in the
study indicated that they preferred the EOW delivery system over
conventional topical acne medications.
Safety Assessment
The EOW system was well tolerated by an overwhelming majority
of patients in the study. No patients stopped or temporarily
ceased treatment due to side effects. One patient had transient
pruritus, and 2 others had mild erythema during the first 2 days
of treatment. Two additional patients experienced burning/stinging
and treatment-associated peeling. All cutaneous side effects
resolved by the week 2 visit (Figure 7).
Patient Satisfaction Assessment
In their assessments, 80 of the patients in the study rated their
satisfaction with the EOW device as good or excellent, while
16 rated the study device as fair. Only 4 were dissatisfied with
the EOW device (Figure 8).
COMMENT
EOW is produced with an anode current by electrolyzing salt-containing
water through a
diaphragm.37 EOW which has a high positive oxidation-reduction
potent (ORP) and high concentrations of dissolved chloride and
oxygen, functions as a bactericide and is used clinically for
the treatment of various types of infection and for cleaning
and disinfecting medical equipment.37,39 Since the 1990s, electrolyzed
sodium chloride solutions, which contain high free-chloride concentrations,
have been investigated for various clinical applications in Japan.
Currently, 2 types of electrolyzed solutions are available: electrolyzed
weak acid water (EWW) and electrolyzed strong acid water (ESW).
The study device generated ESW by electrolysis of an NaCI solution,
using positive and negative electrodes in compartments separated
by a cationic membrane; ESW was obtained from the well of the
positive electrode (Figure 9).37
Electrolysis Process
Figure 9. The process of
electrolysis (steps 1-5): After the water-based, sodium chloride
solution (base solution) is Introduced into the electrolyzed
oxidized water (EOW) device, the electrolysis process begins.
Within seconds, EOW is emitted as a fine mist to the skin. Nontoxic
alkaline solution is collected in the drainage tank and emptied
after use.

This process can be summarized
in the following chemical formula.37-39
Positive electrode:
H20 ? ½O2 + 2H+ + 2e-
2Cl- ? Cl2 + 2e-
CI2 + H2O ? H+ + Cl- + HClO
Negative electrode:
2H2O + 2e- ? H2 + 2OH-
The water at the positive electrode
becomes EOW, which has a low pH and a high ORP and contains high
concentrations of dissolved chloride, oxygen, and Hydroxyl radicals.
Water at the negative electrode becomes a basic aqueous solution
that has a high pH and a low ORP and high concentrations of alkaline
minerals.
All microorganisms require
a certain mitochondrial environment for survival; a pH in the
range of 2 to 12 and ORP from -400 to +850 mV are needed to survive
and proliferate.40 In this study, the EOW device produced a solution
that has a pH in the range of 2.3 to 3.0 and a high ORP in the
range of +1100 to +1300 mV.37 It also generated high concentrations
of hypochlorous acid, dissolved oxygen (9-15 ppm), and hydroxyl
radicals.37 This was the solution that was emitted in a fine
mist by the EOW device after the electrolysis process.
The EOW produced by the study
device falls outside the required parameters for the mitochondrial
function of microorganisms. This served as the basis for the
proposed mechanism of action against the P acnes population.
Additionally, the high concentrations of hypochlorous acid and
Hydroxyl radicals produced by the treatment solution are well
documented antimicrobial agents that markedly increase in low
pH solution. Moreover, a study by Shimizu et al41 reported that
almost all organisms will perish within 10 seconds in EOW because
of the synergistic activity of the resultant
radicals (eg, Cl-, hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide) generated
in EOW.42 These radicals react with oxygen and destroy P acnes
by damaging its cell lipid membrane, denaturing proteins, and
preventing replication by severing its DNA.43 Because EOW does
not provide a long-lasting antibacterial effect after application,
repeated applications are necessary.37,44-46 In this study, patients
were instructed, to use the EOW device twice daily for at least
10 seconds.
To further analyze the bactericidal
effect of EOW research studies on inhibiting Pseudomonas aeruginosa
growth by EOW can be used as a model. Using electron microscopy,
P aerugi'nosa growth was completely inhibited by EOW. Morphological
changes noted on electron microscopy showed that EOW induced
breaks and blebs in the outer membrane cell wall (average diameter
of bleb was 28 nm), which were not seen in unelectrolyzed sodium
chloride solution.36 To assess whether or not the effect of EOW
penetrated deep into the bacterial cells, the presence of chromosomal
DNA was detected by restriction fragment length polymorphism,
or RFLP, assay.36 No bands were detected using EOW, while bacterial
samples treated with unelectrolyzed sodium chloride revealed
strong band formation.36
The study showed that the EOW
treatment, administered twice daily for 8 weeks in patients with
mild to moderate acne, resulted in an overall reduction of 40.9%
in mean acne lesion counts. A similar reduction was noted in
the mean inflammatory acne lesion counts measured independently
(49.1%). A greater decrease was observed when measuring individual
inflammatorylesions75.7% for pustules and 42.0% for papules.
The mechanism by which the
study treatment improved inflammatory acne lesions is most likely
the EOW. The EOW is antimicrobial and decreases P acnes colony
populations. This proposed mechanism of action is supported by
the observation of the authors that pustules, followed by papules,
had the most significant reductions.
The study demonstrated that
the EOW system is potentially effective on inflammatory lesions
but is not an effective comedolytic agent. To treat patients
with inflammatory acne, the authors suggest oral and topical
antibiotics can be eliminated by using a strong comedolytic agent,
such as a topical retinoid, in combination with the EOW treatment.
Moreover, the EOW device, working in conjunction with topical
retinoids, could possibly decrease common cutaneous side effects
associated with topical retinoids.
Patient satisfaction with the
EOW treatment was rated very high, with 80% of the patients in
the study assessing satisfaction with the study device as good
or.excellent. Only 4% of the patients were dissatisfied with
the device. Moreover, 50% of the patients reported a moderate
improvement at week 8. Of particular note, 75% of the patients
indicated that they would rather use an EOW delivery system than
conventional forms of treatment.
In contrast to the likelihood
of side effects from other anti acne products, such as topical
retinoids and benzoyl peroxide, the EOW treatment and its delivery
system did not produce significant clinical signs or subjective
symptoms of skin irritation, stinging/burning, erythema, pruritus,
or peeling. In fact, 96% of the patients did not experience any
burning/stinging or peeling. Only 4% experienced pruritus, and
8% experienced treatment-associated erythema. All side effects
experienced by patients during the treatment period were completely
resolved by the week 2 visit.
From a pharmacoeconomic perspective,
the EOW system appears to be cost-effective, though it is difficult
to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing the EOW treatment
to current acne therapies because of the multitude of factors
to consider in assessing acne treatment costs. When evaluating
the estimated costs of various acne therapies in 2001, however,
the study device afforded the patient with a more cost-effective
method in treating acne.16-46 For instance, 40% of patients in
2001 spent an average of $293.03 on acne treatments, and 20%
of patients spent an average of $813.24 per year on acne medications.16-46
Tolerability of these medications can also influence the overall
cost because more office visits are required, and alternative
medications may be prescribed to increase compliance.
Clinical studies have repeatedly
shown that combination therapy yields the best results when treating
acne.19-21, 47. A common approach is to use topical or systemic
antibiotics with topical retinoids.19-21 Topical and oral antibiotics,
however, often are associated with the emergence of resistant
bacteria and adverse effects, such as gram-negative folliculitis,
vaginal candidiasis, discoloration of teeth, headaches, depression,
gastrointestinal upset, and dose-related phototoxic effects.48-55
Other antibiotic options, such as trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole,
clindamycin, and ciprofloxacin are effective but are limited
by toxicities.56 The study suggested that EOW treatment is effective
in combating inflammatory acne and is a possible alternative
to oral/topical antibiotics in the management of this condition.
Oral and topical antibiotics could be used as a second-line therapy,
an option that would most likely help reduce the resistance of
P acnes and antibiotic-associated toxicities.
CONCLUSION
The EOW device and its delivery system to the skin is an alternative
modality for treating acne. Although it has never been studied
specifically for acne, scientific evidence from other applications
makes this device a practical and logical consideration. Used
for many years in Japan, EOW has been shown to be effective against
many different types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This study
showed that the EOW device can reduce inflammatory acne lesions,
namely papules and pustules.
Patient assessments indicated
satisfaction with and acceptance of the EOW system, which may
be attributed to its ease of use and relatively few of the side
effects commonly experienced with topical acne regimens. In addition,
a possible cost savings makes this device an even more attractive
option for patients. Other advantages of EOW treatment include:
a relatively short duration of therapy (8 weeks), good patient
compliance, and lack of antibiotic resistance. Although this
is the first study illustrating the efficacy and tolerability
of the EOW device in treating acne, the results and patient satisfaction
seem promising. Future studies are needed to see if EOW has additional
mechanisms of action in treating inflammatory acne.
AcknowledgmentThe authors
extend special thanks to Gary M. Guglechuk for assistance in
statistical analysis and to Vivian Tarn for assistance with the
graphics.
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