The efficacy of insulated-microneedle radiofrequency in keratosis pilaris: a randomized, double-blind, sham irradiation-controlled trial

Abstract

Radiofrequency, including insulated-microneedle radiofrequency, has facilitated progress in the field of dermatology, but clinical data in treating keratosis pilaris (KP) are limited. To compare the efficacy of radiofrequency and sham irradiation for reducing skin roughness, erythema, and hyperpigmentation and to evaluate the physician-grading scale, visual-analogue scale, and side effects. Twenty patients with KP on the outer upper arms received 3 consecutive treatments at 4-week intervals. Radiofrequency showed higher skin roughness mean improvement compared to sham irradiation (0.42 ± 0.54 vs -0.20 ± 0.72, respectively; p<0.001), a higher mean improvement on the physician-grading scale compared with sham irradiation (2.70 ± 0.45 vs 0, respectively; p<0.001) and higher mean improvement on the visual-analogue scale compared with sham irradiation (21.05 ± 2.96 vs 99.47 ± 0.53, respectively; p <0.001). Erythema mean improvement and hyperpigmentation mean improvement of both groups were not statistically different. Side effects of both protocols, such as erythema and itching, were minor and transient. Insulated-microneedle radiofrequency is an effective treatment for KP with no significant side effects.