Europe

Use of a standardized photographic bench in evaluating acne by Eotech via FOCUS #10

Acne is an aesthetic discomfort that many people face during their lifetime. Not being related to aging and corresponding in most cases to a relatively short period of life, it is often suffered with resignation. However, it can become more permanent in some subjects and be experienced as a real handicap.

Several types of treatments are available today (topical products, laser, etc.) and their persistane is very variable. The quantification of results is therefore essential to assess the performance of the treatments and their durability. It is mainly based on a visual scoring of patient’s photos, hence the importance of being able to take photos in standardized and reproducible conditions.

Most of the existing photography systems allow you to take photos in good conditions but they have several disadvantages:

Large footprint
Significant initial operator training required by specific softwares
Imperfect repositioning resulting in differences in facial angles and skin reflections
Face holder hindering the full-face photo (chinrest,)

The solution proposed by Eotech, CBright, is based on this observation and capitalizes on the company’s experience in positioning benches developed for several decades for 3D imaging and analysis of skin relief. This compact photographic bench offers a standardized environment and recordable positioning variables for each subject.

The CBright environment consists of:

– A neutral grey matte background (RAL 7011) with 2 folding side panels

– An illuminating frame consisting of 4 fixed intensity LED strips (4200°K)

– A head holding device attached to a motorized height-adjusting column

The shots are made using a CANON 250D camera combined with a 24mm lens (2.8 focal). Its 24Mp sensor and its very low weight are its main assets. It is controlled from a PC installed near to the CBright thanks to a specially developped software ensuring photos shooting support and managing the studies and the subjects. It integrates a “ghost” function, very useful for the fine repositioning of subjects.

The positioning variables of the subject specific to each shot are:

– Height of headrest

– The nature of polarized light

– The shooting angle (0, ± 30°, ± 45°, ± 60°, ± 90°)

In addition to these features, each shot is associated with its order number, subject ID and measurement time, so that each record is unique.

Apart from these benefits, the CBright exhibits a small footprint, thanks to its one-piece design. After the photo session is complete, the panels can be folded and the arm supporting the camera folded to 90°. The footprint is then one meter wide by 46 cm deep. This point is often decisive for clinical testing laboratories or dermatological centers.

All these benefits recently decided the CLIPP (Centre Laser International de la Peau Paris) to select CBright for a study on the effectiveness of CUTERA’s new AviclearTM laser in the permanent treatment of acne. Patients’ expectations about this new device justify the need for perfectly comparable before/after photos.