Efficacy and safety comparison between pulsed dye laser and intense pulsed light configured with different wavelength bands in treating erythematotelangiectatic rosacea.

Previous clinical studies have shown that pulsed dye laser (PDL) and intense pulsed light (IPL) are effective for treating erythematotelangiectatic rosacea(ETR). This article aims to compare the efficacy and safety of PDL and IPL at three different wavelength bands (broad-band, single-narrow-band, and dual-narrow-band) in treating ETR. Sixty subjects with ETR were randomly categorized into four groups and received one of the following laser treatments: PDL (595 nm), IPL with Delicate Pulse Light (DPL, 500-600 nm), IPL with M22 590 (590-1200 nm), or IPL with M22 vascular filter (530-650 nm and 900-1200 nm). Four treatment sessions were administered at 4-week intervals, with one follow-up session 4 weeks after the final treatment. The efficacy of the four lasers was evaluated by comparing the clinical symptom score, total effective rate, VISIA red area absolute score, and RosaQoL score before and after treatment. The safety was evaluated by comparing adverse reactions such as pain, purpura, erythematous edema, and blister. All 60 subjects completed the study. Within-group effects showed that the clinical symptom score, VISIA red area absolute score, and RosaQoL score of all four groups were significantly reduced compared to before treatment (p < 0.001). Between-group effects showed no statistically significant difference among the four laser groups. Safety analysis showed that all four lasers were safe, but the incidence of blister was higher in the M22 vascular group. Nonpurpurogenic PDL, DPL, M22 590, and M22 vascular were equally effective in treating ETR and were well-tolerated. ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier: NCT05360251.

Light and Laser Treatments for Keratosis Pilaris: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common hereditary keratinization disorder. Keratosis pilaris rubra and KP atrophicans faciei are less frequent variants of the disease. Topical treatments often yield ineffective and temporary results. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to review and assess all the studies that used light and laser devices to treat KP and its variants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: On January 15, 2017, an online search of the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed using the following combination of keywords: "keratosis pilaris" and "treatment." RESULTS: Seventeen studies related to light and laser treatments were retained for analysis. The total number of treated patients was 175. Of which, 22 patients had KP atrophicans faciei, 17 patients had KP rubra, and 136 patients had KP. CONCLUSION: Light and laser devices have been emerging as promising therapeutic options for a disfiguring disease that still lacks, until today, an effective long-term treatment.

Milia-like idiopathic calcinosis cutis of the forehead in an adult without Down's syndrome successfully treated with a CO2 laser.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic calcinosis cutis is an uncommon form of calcinosis cutis. It may present as tumoral calcinosis, subepidermal calcified nodules or scrotal calcinosis. Subepidermal calcified nodules may also present as milia-like lesions commonly seen in children with Down's syndrome in the absence of tissue damage or metabolic disorders, it has been seldom reported in adults. The treatment of choice is surgical excision. However, a surgical approach may not always be beneficial to the patient given the cosmetic outcomes. Here, we describe the successful use of a CO2 laser in the treatment of milia-like calcinosis cutis of the forehead in an adult without Down's syndrome. AIMS: To describe the treatment of Milia-like idiopathic calcinosis cutis of the forehead in an adult without Down's syndrome successfully treated with a CO2 laser. METHODS: We report a case of a 48-year-old man who presented with skin-colored hard asymptomatic papules on the forehead that started about 9 years ago, a biopsy was performed and a diagnosis of milialike calcinosis cutis was made. Surgical excision was discarded regarding the location and the number of lesions, instead, a CO2 laser was used to treat this condition. RESULTS: Successful laser excision of the lesions with appealing cosmetic results. CONCLUSIONS: CO2 laser seems to be a valuable tool to treat milia-like calcinosis cutis lesions.

Safety of Combination Laser or Intense Pulsed Light Therapies and Doxycycline for the Treatment of Rosacea.

BACKGROUND: Current treatment options for rosacea include topical agents, oral therapies, phototherapy using lasers, or intense pulsed light (IPL). Combination therapy for rosacea often yields better results than monotherapy. The safety of laser/light treatments in combination with systemic doxycycline has been questioned because of the theoretical risk of photosensitivity. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of phototoxicity or photosensitivity in rosacea patients receiving concomitant laser or light treatments and systemic doxycycline. METHODS: Treatment records of 36 patients receiving laser/light treatments while also being treated with standard dose or anti-inflammatory dose of doxycycline were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: No adverse reactions related to doxycycline combined with laser/light therapy were reported. Specifically, no photosensitivity or sensitivity to wavelengths in the pulsed dye laser (PDL), or IPL range was observed in this cohort. All patients achieved some degree of clearance. CONCLUSION: The results of this retrospective study demonstrate that doxycycline used in conjunction with laser or nonlaser light therapy is a valid combination therapy for improving signs and symptoms of rosacea. No photosensitivity reactions were observed to commonly used IPL or PDL devices.

Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Intense Pulsed Light Treatment with Meibomian Gland Expression of the Upper Eyelids for Dry Eye Disease.

Objective: To investigate the safety of and change from baseline of tear breakup time and visual analog pain scales in dry eye disease subjects with upper lid Meibomian gland dysfunction after intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment assessing global ocular pain severity, ocular pain frequency, and ocular pain in the previous 24 h. This is a prospective single-site study. Methods: All patients received active treatment consisting of four treatments spaced no fewer than 2 weeks apart and no longer than 4 weeks apart. The IPL therapy was performed with a Lumenis M22 (Lumenis Ltd., Yokneam, Israel) xenon-based micropulsed IPL utilizing a 590 nm filter with a 6 mm clear SapphireCool cylindrical lightguide for the upper lids with a fluence of 10 J/cm2 across the upper eyelids, including the tragus for two passes. Patients then received expression of their meibomian glands using two cotton-tipped applicators. Tear breakup data were collected as well as global ocular pain, ocular pain episodes in the past 24 h and frequency of ocular pain episodes. Results: All of the assessments for the treated eyes improved over the course of treatment. Statistically significant physician increases in measured tear breakup times were measured for each eye independently. Statistically significant decreases in global eye dryness scale, eye dryness in the preceding 24 h, and frequency of ocular pain episodes between treatments were observed. There were no serious or nonserious adverse events in the trial. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that a new specialized 6 mm cylindrical handpiece for the M22 Lumenis IPL machine is safe and effective in increasing physician-measured tear breakup time as well as several scales of the symptoms of ocular dryness, including global symptoms, frequency of symptoms, and ocular dryness occurring within the previous 24 h before the study visit.

Efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light with a KTP filter for the treatment of solar lentigines.

BACKGROUND: Optical energy-based devices, including intense pulsed light (IPL) and potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) lasers achieve reduction of pigmented and vascular lesions in a relatively similar number of treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an IPL with a "KTP-like" filter emitting a wavelength of 525-585 nm for the treatment of solar lentigines on the hands and face. METHODS: This was a single center, prospective, open-label clinical trial including 16 healthy Caucasian subjects (15 females, mean age, 55 years; skin types II and III) with hand and facial solar lentigines. Subjects were treated with three IPL treatment sessions with a KTP-like filter conducted at monthly intervals. Follow-up evaluations were performed 1, 3, and 6 months after the last treatment session. Overall pigmentation improvement, pigmentation clearance per lesion, adverse events, and subject tolerability to treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: Significant improvements in facial and hand pigmentation were noted at all follow-up visits (P < 0.0001). One month after the last treatment session, good to excellent outcomes were noted in 74.6% of treated facial areas and 90% of treated hand regions. Although the effect of treatment gradually declined in both treatment regions over the 6-month follow-up period, over 60% of subjects demonstrated good to excellent results at the study end. Clinical effectiveness was further confirmed by the reduction in Melanin Index (MI) following each treatment as compared to baseline. Downtime and complications were minimal. CONCLUSIONS: IPL treatment with a KTP-like filter is a well-tolerated and effective method for reducing facial and hand pigmentation. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:500-508, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Advances in fractional technology for skin rejuvenation, skin tightening, drug delivery, and treating scars and skin defects.

The development of fractional photothermolysis has revolutionized the treatment of skin scarring, rejuvenation, and tightening. By creating targeted microthermal zones and leaving surrounding tissue intact, this concept has provided the field with efficacious results, with less downtime and a better safety profile. This has started to change the paradigm of what is considered first-line treatment for scarring and rejuvenation. While originally applied to nonablative lasers, fractionation has now been employed in ablative, quality-switched, picosecond, and novel hybrid fractional lasers. Furthermore, other energy-based technologies, such as radiofrequency, have adopted the concept of fractionation in an attempt to optimize the balance of efficacy, downtime, and side effects. Herein, we describe how the ever-expanding repertoire of fractional devices is applied to the treatment of scarring, skin rejuvenation, and tightening. In addition, newer applications, such as transdermal drug delivery, are being developed by using fractional devices. Growing experience with these devices has broadened their relevance to more skin types and body sites than ever. Ultimately, the knowledge of appropriate treatment parameters is paramount and allows for the safe and effective treatment of a variety of patients with numerous devices.

A review of available laser and intense light source home devices: A dermatologist's perspective.

BACKGROUND: Home optical devices are becoming an increasingly popular treatment modality sought out by patients for dermatologic pathologies such as acne, hair removal and anti-aging, as these devices are a low-cost and convenient therapy choice. METHODS: An Internet search using PubMed.gov was completed with search terms, "home device dermatology," "home device acne," "home device hair" or "hair removal," and "home device aging." RESULTS: Currently, there are multiple home optical devices available on the market. These devices have been approved for the treatment of acne, scars, hair removal, and wrinkles using intense pulsed light, light-emitting diode, heat, infrared, low-level light therapy, and laser. Although studies on home devices are limited, current dermatologic literature shows that these devices are promising with significant post-treatment results as well as a high level of safety. CONCLUSIONS: Home optical devices are mostly used without medical practitioner supervision. As home devices usually deliver less energy per session than with professional treatments, it is important that consumers are given realistic expectations of post-treatment outcomes. Patients may use home devices without disclosure to their physician and it is important as healthcare professionals to be aware of the existence of these devices, how to use the devices properly (including what diseases can be treated and which skin types are considered safe for use), as well as any adverse effects that may occur. New research endeavors are being completed to explore the used of home devices for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis.

Tratamento de cicatriz de queimadura com luz intensa pulsada e laser ablativo fracionado Erbium: YAG / Treatment of burning scars with intense pulsed lip and fractionated ablative laser Erbium: YAG / Tratamiento de cicatrices por quemaduras con luz intensa pulsada y láser ablativo fraccionado Erbio: YAG

Cicatrizes decorrentes de queimadura acarretam grandes danos físicos e emocionais aos pacientes. Seu tratamento permanece um desafio na prática clínica. O uso atual de tecnologias a laser e luz, como o laser ablativo fracionado e a luz intensa pulsada (LIP), tem se mostrado eficaz na recuperação estética e funcional da pele acometida. Este trabalho tem por objetivo a demonstração do resultado do tratamento de cicatriz de queimadura extensa com LIP e laser ablativo fracionado Erbium: YAG a partir do relato de caso de uma paciente de 38 anos vítima de queimadura por chama direta aos 6 anos de idade. A paciente apresentou melhora clínica significativa no aspecto estético e funcional da lesão. O uso desses métodos combinados apresenta resultados favoráveis para o tratamento desses casos.

Scars resulting from burning causes great physical and emotional damage to patients. Its treatment remains a challenge in clinical practice. Current use of laser and light technologies, such as fractional ablative laser and intense pulsed light (ILP), have been shown to be effective in aesthetic and functional recovery of affected skin. This work aims to demonstrate the results of the treatment of extensive burn scarring with ILP and fractional ablative laser Erbium:YAG relating the case report of a 38-year-old female victim of direct flame burn at 6-years-old. The patient presented significant clinical improvement in the aesthetic and functional aspect of the lesion. The use of these combined methods presents favorable results for the treatment of these cases.

Las cicatrices resultantes de quemaduras causan grandes daños físicos y emocionales a los pacientes. El tratamiento sigue siendo un reto en la práctica clínica. El uso actual de tecnologías láser y de luz, tales como el láser ablativo fraccionado y la luz pulsada intensa (LPI) han demostrado ser herramientas eficaces para la recuperación estética y funcional de la piel afectada. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo mostrar el resultado del tratamiento de una cicatriz extensa por quemadura usando LPI y láser ablativo fraccional Erbio:YAG a partir del caso clínico de una paciente de 38 años de edad víctima de quemaduras por fuego directo (llama) a los 6 años de edad. La paciente mostró una mejoría clínica significativa en el aspecto estético y funcional de la lesión. El uso de estos métodos combinados mostró resultados favorables para el tratamiento de este tipo de casos.

Objective Melanin Measurements: Review of Novel Dosimetry Guidance Device for Intense Pulsed Light in Aesthetic Treatments.

UNLABELLED: A melanin meter has been created to assess real time skin pigmentation to optimize settings for visible light aesthetic applications. METHODS: A handheld meter was applied to non sun-damaged skin on the back of volunteers to measure skin pigmentation prior to treatment with IPL light sources over a range of pulse widths and ascending fluences. Curves for maximum epidermal tolerances as a function of pigmentation were determined. These curves were then tabulated for each pulse width in device software to provide guidance in the selection of fluences. Based on these findings, the device was applied in over 300 patients at a comprehensive laser and cosmetic dermatology center. RESULTS: A pigment meter evaluation led to treatment parameter guidance in intense pulsed light applications. These suggested ranges for settings based on the melanin index score proved useful, accurate, and safe in applications over a broad range of skin colors and across various anatomic units of the skin. CONCLUSION: A pigment meter can be used to identify appropriate settings with IPL treatments in order to enhance safety and efficacy when treating epidermal pigmented lesions, vessels, general photodamage and excessive hair (where the principles of selective photothermolysis are applied).

Ultraviolet radiation after exposure to a low-fluence IPL home-use device: a randomized clinical trial.

The prevailing advice is to avoid sun exposure after intense pulsed light (IPL) hair removal. However, no systematic evaluation of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) after IPL hair removal exits. Therefore, we investigated the occurrence of side effects in subjects receiving solar-simulated UVR after a low-fluence IPL treatment with a home-use device. Sixteen subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types (FST) II-V were enrolled. Three constitutive buttock blocks (4.4 × 6.4 cm) were each subdivided into four sites, randomized to one IPL exposure of 0, 7, 8, or 10 J/cm2 (spectral output 530-1100 nm). Blocks were randomized to no UVR or three standard erythema doses (SEDs) UVR either 30 min or 24 h after IPL. Follow-up visits were 48 h, 1 week, and 4 weeks after IPL. Outcome measures were (i) clinical skin reactions, (ii) reflectance measurements of erythema and pigmentation, and (iii) pain. Subjects with FST II-IV experienced no skin reactions up to 4 weeks after IPL, neither erythema, edema, blisters, crusting, textual, nor pigment changes. Reflectance confirmed no change in erythema and pigmentation (p ≥ 0.090). UVR exposure induced erythema and increased pigmentation. The combination of IPL and UVR induced skin reactions not different to responses from UVR (IPL-UVR vs. UVR, p ≥ 0.164). Pain was generally low (median 1, range 0-4) and correlated positively with fluence and pigmentation (Spearman's rho ≥ 0.394, p < 0.001). One subject with FST V experienced perifollicular hyperpigmentation after IPL and slightly more intense when exposed to UVR. A single UVR exposure of three SEDs either shortly or 1 day after low-fluence IPL causes no amplification of skin responses in constitutive skin of individuals with FST II-IV.

Photodynamic therapy: occupational hazards and preventative recommendations for clinical administration by healthcare providers.

OBJECTIVE: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a medical treatment for cancers is an increasing practice in clinical settings, as new photosensitizing chemicals and light source technologies are developed and applied. PDT involves dosing patients with photosensitizing drugs, and then exposing them to light using a directed energy device in order to manifest a therapeutic effect. Healthcare professionals providing PDT should be aware of potential occupational health and safety hazards posed by these treatment devices and photosensitizing agents administered to patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Here we outline and identify pertinent health and safety considerations to be taken by healthcare staff during PDT procedures. RESULTS: Physical hazards (for example, non-ionizing radiation generated by the light-emitting device, with potential for skin and eye exposure) and chemical hazards (including the photosensitizing agents administered to patients that have the potential for exposure via skin, subcutaneous, ingestion, or inhalation routes) must be considered for safe use of PDT by the healthcare professional. CONCLUSIONS: Engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment controls are recommendations for the safe use and handling of PDT agents and light-emitting technologies.

Intense pulsed light therapy for aberrant Mongolian spots.

BACKGROUND: Aberrant Mongolian spots (AMS) distal to the lumbosacral region are thought to be more likely to persist than typical sacral Mongolian spots. So far, Q-switched ruby laser (QSRL) has been the treatment of choice for AMS. Intense pulsed light (IPL) is obtained from flashlamp devices that emit wavelengths between 515 and 1200 nm. IPL has documented efficacy for the treatment of irregular pigmentation, telangiectasia, rough skin texture, rhytids, hair removal, and vascular lesions, with several filters being available that can be used to block shorter wavelengths from the skin. As far as we could determine, there have been no clinical and histological studies on the treatment of AMS with IPL. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to assess the clinical and histological efficacy of IPL for AMS. METHODS: Seven patients (4 males and 3 females) presenting from September 2008 to July 2009 were assessed. Their mean age was 2.0 years, ranging from 0 to 7 years. The IPL device used in this study was a Natulight (Lumenis Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). Photographs were taken of all patients with a high-resolution digital camera at baseline and 6 months after treatment. Skin biopsy specimens were taken from 1 patient (case 4) before, immediately after, and 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: According to the 7 family members of the patients, the outcome of IPL was graded as follows: excellent improvement in 1 (14%), good improvement in 4 (57%), and slight improvement in 2 (29%). All families would have liked to continue IPL treatment. Evaluation of the effect of treatment by a physician was less favorable, with excellent improvement in 1 (14%), good improvement in 2 (29%), and slight improvement in 4 (57%). Histopathologic examination of the pigmented region revealed the typical features of a Mongolian spot in the hematoxylin-eosin stained section. Immediately after IPL, there were no changes in the dermis. At 6 months after treatment, however, the number of melanocytes in the middle and upper dermis was obviously decreased. CONCLUSIONS: IPL is an effective method for the treatment of AMS.