Low-level laser therapy in the treatment of mucous membrane pemphigoid: a promising procedure.

BACKGROUND: Mucous membrane pemphigoid is a heterogeneous group of autoimmune, subepithelial, blistering diseases. A combination of topical and systemic steroid treatment is often used when managing patients with mucous membrane pemphigoid. The use of systemic steroids presents an increased risk of adverse side effects. Consequently, effective alternative modalities of therapy should be considered, such as the application of low-level laser therapy (LLLT). METHODS: A patient presented with mucous membrane pemphigoid and was successfully treated with the application of local corticosteroids and LLLT using an 810-nm diode laser. The lesions were treated by LLLT over a period of 7 days using a continuous waveform for 40 seconds and an energy density of 5 J/cm(2). RESULTS: After treatment, a significant improvement in tissue color and consistency was observed. The patient was followed every month for a period of 12 months, and the lesions healed uneventfully. CONCLUSION: The results reported in this case show that the healing of mucous membrane pemphigoid was achieved when LLLT was used as an adjunct to the application of a local corticosteroid.

Laser light may improve the symptoms of oral lesions of cicatricial pemphigoid: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to report the handling of a patient suffering from cicatricial pemphigoid (CP) treated with laser phototherapy (LPT) and systemic steroids. BACKGROUND DATA: CP is a group of rare chronic autoimmune blistering diseases that predominately affect the mucous membranes and occasionally the skin. The gingiva is most commonly involved, followed by the palate and the buccal mucosa. High-dosage systemic steroids are widely used for its treatment. LPT has been shown to improve wound healing and relieve pain. Its efficacy depends on the amount of energy delivered to the tissue, exposure time, and delivery method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A white 47-y-old man with CP who used systemic steroids for the previous 5 y was examined at our clinic. Extra- and intraoral examination revealed classic signs of the condition. LPT (GaAlAs diode laser, 660 nm wavelength, 30 mW, continuous wave, diameter approximately 3 mm, 60 J/cm(2) per session) was used in association with the steroids. LPT was performed in a punctual contact manner every other day on the oral mucosa. Maintenance of the treatment was carried out weekly because interruption of the LPT resulted in the recurrence of the lesions. At the time that this report was written, the patient had been undergoing twice weekly treatments for 6 months without signs of lesion recurrence. CONCLUSION: Concomitant use of systemic steroids and LPT showed a positive effect on controlling oral CP lesions and on improving both oral health and the quality of life of the patient.