Recent advances in laser treatment of port-wine stains.

Abstract

The pulsed dye laser is the treatment of choice for port-wine stains, with proven efficacy and low incidence of side-effects. However, in the majority of cases complete clearance cannot be achieved, and a significant proportion of lesions is resistant to laser treatment. In recent years, increased understanding of the interaction between lasers and port-wine stains has led to modification of the original pulsed dye laser design, producing treatment responses even in those lesions resistant to first-generation pulsed dye lasers. Other lasers and noncoherent light sources also appear to have a potential role in treatment. In this review we discuss these recent developments.

• Authors: S W Lanigan, S M Taibjee
• Journal: The British journal of dermatology (Br J Dermatol) Vol. 151 Issue 3 Pg. 527-33 (Sep 2004) ISSN: 0007-0963 [Print] England
• PMID: 15377336 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Equipment Design
• Forecasting
• Humans
• Laser Therapy
• Port-Wine Stain (radiotherapy)
• Prognosis