Successful Treatment of Riehl's Melanosis With Mid-Fluence Q-Switched Nd:YAG 1064-nm Laser.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Riehl's melanosis is a chronic acquired hyperpigmentation disorder that causes significant cosmetic problems for patients with this condition. Several treatment options, including low-fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG (QSNY) 1064-nm laser treatment, have been attempted with inconsistent results. We aimed to investigate the beneficial effect of mid-fluence QSNY 1064-nm laser in the treatment of Riehl's melanosis.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A retrospective review was conducted on patients repetitively treated with mid-fluence (3.5-5 J/cm2 with a spot size of 5 mm and a pulse rate of 10 Hz) QSNY 1064-nm laser. Twenty-one patients with Riehl's melanosis were involved. Clinical photographs, treatment parameters, and side effects were reviewed to assess the safety and efficacy of the modality.

RESULTS:

The mean age of the patients was 57.00 ±8.2 years, and there were 20 female patients and 1 male patient. The mean number of treatment sessions was 5.95 ± 3.6, and the mean interval between each session was 39.12 ± 13.4 days. After treatment, the mean melasma area and severity index score decreased from 12.53 ± 10.2 to 5.98 ± 5.3. At the final visit, 16 of the 21 (76.1%) patients were considered to have moderately or very much improved. No severe side effects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Repetitive mid-fluence QSNY 1064-nm laser treatment may be an effective and safe optional modality for Riehl's melanosis. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

• Authors: Mi Yeon Cho, Mi Ryung Roh
• Journal: Lasers in surgery and medicine (Lasers Surg Med) Vol. 52 Issue 8 Pg. 753-760 (10 2020) ISSN: 1096-9101 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 31951050 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Topics

• Aged
• Female
• Humans
• Hyperpigmentation (etiology)
• Lasers, Solid-State (therapeutic use)
• Low-Level Light Therapy
• Male
• Melanosis (radiotherapy)
• Middle Aged
• Retrospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome