A study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of single q-switched
ruby laser exposure to erase actinic
lentigo. A peeling fluid containing
glycolic acid designed to treat
lentigines was evaluated comparatively. Ten female patients presenting with actinic
lentigines on the forearms and dorsal aspects of their hands were treated with the q-switched
ruby laser on the right side. Single
ruby laser irradiation of actinic
lentigines on the dorsal aspects of forearms and hands caused transient crusting due to exfoliation of the epidermal surface, which generally lasted for 2 weeks. Four weeks
after treatment total fading of the lesions was evident. Topical application of peeling fluid applied on the left forearms caused burning sensations, local irritation and superficial scaling but could not clear the
lentigines. A single course of q-switched
ruby laser exposure is safe and efficient for the management of actinic
lentigines, as it completely clears these obvious signs of aging. Topical treatment of
lentigines using a commercial peeling
solution leads to moderate or severe irritation and is ineffective.