Pulsed dye laser treatment of pigmented lesions: a randomized clinical pilot study comparison of 607- and 595-nm wavelength lasers.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The 595-nm pulsed dye laser has been used for the treatment of benign epidermal pigmented lesions (EPLs), but there is a risk of inducing undesirable purpura with treatment.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare a 607-nm laser with a commercially-available 595-nm laser for the treatment of EPLs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Monte-Carlo simulations were performed to characterize laser interaction with skin. Ten patients with EPLs were treated with a 607-nm study prototype laser and the 595-nm pulsed dye laser twice at 2- to 4-week intervals on the left or right side on a randomized basis. Study endpoints included clearance rate of lesions, side effects immediately after treatment and at final follow-up, and patient discomfort/pain.

RESULTS:

Monte-Carlo simulations show that the 607-nm is absorbed more specifically by melanin than the 595-nm wavelength. Both lasers were effective in treatment of EPLs. The average degree of improvement overall was 41.2% with the 607-nm laser and 40% with the 595-nm laser. Patients reported less discomfort/pain during treatment with the 607-nm laser.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings suggest that the 607-nm laser is safe and at least as effective as the 595-nm laser in treatment of EPLs. There was less patient discomfort/pain during treatment using the 607-nm laser.

• Authors: Peggy L Chern, Yacov Domankevitz, E Victor Ross
• Journal: Lasers in surgery and medicine (Lasers Surg Med) Vol. 42 Issue 10 Pg. 705-9 (Dec 2010) ISSN: 1096-9101 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21246573 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Cohort Studies
• Epidermis (radiation effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Hyperpigmentation (pathology, radiotherapy)
• Lasers, Dye (therapeutic use)
• Low-Level Light Therapy
• Middle Aged
• Models, Biological
• Pilot Projects
• Treatment Outcome