Efficacy and safety of 532-nm and 1,064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment of frictional dermal melanosis over bony prominences (Lifa disease).

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Frictional dermal melanosis over bony prominences (Lifa disease) is a common pigmentary skin disorder in Iraqi patients. Q-switched lasers are the gold standard treatment of correcting pigmentation; among them are the 532-nm and 1,064-nm lasers.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the efficacy of these lasers in the treatment of hyperpigmentation due to Lifa disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A prospective, comparative, controlled, split-lesion clinical trial study was designed. Nineteen female patients with clinical diagnosis of Lifa disease were enrolled. Each patient was treated for 3 sessions at 2-week intervals. A 532-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser was used on the left side and 1,064-nm on the right side of each lesion. Both objective and subjective parameters were assessed 1 and 3 months after the last treatment session. Darkness score, photographic assessment and patient satisfaction, and improvement of itch were recorded, respectively.

RESULTS:

Seventeen patients completed the study. The color score changes of both sides demonstrated that although both lasers were effective in reducing the pigmentation, the 1,064-nm wavelength had a more significant response. Similar results were obtained for the photographic evaluations and patient satisfaction scores. These changes were sustained throughout the 3 month follow-up.

CONCLUSION:

Both lasers were effective in the treatment of pigmentation abnormalities caused by Lifa disease. However, the efficacy was greater with the 1,064-nm wavelength.

• Authors: Muhsin A Al-Dhalimi, Azar H Maluki, Amir Tauma
• Journal: Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (Dermatol Surg) Vol. 41 Issue 1 Pg. 136-41 (Jan 2015) ISSN: 1524-4725 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25533157 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Cosmetic Techniques
• Female
• Friction
• Humans
• Lasers, Solid-State (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Melanosis (etiology, surgery)
• Middle Aged
• Patient Satisfaction
• Pigmentation
• Prospective Studies
• Severity of Illness Index