Objective and Quantitative Improvement of Rosacea-Associated Erythema After Intense Pulsed Light Treatment

Abstract

BACKGROUND. Despite the widespread and quite successful use of various lasers and light sources to treat facial erythema, the literature contains little, if any, objective and quantitative improvement. In addition, very few studies specifically address rosacea-associated erythema. OBJECTIVE. To assess quantitatively the degree of improvement in patients with rosacea after intense pulsed light treatment. The three main parameters that were objectively measured were blood flow, telangiectasia, and erythema. METHODS. Four patients with rosacea-associated erythema and telangiectasia were treated five times at 3-week intervals with the Photoderm VL (Lumenis, Needham, MA). The 515-nm filter, a single pulse duration of 3 ms, and various fluences were used. Blood flow was measured by the scanning laser Doppler. Close-up photography ensured reproducibility and enabled quantification of telangiectasia and erythema by subsequent computer image analysis. Measurements were taken at baseline and at 1 month after the last treatment. RESULTS. The scanning laser Doppler demonstrated a 30% decrease in blood flow (Po0.05). A 29% decrease in actual area of the cheek occupied by telangiectasia was noted (Po0.05). A 21% decrease in the intensity of erythema was noted (Po0.05). CONCLUSION. As demonstrated by truly objective and quantitative means, intense pulsed light is effective for reducing rosacea-associated blood flow, telangiectasia, and erythema.

Treatment of rosacea with long-pulsed Nd: YAG laser

“…Lazer tedavisinin etkinliğinin objektif olarak değerlendirilmesi için kan akımlarının ölçüldüğü bir çalışmada ise IPL tedavisinin kan akımında %30 azalmaya neden olduğu ve bu sonucun rozase lezyonlarında etkili bir tedavi yöntemi olduğu yorumu yapılmıştır. Rozase tedavisinde PDL ve IPL etkinliğinin karşılaştırıldığı bir çalışmada ise her iki tedavi arasında anlamlı bir fark görülmemiştir [21][22][23][24][25] . Frekansı katlanmış Nd:YAG lazer sistemi olan KTP (532nm), yüzeyel yerleşimli vasküler lezyonların tedavisinde sıklıkla tercih edilmektedir.…”

Novel Photopneumatic Therapy for the Treatment of Rosacea

“…Hyperpigmentation can also develop, which can take weeks or months to resolve 9 . IPL is also an effective means of treating erythematotelangiectatic rosacea with long-lasting results [10][11][12] . Its main advantage over traditional pulsed dye laser is the lack of purpura so that patients can return to work sooner.…”

Management of vascular lesions using advanced laser technology

“…After three treatment sessions, the difference in terms of quality of life, as assessed by patients at the beginning and at the end of treatment, was statistically significant, with a better score after treatment [66] . Lastly, IPL has also been proven safe and effective for treatment of rosacea-related erythema and increased blood flow, as demonstrated by scanning laser doppler [67] .…”