Poikiloderma of civatte

Treatment of Poikiloderma of Civatte with an Intense Pulsed Light Source

“…While the PDL can achieve photothermal coagulation of vessels that are small and superficial, vessel rupture due to rapid absorption of energy by oxyhemoglobin leads to purpura. 21 For PDL treatment of poikiloderma of Civatte, Geronemus 11 reported resolution of redness in three patients following four treatments with 6-7 J/cm 2 and a 450sec pulse. Clearance of 95% of redness was accompanied by a posttreatment burning sensation and by purpura that lasted for 7-10 days.…”

“…Although originally described only in postmenopausal women, 10 the typical patient requesting treatment is male or female in the third to sixth decades, with skin type I or II and a history of sun exposure, although even skin types IV and V may demonstrate poikiloderma. 9,11,12 Many patients seek treatment not only due to cosmetic blotchiness, but for relief of discomfort from burning and itching. 13 As CO 2 laser resurfacing has increased in popularity, the number of patients with disparate pigmentation on the face and neck has increased, resulting in many more patients seeking a way to lighten the skin on their neck.…”

“…14 Hydroquinones, electrocoagulation, cryotherapy, chemical peels, and argon lasers have produced poor results. 11 The telangiectatic and pigmented components of poikiloderma of Civatte rarely respond to topical or oral medications. Electrocoagulation of telangiectasias frequently causes pitted white scars, 15 while argon laser produces scarring with irregular hypopigmentation.…”