In this week’s post, we will examine more skin conditions that the pulsed dye laser can treat:
Sebaceous Hyperplasia
Sebaceous glands are oil glands in the skin, and sebaceous hyperplasia is essentially a condition of overactive or enlarged oil glands. They typically occur on the face as small yellow papules with a central depression. Sebaceous hyperplasia is a benign condition, so treatment is primarily for cosmetic concerns. Treatments can include cryotherapy (freezing), electrodesiccation (cautery), excision, and ablative laser treatment. However, all these have a risk of inducing scar formation. For that reason, pulsed dye laser treatment either alone or in combination with photodynamic therapy is frequently the treatment of choice.
Dermatosis Papulosis Nigra (DPN) and Lentigines
Although the pulsed dye laser is most commonly used to treat vascular lesions, it can be used to treat certain non-vascular disorders. Although hemoglobin is known to absorb the pulsed dye laser admitted energy, the pigment in our skin (melanin) can also absorb PDL laser beam energy. Transit hyperpigmentation can be a part of the post treatment healing process. The advantages of the PDL over the standard treatments such as cryotherapy, electrosurgery, and shave excision, is that the treatment sessions are short and there is no need for anesthesia.
Actinic Keratoses
Actinic keratoses photodynamic therapy activated by the pulsed dye laser light source is known to be an effective treatment for actinic keratoses. Studies reported by Roy Geronemus in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology noted that photodynamic therapy with topical 5 – ALA followed by pulsed dye laser photo activation resulted in complete clearance in 68% of patients after an average of only 1.8 treatments.
Acne Vulgaris
The pulsed dye laser has become an alternative treatment for acne vulgaris, because there is no need for strict adherence to a treatment schedule, there is less irritation than with many topical agents, and there are no systemic side effects. The main disadvantages are the cost and the time involved.
Studies have compared pulsed dye laser with intense pulse light therapy (IPL) in managing acne. In general, pulsed dye lasers are noted to have better outcomes. In a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, investigators compared pulsed dye laser, IPL, and blue–red combination light admitting diode treatment. Although major improvements were observed in all treated groups, significantly fewer pulsed dye laser treatments were required to reach 90% or greater clearance than with the other treatment devices.
Photodynamic therapy can utilize different light sources including blue light, red light, IPL, and pulsed dye laser. All of these have been shown to be effective in treating acne and found to have significant results. Some practitioners believe that pulsed dye laser therapy mediated photodynamic therapy provides the best results for treating acne.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition of the skin which is characterized by localized plaque–like reddish colored lesions. It is known to have an underlying vascular component. Pulsed dye laser has been shown to be of therapeutic benefit in helping to decrease plaque severity, but multiple treatment sessions are required.
Verruca Vulgaris (Warts)
Verruca vulgaris is a common viral condition. Topical agents can be utilized to treat the area, but a prolonged treatment course is required. Destructive modalities such as cryotherapy and carbon dioxide laser treatments are effective, but can be associated with pain, scarring, and longer recovery periods. Pulsed dye laser treatment has been shown to be effective and is thought to work by means of interrupting blood supply to the lesion. A study reported by Park in the Journal of Dermatology noted a 49.5% clearance of lesions with an average of 2.8 sessions in the study group of 120 patients with viral warts.
Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a subcutaneous viral infection caused by the pox virus. It typically appears as dome–shaped papules with a central umbilication. Pulsed dye laser treatments have been shown to be effective, but require 1–3 treatment sessions.
If you are dealing with any of the previously mentioned issues, then pulsed dye laser treatment might be right for you. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call our office at 317-846-1028.
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