Fractional carbon dioxide laser versus external Chinese medicine for patients with lichen simplex chronicus

Abstract

Objective To explore the efficacies of fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and external Chinese medicine in the treatment of lichen simplex chronicus (LSC). Methods 178 cases of LSC were enrolled. 81 cases were given fractional CO2 laser once a month, and set as a laser group. 97 cases were given external Chinese medicine twice per day, and set as a herbal group. Both groups were continuously treated for 3 months. Their clinical symptoms were assessed by Visual Analogue Score(VAS) before and after treatment. Results The pruritus VAS scores in the laser group and the herbal group were (8.93±1.05) and (9.25±2.01) before the treatment, (5.39±1.76) and (3.88±0.81) after 1 month’s treatment, (3.91±0.75) and (3.07±1.01) after 3 months’ treatment, and were (4.35±1.9) and (3.89±0.77) after the treatment, with statistical differences (all P<0.05). The VAS scores of dryness and coarseness in the laser group and the herbal group were (6.15±1.78) and (5.66±1.15) before the treatment, (4.45±1.01) and (4.58±0.92) after 1 month’s treatment, (2.96±1.58) and (3.19±1.65) after 3 months’ treatment, and (3.81±1.63) and (3.85±0.89) after the treatment, with statistical differences (all P<0.05). After the treatment, 8 cases had skin color change in the laser group, and 4 in the herbal group (P<0.05). Conclusion Fractional CO2 laser and external Chinese medicine for LSC is effective, and can improve their symptoms quickly, pruritus, and dry and coarse skin. Fractional CO2 laser can improve the skin color more. Key words: Fractional carbon dioxide laser; Lichen simplex chronicus; External Chinese medicine; Effect