Multi-wavelength laser treatments of spider nevi.

Abstract

Spider nevi (SN) are one of common vascular diseases. Different treatment techniques have been described for SN previously, including electrocoagulation, argon laser, pulsed dye lasers (PDL), pulsed potassium titanylphosphate laser (KTP), and 1064-nm neodymium yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. These methods are effective but may require good technical management, multiple treatments, and often result in scarring or pigmentation. Multi-wavelength laser combined with 595-nm PDL followed by 1064-nm Nd:YAG and can be selectively absorbed by hemoglobin in vessels. The 595-nm laser can target shallow vessels whereas the 1064-nm laser may target deeper vessels due to the different penetration capacities of these wavelengths. Moreover, Nd:YAG absorption is remarkable increased following by PDL treatment. Multi-wavelength laser treatments have been successfully used for vascular diseases but there is little experience in SN therapy. Consequently, these treatment parameters have not been established for SN, particularly in Asian patients with Fitzpatrick skin type (FST) IV. Report experience with using multi-wavelength laser for SN treatment in Asian patients with FST IV. Forty-three SN lesions received multi-wavelength laser treatments via a PDL followed by an Nd:YAG laser. The treatment was performed at 7mm spot size at 9.5-11J/cm2, 10ms with PDL, followed by Nd:YAG at 40-50J/cm2, 15ms. The laser treatments were performed with a single pass without overlap. Complete resolution was observed in 40 lesions and an 80-90% improvement in the other three lesions after one treatment session. One patient had superficial scarring. Four patients had hyperpigmentation that resolved within 3months. Multi-wavelength laser treatments are fast and effective interventions for SN treatment in Asian patients with minimal adverse effects when appropriate parameters are set.