Q-Switched 1064nm Nd:YAG Laser in Treating Axillary Hyperpigmentation in Filipino Women With Skin Types IV-V

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Axillary post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is one of the most common dermatological complaint in women with darker skin types. Standard of care include mainly topical bleaching agents either alone or combination with other treatments. Lately, laser-based treatments have emerged as potential therapeutic options for the treatment of PIH in patients with darker skin types. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of a 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of axillary hyperpigmentation in Filipino women with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-V. Materials and Methods: Nine women (18 axillae) ages 20-52 years old with axillary PIH were prospectively evaluated for treatment using a nanosecond 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Clinical evaluation included pigmentary changes of PIH lesion compared to non-affected regions and GIAS satisfaction assessment both by the treating physician and patients. Safety parameters included adverse events and pain visual analogue scale (VAS) scoring. RESULTS: All axillae responded to the laser treatment, exhibiting reduction in pigmentation in 85-100% of lesion area. GIAS satisfaction results exhibited 22-33% excellent improvement and 55% much improved scores. All patients’ pigmentary improvements were maintained at the final follow-up visit, three months following final treatment. No adverse events were recorded throughout the trial. Treatment related pain was well tolerated, as exhibited by pain VAS scores recorded after each treatment. CONCLUSION: Use of a low-fluence 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of axillary hyperpigmentation is safe and effective in patients with darker skin type. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(1):66-69. doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.4623