Side effects and complications using intense pulsed light (IPL) sources

Abstract

Abstract Lasers have been well known for about 50 years, while flash lamps, also called intense pulsed light (IPL) sources, have been available for clinical applications for less than 20 years. There are many differences between lasers and IPL: a laser emits monochromatic light, whereas an IPL emits a whole range of wavelengths between approximately 250 and 1200 nm. Cut-off filters reduce this range and enable the treatment of different skin conditions. Water acts as a cooling agent by absorbing the emitted infrared light. As a broad spectrum of wavelengths is not absorbed by the chromophores of skin, unspecific heating of the surrounding tissue occurs when using therapeutic energy densities. Flash lamps are used for a variety of indications, such as hair removal, treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions and photorejuvenation. All these applications can be performed with one device by changing the cut-off filters; however, the therapeutic range is rather small and therefore, negative side effects such as burns, blisters, vesicles, erosions and crust formation, as well as hypo- and hyperpigmentations are common. All precautions pertaining to laser treatment of the skin have to be observed with flash-lamp applications as well; in particular, a clear diagnosis has to be established before treatment, and if treatment is performed by non-medical staff it has to be supervised by a physician.