The use of lasers for dermatological conditions

Abstract

There have been significant advances in the use of lasers for skin disorders. New generation pulsed dye lasers and dual wavelength lasers have optimized the treatment of vascular lesions such as port wine stains. The improved safety of lasers for hair removal has enabled children with pathologically excessive hair to be treated safely, and for treatment to be carried out on dark-skinned individuals. Exogenous melanin and radiofrequency devices have made epilation of light-coloured hair possible. The pulsed dye laser and intense pulsed light devices may improve active inflammatory acne, and can be used as optical sources for photodynamic therapy in the treatment of cutaneous dysplasias including actinic keratoses. Fractional resurfacing technology has bridged the gap between ablative resurfacing lasers and non-ablative lasers. Pneumatic suction devices may improve comfort and efficacy of treatment and are available as an attachment for existing lasers or integrated into handpieces. There have been significant advances in the use of lasers for skin disorders. New generation pulsed dye lasers and dual wavelength lasers have optimized the treatment of vascular lesions such as port wine stains. The improved safety of lasers for hair removal has enabled children with pathologically excessive hair to be treated safely, and for treatment to be carried out on dark-skinned individuals. Exogenous melanin and radiofrequency devices have made epilation of light-coloured hair possible. The pulsed dye laser and intense pulsed light devices may improve active inflammatory acne, and can be used as optical sources for photodynamic therapy in the treatment of cutaneous dysplasias including actinic keratoses. Fractional resurfacing technology has bridged the gap between ablative resurfacing lasers and non-ablative lasers. Pneumatic suction devices may improve comfort and efficacy of treatment and are available as an attachment for existing lasers or integrated into handpieces.