Safety Of Intense Pulsed Light Research Articles

Intense pulsed light versus pulsed dye laser in the treatment of nail psoriasis: Intra-patient left to right comparative controlled study.

Background Until now, the management of psoriatic nails has not been satisfactory. Pulsed dye laser (PDL) as well as intense pulsed light (IPL) have been evaluated separately for the management of psoriatic nails and proved to be effective. Aim This study aimed to measure and compare the usefulness as well as the safety of intense pulsed light versus pulsed dye laser for the management of psoriatic nails. Methods The psoriatic fingernails of 20 patients were managed using intense pulsed light on one hand and pulsed dye laser on the other. Two to three psoriatic nails were left without treatment as controls. The therapeutic sessions were conducted monthly for a period of 6 months. Evaluation of the clinical outcomes was assessed by a blinded dermatologist depending on the total, nail bed, nail matrix, modified and target NAPSI scores. Patient global assessment, in addition to Nail Psoriasis Quality of Life (NPQL10), was performed to assess the response to the therapy. Results A significant reduction in the total, target and modified NAPSI scores from baseline to the end of the study was detected, but no significant differences were detected between the two treatments. The responses of the nail matrix and bed lesions to both modalities were nearly the same. All patients stated that the two devices were efficient and improved their quality of life. The intense pulsed light treatment was more painful. Complete clearance of nail lesions was not obtained. Limitations Lack of long-term follow-up of cases and preset laser parameters were the major limitations of this study. Conclusion Intense pulsed light, like pulsed dye laser, is safe and efficient in treating nail psoriasis; however, the former is more painful. Dermoscopy had an additive function in analysing the response of nail psoriasis to therapy.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy in acne vulgaris management: Assessing efficacy and safety.

Objective: To evaluate efficacy and safety of IPL in the treatment of Acne vulgaris. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Setting: CMH, Peshawar. Period: 15th January 23 to 15th May 23. Material & Methods: 35 participants having acne vulgaris with age range from 18-35 years were selected. Participants who had used any form of topical, oral, or alternative treatments for acne, including retinoids, within the six months preceding the commencement of the study, history of systemic steroid intake, photosensitivity and herpes simplex, were excluded. Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) score was used to ascertain the severity of acne vulgaris. Four sessions of weekly Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) sessions, utilizing filters of 420nm, 510nm and 560nm for participants having skin type III, IV and V respectively were employed. GAGS score was calculated one week after the last session. Side effects were recorded, degree of improvement and patient reported outcome was noted using a four-point scale limited =<25%, marked =25%-50%, promising 50-75% and profound =>75%. Results: Mean age of participants was 21.63 ± 4.63 years, with a mean duration of acne was 4.26 ± 2.20 years. The mean baseline GAGS score I decreased from 22.00±5.26 to 11.58±4.80, as observed one week following the last IPL session. The calculated p-value was statistically significant (<0.000). 54% of patients encountered no adverse reactions. Conclusion: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) emerges as a secure and efficacious treatment choice, particularly in the initial stages, to enhance the response to therapy.

Efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light delivered by the C.STIM® for treatment of Meibomian gland dysfunction

Intense pulsed light (IPL) appears to be a promising treatment for Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), the most common cause of dry eye disease. C.STIM® is a new IPL device. We report the first safety and efficacy study in clinical practice. Patients with moderate MGD treated with C.STIM® were included. Three IPL sessions were performed at D0, D15 and D45 with 4 shots per side (fluence of 8J/cm2). Clinical evaluation was performed at D0, D45 and M3 with several parameters: BUT, OSDI and Oxford scales, meibomian gland evaluation (morphology, quality and expressibility of meibum). The Lacrydiag® imaging device was used for objective evaluation of interferometry, meibography, tear meniscus height and NIBUT. The primary endpoint was the change in NIBUT between D0 and M3. Data collection was retrospective. Longitudinal analysis and a non-parametric linear mixed-effects model (R software) were used for statistical analysis. Thirty-five patients were included. NIBUT increased significantly between D0 and M3, with a mean difference of 2.6seconds (95% CI 2.0; 3.1, P<0.001). The other parameters studied also changed significantly, except for meibography (percentage of loss and morphology) and tear meniscus height. No adverse event was noted. C.STIM® appears safe and effective in the treatment of MGD, although a randomized controlled trial is needed to validate these results.

Therapeutic Efficacy and Safety of Intense Pulsed Light for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Ocular Graft-Versus-Host Disease

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light combined with meibomian gland expression (IPL-MGX) for treating meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) associated with chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD). Methods This retrospective study included 18 patients (18 eyes) with Fitzpatrick skin type ≤ IV, who underwent 3 to 8 sessions of IPL-MGX. Dry eye symptomology, ocular surface parameters, and adverse events were evaluated. Results Of 18 eyes, 83.3% and 66.7% showed severe oGVHD and severe MGD, respectively. At 4 weeks after the final session, significant improvements in the OSDI (P < 0.001), SPEED (P = 0.001), meibum expressibility (P < 0.001), and meibum quality (P = 0.016) were observed. At 12 weeks after, the OSDI (P = 0.009), SPEED (P = 0.002), and meibum expressibility (P = 0.008) significantly improved. No adverse events owing to IPL were reported. Conclusion IPL-MGX may improve the ocular symptoms, ameliorate meibomian gland secretion, and is considered as a safe treatment for MGD in oGVHD patients.

Efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light of upper and lower eyelids in Meibomian gland dysfunction: A prospective multicentric study.

To demonstrate that intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) of the upper and lower eyelids with meibomian gland expression (MGX) is effective in improving dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Patients with ocular discomfort (Ocular Surface Disease Index -OSDI- above 13) and signs of MGD were recruited. All patients underwent OSDI, visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure, Schirmer test, meibography, non-invasive tear breakup time (NITBUT), slit-lamp examination (corneal and conjunctival staining, hyperemia, gland expressibility, and meibum quality), tear osmolarity and lipid layer thickness. IPL was performed with Optima IPL (Lumenis Ltd.) following a standardized protocol on upper and lower eyelids of both eyes, with inferior eyelid MGX. Patients received four sessions separated by two weeks each. Four weeks after, examinations were repeated. 160 patients (320 eyes) were included, of which 108 (67.5%) were women and mean age was 59.2 ± 15.08 (range 20-89). After four sessions, VA, OSDI, tear osmolarity, lipid layer thickness, NITBUT, hyperemia, corneal and conjunctival staining, gland expressibility, meibum quality, inferior eyelid Meiboscore and Schirmer test improved (all, p < 0.027). Changes in OSDI, initial and average NITBUT increased with dry eye disease severity (according to OSDI). Increased pre-treatment OSDI, hyperemia, corneal and conjunctival staining and Schirmer test were associated with an improvement in OSDI (all, p < 0.040). No adverse events were noted. The combination of IPL on upper and lower eyelids with MGX is safe and effective for the treatment of MGD. Patients with severe dry eye disease present greater improvements.

Efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light for the treatment of facial erythema: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Facial erythema can be seen in many patients. Despite various clinical trials exploring the effect of intense pulsed light (IPL) in treating facial erythema, comprehensive evidence about the specific outcomes remains lacking. We searched published studies in the Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases based on established inclusion criteria. We calculated odds ratios (OR) to evaluate the effectiveness of IPL in patients with facial erythema. We used Review Manager 5.4.1 software for statistical data analyses with a 95% confidence interval (CI). This review includes seven studies with 219 patients, of which five compared the efficacy of IPL with pulsed dye laser (PDL). IPL significantly improved facial erythema compared to no treatment (OR=56.64, 95% CI: 22.70-141.33; P<0.00001). However, there was no significant difference between IPL and PDL treatment (OR=1.00, 95% CI: 0.31-3.22; P=1.00). Moreover, there was no significant difference in patients with a >50% reduction in telangiectasias between IPL and PDL treatment (OR=1.00, 95% CI: 0.39-2.56; P=1.00). Furthermore, IPL therapy had no apparent adverse effects for most people besides transitory edema and erythema. Our meta-analysis indicated that IPL could effectively and safely improve facial erythema with similar efficacy to PDL. Based on its comprehensive function, light side effects, and long curative effect, IPL appears to be a good alternative for treating facial erythema. However, further prospective and high-quality studies are required.

Efficacy of intense pulsed light therapy on signs and symptoms of dry eye disease: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

This study reviewed the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light (IPL) for the treatment of dry eye disease (DED). The PubMed database was used to conduct the literature search, which used the keywords "intense pulsed light" and "dry eye disease". After the authors evaluated the articles for relevancy, 49 articles were reviewed. In general, all treatment modalities were proven to be clinically effective in reducing dry eye (DE) signs and symptoms; however, the level of improvement and persistence of outcomes differed amongst them. Meta-analysis indicated significant improvement in the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores post-treatment with a standardized mean difference (SMD) = -1.63; confidence interval (CI): -2.42 to -0.84. Moreover, a meta-analysis indicated a significant improvement in tear break-up time (TBUT) test values with SMD = 1.77; CI: 0.49 to 3.05. Research suggests that additive therapies, such as meibomian gland expression (MGX), sodium hyaluronate eye drops, heated eye mask, warm compress, lid hygiene, lid margin scrub, eyelid massage, antibiotic drops, cyclosporine drops, omega-3 supplements, steroid drops, and warm compresses along with IPL, have been found to work in tandem for greater effectiveness; however, in clinical practice, its feasibility and cost-effectiveness have to be taken into consideration. Current findings suggest that IPL therapy is suitable when lifestyle modifications such as reducing or eliminating the use of contact lenses, lubricating eye drops/gels, and warm compresses/eye masks fail to improve signs and symptoms of DE. Moreover, patients with compliance issues have been shown to benefit well as the effects of IPL therapy is sustained for over several months. DED is a multifactorial disorder, and IPL therapy has been found to be safe and efficient in reducing its signs and symptoms of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)-related DE. Although the treatment protocol varies among authors, current findings suggest that IPL has a positive effect on the signs and symptoms of MGD-related DE. However, patients in the early stages can benefit more from IPL therapy. Moreover, IPL has a better maintenance impact when used in conjunction with other traditional therapies. Further research is needed to assess cost-utility analysis for IPL.

Managing Severe Evaporative Dry Eye with Intense Pulsed Light Therapy.

This study assessed the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy in participants with severe evaporative dry eye disease (DED). This randomized, controlled, single-center study included 49 adult participants (≥ 18years) with severe evaporative DED who received either IPL therapy (n = 56 eyes) or sham therapy (n = 42 eyes) three times. The primary efficacy parameters were ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score, non-invasive tear breakup time (NITBUT), tear film lipid layer (TFLL), conjunctivocorneal staining score (CS), MG Score, meibomian gland (MG) quality, and MG expression score. The mean ages for the IPL group and the control group were 28.05 ± 3.41years (57.1% female) and 28.14 ± 3.53years (52.4% female), respectively. Comparison between the IPL group and the control group found significant differences in the mean OSDI score (22.16 ± 6.08 vs. 42.38 ± 6.60; P < 00.01), NITBUT (6.27 ± 0.84 vs. 3.86 ± 0.68; P < 0.001), TFLL (2.14 ± 0.44 vs. 3.45 ± 0.50; P < 0.001), MG Score (1.34 ± 0.55 vs. 1.88 ± 0.33; P < 0.001), MG quality (1.59 ± 0.07 vs. 2.67 ± 0.08), and MG expression (1.54 ± 0.57 vs. 2.45 ± 0.55) at 12weeks follow-up; however, there was no significant difference in CS (3.32 ± 1.11 vs. 3.74 ± 1.04; P = 0.063). The findings suggest that IPL therapy is clinically beneficial in ameliorating the signs and symptoms of severe evaporative dry eye disease.

The Efficacy of Intense Pulsed Light in the Treatment of Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars.

Introduction: Different therapies have been applied to keloids and hypertrophic scars. Intense pulsed light (IPL) has recently been used but the evidence is limited. This study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of IPL as monotherapy for keloids and hypertrophic scars. Methods: This was a before-and-after interventional study on 16 patients with 50 scars who underwent IPL. Seven scars receive one IPL session, seven received two sessions, and 36 received three sessions. Outcomes were evaluated by the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), scar ultrasound, colorimeter for pigmentation and erythema, and side effects. Results: After the treatment, most outcomes significantly improved except that the pigmentation of the scars did not change. Scar thickness significantly reduced by nearly 10% after the first IPL session, 15% after the second session, and>20% after the third session. All side effects were mild with crust (33.3-46%), blisters (8.3-40%), and hyperpigmentation around the scar (0-14%); the pain was moderate as assessed by the patients. Conclusion: IPL is a safe and effective treatment for keloids and hypertrophic scars. More studies are required to confirm our results.

Efficacy and Safety of Intense Pulsed Light in Patients of Inflammatory Acne Vulgaris

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of IPL in patients with inflammatory Acne Vulgaris.&#x0D; Study Design: Quasi-experimental study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Dermatology, Pakistan Air Force Hospital, Fazaia Medical College, Islamabad Pakistan, from Aug 2019 to Jan 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: Ninety patients with inflammatory facial acne were enrolled and received four Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) sessions at two weeks intervals with fluence 25J/cm2 and 420nm cut-off filter. The duration of treatment for each patient was two months. Clinical improvement was assessed using the Global Acne Grading System score (GAGs score).&#x0D; Results: Mean age of the patients was 18.5±3.3years, of which nine were males (10%), and 81 were females (90%). IPL was effective in 42(46.7%) patients with inflammatory acne vulgaris. The median GAGS score before treatment was 20(22–19), and after treatment was 10(12-9), with a significant p-value(&lt;0.001). Only 8(9%) developed erythema, and 1(1%) patient developed post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.&#x0D; Conclusions: Intense Pulsed Light was a significantly effective and safe treatment for inflammatory acne of all grades, ages,and genders.Keywords: Efficacy, Inflammatory acne vulgaris, Intense pulsed light, Safety, Treatment.

Efficacy of Combined Treatment with Intense Pulsed Light and Erbium Fractional Laser in Striae Gravidarum.

Laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments are preferred over invasive procedures due to less pain. This study looked at the efficacy and safety of IPL and Erbium fractional laser for patients with striae gravidarum (SG). All 60 patients with SG were successfully enrolled in the study. IPL treatment was followed by Erbium fractional laser (wavelength 2940 nm) treatment at 4-week intervals for a total of three treatments. SG elasticity was assessed with a SEM575 custom instrument and patients were scored for SG span with an Antera 3D multifunctional skin imaging analyzer. A 3D skin impact system was used to assess patients' epidermal thickness. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess patients' pain scores during the treatment period. Improvement in stretch marks was assessed with the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). The occurrence of adverse events was recorded at a follow-up of 3 months. Patient satisfaction with the outcome of the treatment was also recorded. Area of stretch marks decreased from 7.89 ± 0.49 cm2 pre-treatment to 4.94 ± 1.16 cm2 post-treatment (P < 0.001). The grayness values and atrophy of stretch marks were reduced after treatment. Furthermore, skin elasticity and thickness at the lesions of patients increased significantly after the treatment (P < 0.001), while the width of the stretch marks significantly decreased (P < 0.001). The VAS score was 5.45 ± 1.31, the incidence of adverse events was 25%, and patient satisfaction with the efficacy was 96.67%. IPL combined with Erbium fractional laser improves the area and atrophy of SG, lightens the color, and increases the elasticity and thickness of the skin, with high treatment safety and remarkable clinical results.

Efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light direct eyelid application

To describe the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light (IPL) applied directly on the eyelids of patients with Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) without corneal shield protector. Observational retrospective single centre study where patients underwent 3 treatment sessions of IPL with 2 weeks of interval. The IPL was carried out with Lumenis OPT M22 with a double pass technique of 12 impacts on the infraorbital/lower eyelid region with the 15 × 35 mm guide light (step 1) and a double pass technique of 3 impacts over the upper eyelids with the 8 × 15 mm guide light (step 2). The follow up was conducted through Oculus Keratograph 5 M. 30 patients were enrolled in the study. Although there were no significant differences (p > 0.05), non-invasive tear break-up time, ocular redness, and OSDI questionnaire improved during the 3 IPL sessions. A significant improvement (p = 0.024) in the percentage of meibomian gland loss was also observed. Regarding tear meniscus, it was found similar measurements before and after treatment. No serious adverse effects were reported during the procedure or in subsequent follow-up. Preliminary results suggest that IPL therapy applied directly on the eyelids without corneal shield could be safe and effective in the treatment of MGD.

Therapeutic Efficacy and Safety of Intense Pulsed Light for Refractive Multiple Recurrent Chalazia.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light (IPL) combined with meibomian gland expression (MGX) for the treatment of refractory multiple and recurrent chalazia without surgery or curettage. This was a retrospective controlled study. Patients with multiple and recurrent chalazia, who had performed the conventional treatment at least 2 months without any surgery or curettage, were enrolled in this study. Twenty-nine consecutive multiple recurrent chalazia (12 patients) were assigned to receive either the combination of IPL and MGX or MGX alone as a control. Each eye underwent one to four treatment sessions with 2-week intervals. Parameters were evaluated before and 1 month after the final treatment session. Clinical assessments included symptom, size of each chalazion, lid margin abnormalities, corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining, meibum grade, the number of Demodex mites, the Schirmer value and meiboscore. All parameters except meiboscore and the Schirmer value were significantly improved with IPL-MGX therapy, whereas only meibum grade was significantly improved with MGX alone. There were no adverse events which occurred in either group. IPL-MGX was safe and effective for multiple and recurrent chalazia without surgery or curettage by reducing the size of chalazion and improving lid margin abnormalities and meibum grade.

Therapeutic Effect of Intense Pulsed Light in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome Related Dry Eye.

This prospective randomized study evaluated the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light (IPL) and meibomian gland expression (MGX) as polytherapy for Sjögren’s Syndrome-related dry eye (SS-DE). The study enrolled 55 participants with SS-DE, 27 for the treatment group and 28 for the control group. The treatment group underwent three IPL-MGX treatments, three weeks apart. A randomly-selected eye from each patient was assessed at baseline and on weeks 9, 12, and 15 for Snellen best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, conjunctival congestion, tear meniscus height, non-invasive tear breakup time (NBUT), Schirmer’s I test (SIT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), meibomian gland (MG) dropout, eyelid margin abnormality, MGX and meibum quality. OSDI, NBUT, CFS, MGX, and meibum quality were significantly improved in both groups, particularly in the treatment group. The eyelid margin abnormality improved significantly in the treatment but not in the control group on weeks 12 and 15. Snellen BCVA, conjunctival congestion, and SIT improved significantly in the treatment group, but the two groups were statistically similar. Our results indicated that three IPL-MGX sessions could significantly improve the subjective and objective characteristics of SS-DE, representing a promising treatment strategy.

Efficacy and safety of Intense pulsed light therapy for dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction: a randomised trial.

This research explored the efficacy and safety of IPL in the treatment of dry eye caused by Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). A total of 132 patients with dry eye caused by MGD were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomly divided into either the experimental group or the control group by random number table. The experimental group (n=66) was treated with intense pulsed light (IPL), and the control group (n=66) was treated with palpebral gland massage combined with a hot compress. The efficacy, the incidence of adverse events, and patients' levels of satisfaction with treatment were compared between the 2 groups. The quality score of the palpebral gland, the height of the lacrimal river, and the change of tear secretion function were analyzed using a generalized linear equation at different time points. The total effective rates of experimental group and control group were 90.2% and 80.0%, respectively, and the therapeutic effects of experimental group were better than those of the control group (P<0.05). In the generalized estimation equation, with the passing of time, the eyelid gland quality score for moderate and severe abnormality, the lacrimal river height measurements ≤0.35 mm, and the tear secretion measurements ≤5 mm all decreased (P<0.05). In addition, the moderate and severe abnormal eyelid gland quality score, the lacrimal river height measurements ≤0.35 mm and the tear secretion measurements≤5 mm of patients in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between two groups during treatment (P>0.05). In the satisfaction survey, patients who received IPL treatment had higher levels of satisfaction at 7 days and 30 days than those control group (P<0.05). IPL is more effective in the treatment of eyelid gland dysfunction dry eye than a traditional eyelid gland massage combined with a hot compress. IPL effectively improves eye function and alleviates clinical symptoms and has good safety; thus, it can be considered for clinical application and promotion. This study has been registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100045886).

Efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light using a dual-band filter for the treatment of facial acne vulgaris.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) devices have been used in acne treatment in combination with conventional topical and oral medications. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IPL treatment using a dual-band filter (400-600 nm and 800-1200 nm) in facial acne vulgaris treatment. Twenty-three acne vulgaris patients were enrolled in this study. The patients were treated on both sides of the face. The treatments were performed in 2-week intervals for a total of five sessions. The final visit for the clinical evaluation was 2 weeks after the fifth treatment session. The mean number of papules, pustules, and comedones, and the melanin index, was significantly decreased at the final visit. However, sebum production and the erythema index showed no statistically significant differences after treatment. IPL treatment using a dual-band filter can be an alternative for patients who are unfit for systemic acne medication. It can also be used with conventional acne treatment for better treatment results.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction.

Efficacy and Safety of Intense Pulsed Light in Patients With Meibomian Gland Dysfunction-A Randomized, Double-Masked, Sham-Controlled Clinical Trial.

To study the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light (IPL) in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). This prospective randomized double-masked sham-controlled trial included 114 patients with MGD. Patients were randomized into the IPL or sham group. Either the IPL or sham procedure was performed on days 0, 15, and 45. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), visual analog scale, visual acuity, tear breakup time, meibum quality and expressibility, meibography grade, ocular surface staining, tear film lipid layer thickness, tear osmolarity, Schirmer test, tear interleukin-1 receptor agonist, and interleukin-6 levels were examined on days 0, 15, and 45 and at months 3 and 6. Subgroup analysis according to stage and the patient's compliance to conventional treatment were also analyzed. Any adverse events during the study were recorded. A multilevel mixed-effect linear regression model was used. P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. At 6 months, tear breakup time, meibum quality grades, expressibility grades, and OSDI were better in the IPL group (5.23 ± 2.91 vs. 3.11 ± 0.99 seconds, P < 0.001; 8.74 ± 4.74 vs. 13.19 ± 5.01, P < 0.001; 0.50 ± 0.67 vs. 1.12 ± 0.70, P < 0.001; 24.29 ± 16.92 vs. 32.71 ± 20.07, P < 0.05). OSDI, meibum quality, and expressibility in the IPL group began to improve at day 15 (P < 0.001), whereas the results in the sham group began to improve at day 45 (P < 0001). No adverse event occurred after IPL. IPL is effective and safe for MGD treatment in all stages regardless of compliance.

Intense pulsed light treatment for Becker’s nevus

Background Becker’s Nevus (BN) is a benign hamartoma with an esthetically troublesome condition secondary to hyperpigmentation and hypertrichosis. Many treatment modalities have been utilized with variable outcomes. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light (IPL) in the treatment of BN. Patients and methods IPL was used at filter of 590 nm, fluence of 18–22 J/cm2, double-pulse mode (pulse width of 3–10 ms, pulse delay of 20–30 ms) at 3-month intervals. Final evaluations were performed by physician global assessment and patient satisfaction. Side effects were monitored at each treatment session and follow-up visit. Results Twenty-four patients (9 females, 15 males) with BN (16 hypertrichotic, 8 atrichotic) completed the study. The mean number of treatment sessions was 5 ± 2.17. The improvement in atrichotic BN group (4.87 ± 0.35) was significantly greater than that observed in hypertrichotic BN group (3.63 ± 0.89) (p = .001). Hair density simultaneously decreased with treatment in hypertrichotic BN. The mean satisfaction score was 5.75 ± 2.05 and 8 ± 0.93 in hypertrichotic and atrichotic BN groups respectively (p = .002). No repigmentation was noted during the follow-up period. No permanent side effects were observed. Conclusions IPL is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for patients with hypertrichotic and atrichotic BN.

Efficacy of intense pulsed light combined with hydroquinone cream to treat melisma

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light (IPL) combined with hydroquinone cream for melasma treatment. Methods Thirty-five patients with melasma were treated between February 2015 and February 2017, 20 patients treated with IPL combined with hydroquinone cream and 15 patients with IPL alone. All cases were female patients with Fitzpatrick skin types Ⅲ and Ⅳ, and subjected to 4 weeks treatment 1 time, 5 times for a course of treatment. All patients were followed up for six months and the efficacy and safety of the treatment were analyzed comprehensively by subjective satisfaction and physician evaluation. Results All the patients were treated without discomfort and treated patients were effectively followed up. The satisfactory rate of IPL treatment group was 73.3%, and that of combined with hydroquinone cream group was 100%. Two groups of satisfactory rates were higher in IPL combined with hydroquinone cream. The total effective rate of the IPL treatment group was 53.3% compared with that of the 35 patients before and after treatment; in IPL combined with hydroquinone cream treatment group the total effective rate was 85.0%. IPL combined with hydroquinone cream treatment group was significantly more effective than the treatment group (P<0.05). All treatment patients did not present with tissue damage, pigmentation and other adverse reactions. Conclusions IPL combined with hydroquinone cream is a safe and effective treatment of melasma, and patients get a higher rate of satisfaction. Key words: Melasma; Intense pulsed light therapy; Women; Hydroquinone cream