Long-Pulsed (6-ms) Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment of Rosacea-Associated Telangiectasia Using Subpurpuric Clinical Threshold

Long-Pulsed (6-ms) Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment of Rosacea-Associated Telangiectasia Using Subpurpuric Clinical Threshold
January 2004
To cite this article: Zaid F. Jasim MRCP, Wai Kit Woo MRCP, Julian M. Handley MD, FRCP (2004)
Long-Pulsed (6-ms) Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment of Rosacea-Associated Telangiectasia Using Subpurpuric Clinical Threshold
Dermatologic Surgery 30 (1), 37Ň40.
doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2004.30001.x
Blackwell Synergy

Zaid F. Jasim, MRCP, Wai Kit Woo, MRCP, and Julian M. Handley, MD, FRCP
Department of Dermatology, Ulster Hospital, Belfast, United Kingdom
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Zaid F. Jasim, MRCP, Department of Dermatology, Wing D, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast BT9 6AB, UK, or e-mail: zfjasim@hotmail.com
Z. F. JASIM, MRCP, W. K. WOO, MRCP, AND J. M. HANDLEY, MD, FRCP HAVE INDICATED NO SIGNIFICANT INTEREST WITH COMMERCIAL SUPPORTERS.

Abstract
Background. The pulsed dye laser (PDL), especially the 585-nm short-pulse width (450 μs) laser, has been extensively used in the treatment of facial telangiectasias. However, the resultant posttreatment purpura lasts for days and may not be cosmetically acceptable.

Objective. To examine the effect of long-pulsed (6 ms) PDL at subpurpuric clinical threshold in the treatment of rosacea-associated telangiectasia.

Methods. Twelve patients with rosacea-associated telangiectasia were recruited into the study. We used the 595-nm PDL at a pulse duration of 6 ms and titrated the fluence between 7 and 9 J/cm2 to produce immediate purpura lasting only a few seconds. Pretreatment cooling was achieved by cryogen spray. Assessment was made by comparing pretreatment and posttreatment photographs. Patients were evaluated 6 to 8 weeks after one PDL treatment. Results were reported as the percentage of reduction in the number of telangiectasias. Patients were asked for their own evaluation of improvement after treatment in terms of excellent, moderate, or poor outcome. Side effects such as pigmentary disturbance and scarring were also documented.

Results. Two of 12 patients had more than 75% improvement. Another two had 50% to 75% improvement, and five had 25% to 50% improvement. Overall, 9 (75%) of 12 patients had more than 25% improvement after a single treatment of PDL. None of the patients reported any lasting posttreatment purpura or complications.

Conclusion. The long-pulsed 595-nm PDL using subpurpuric clinical threshold was effective for treatment of rosacea associated telangiectasia.

This article is cited by:
Avery A. Bevin, MD, Eric C. Parlette, MD, Yacov Domankevitz, PhD, and E. Victor Ross, MD. (2006) Variable-Pulse Nd:YAG Laser in the Treatment of Facial Telangiectasias. Dermatologic Surgery 32:1, 7Ň12

Abstract Abstract and References Full Text Article Full Article PDF
Sang-Hyuk Woo, MD, Hyo-Hyun Ahn, MD, Soo-Nam Kim, MD, and Young-Chul Kye, MD. (2006) Treatment of Vascular Skin Lesions with the Variable Pulse 595 nm Pulsed Dye Laser. Dermatologic Surgery 32:1, 41Ň48
Abstract Abstract and References Full Text Article Full Article PDF
David J. Goldberg, Ellen S. Marmur, Snehal Amin, Mussarat Hussain. (2006) Comparative treatment of small diameter (≤400 ľm) vascular lesions using extended pulse dye lasers. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 38:2, 106
CrossRef
Iyer Shilesh, MD, Fitzpatrick Richard E., MD. (2005) Long-Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment for Facial Telangiectasias and Erythema: Evaluation of a Single Purpuric Pass versus Multiple Subpurpuric Passes. Dermatologic Surgery 31:8, 898Ň903

Blackwell Synergy? is a Blackwell Publishing, Inc. registered trademark

You can view the abstract online. A subscription is required to view the full text or it can be purchased online.