The argon laser used in the treatment of port wine stains

The argon laser used in the treatment of port wine stains
July 1983
To cite this article: J. Adams, C.P. Swain, S. Bown, J.J.H. Gilkes, T.W.E. Robinson, P.R. Salmon (1983)
The argon laser used in the treatment of port wine stains
British Journal of Dermatology 109 (s24), 19Ò19.
doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.1983.tb11559.x

J. Adams**Department of Dermatology, University College Hospital, London, C.P. Swain‹‹Department of Gastroenterology, University College Hospital, London, S. Bown‹‹Department of Gastroenterology, University College Hospital, London, J.J.H. Gilkes**Department of Dermatology, University College Hospital, London, T.W.E. Robinson**Department of Dermatology, University College Hospital, London and P.R. Salmon‹‹Department of Gastroenterology, University College Hospital, London*Department of Dermatology, University College Hospital, London‹Department of Gastroenterology, University College Hospital, London

Abstract
Port wine stains are common, disfiguring, congenital vascular lesions composed of mature capillaries which become increasingly ectatic with age (Barsky et al., 1980). Previous attempts at eliminating these lesions have been unsuccessful, but work with the argon laser has suggested that this may be an effective form of treatment (Goldman & Dreffer, 1977; Apfelberg, Maser & Lash, 1978).

The light produced by the argon laser in the blue-green spectrum (480Ò512 nm) is absorbed by its complementary colour, red. In this clinical application of the laser this is seen as a thermocoagulatory effect in the abnormal blood vessels in the upper 1 mm of the dermis, with consequent blanching of the port wine stain.

We have performed test patch areas on fifty-two patients with port wine stains (age range from 18 years to 62 years). All tests were done under local anaesthesia. In all but three patients acceptable blanching was noted after 3Ò4 months, and we have not encountered significant problems with scarring. Power levels used were the minimum power necessary to achieve blanching in the individual port wine stain (mean 3?4 W). Power levels were measured on an independent power meter. Spot size was 2 mm and a pulse duration of 0?2 sec was used. All patients have reported crusting or minor blistering in the area tested, but there is regeneration of the epidermis between 2 weeks and I month of testing. We have observed this clinically and histologically. There is no consensus as to the optimum spot arrangement or power levels to be used and this will be discussed in the light of our experience.

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