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Treatment of poikiloderma of Civatte with an intense pulsed light source
R A Weiss1, M P Goldman, M A Weiss
1Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. rwderm@earthlink.net
Background:
Effective treatment of poikiloderma of Civatte combines elimination of both the vascular and pigmented components simultaneously. A broad spectrum, noncoherent, intense pulsed light (IPL) source delivers multiple wavelengths with software controlled pulse durations and sequencing, which permits treatment of both vascular and pigmented lesions simultaneously.
Objective:
To determine response and side effects of poikiloderma of Civatte of the neck and chest when treated by IPL.
Methods:
One hundred and thirty-five patients randomly selected with typical changes of poikiloderma of Civatte on the neck and/or upper chest were treated with one to five treatments using IPL.
Results:
Clearance of more than 75% of telangiectasias and hyperpigmentation comprising poikiloderma was observed. The incidence of side effects was 5%, including pigment changes. In many cases, improved skin texture was noted both by physician and patient.
Conclusion:
IPL is an effective mode of therapy for poikiloderma of Civatte. It offers a reduction of pigment and telangiectasias with a low risk profile. Additional benefits include subjective changes of improvement in skin texture.