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Intense pulsed light for melanocytic lesions.
1Department of Dermatology, Hospital Clinic-University of Barcelona, C/Villaroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain. gmoreno@medicina.ub.es
Summary
Intense pulsed light effectively treats superficial melanocytic lesions like ephelides. Deep lesions require multiple intense pulsed light sessions for improvement, though results may be limited.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Photomedicine
Background:
- Limited research exists on intense pulsed light (IPL) for melanocytic lesions.
- IPL offers a potential therapeutic modality for pigmented skin concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the clinical efficacy of intense pulsed light in treating various melanocytic lesions.
- To compare treatment outcomes for superficial versus deep melanocytic lesions.
Main Methods:
- Superficial and deep melanocytic lesions were treated with IPL using specific wavelength filters (590, 615, 755 nm).
- Treatment parameters included fluence (34-38 J/cm2), pulse width (3.8-4.5 msec), and delay (20 msec).
- Two IPL sessions were used for superficial lesions, and four for deep lesions at 4-8 week intervals.
Main Results:
- Excellent clearance (76-100%) was achieved for superficial lesions (ephelides, epidermal melasma, café au lait macules).
- Nevus spilus showed good clearance (51-75%), while deep lesions (Becker's nevus, epidermal nevus, mixed melasma) had <25% clearance.
- Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation was noted as a side effect in melasma cases.
Conclusions:
- Intense pulsed light demonstrates effectiveness in treating superficial melanocytic lesions.
- Significant improvement in deep melanocytic lesions necessitates multiple, repetitive IPL treatment sessions.