Treatment of keratosis pilaris rubra with 577-nm pro-yellow laser

Keratosis pilaris rubra (KPR) is a rare group of idiopathic hereditary disorders of keratinization, and it is considered as variants of keratosis pilaris. It is characterized by a well-defined erythema and small, keratotic follicular papules that are seen on the cheeks and preauricular area. Keratosis pilaris rubra is an aesthetically distressed situation, and especially vascular erythema is the most common complaint. In recent years, pro-yellow (577 nm) laser, laser system with yellow light wavelength, has been used as an alternative for seeking more effective treatment especially in vascular lesions. However, in the literature, pro-yellow laser therapy has never been used before in keratosis pilaris rubra. Therefore, we wanted to evaluate the effectiveness of the pro-yellow laser in keratosis pilaris rubra patients.

In our study, four patients with keratosis pilaris rubra treated with pro-yellow laser in our Cosmetology Unit between December 2017 and March 2019 were evaluated. The first session was started with 20 j/cm² and the dose increased 2 j/cm² at each session. The dose was increased up to 26 j/cm² , a total of four sessions (20-22-24-26 j/cm² ) was applied in treatment. All the sessions were used in treatment scanner mode.

Objectifying a clearance of erythema >75% was clinically evident in three patients, in the fourth patient, erythema regressed approximately 50%. There has been no recurrence of the lesions after a minimum three months follow-up. There was no permanent side effect in any patient.

Pro-yellow laser is a well option for the treatment of keratosis pilaris rubra, and we think that it could be a safety choice therapy. In addition, a well tolerance to treatment and a low incidence of serious side effects make it a very reliable therapy. Further clinical studies are needed to improve our findings.