-
Lasers in Medical Science Apr 2021Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare, inflammatory granulomatous skin disorder involving collagen degeneration. In recent years, several light and laser therapies have... (Review)
Review
Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare, inflammatory granulomatous skin disorder involving collagen degeneration. In recent years, several light and laser therapies have been proposed and used in the treatment of NL with variable outcomes. The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of lasers and light therapies for the treatment of NL. A review of PubMed was conducted to search for studies using laser and light therapies for the treatment of NL. Articles that employed a combination of treatment modalities were excluded. Twenty-four studies were reviewed. Light and laser therapies used in these studies included CO laser, pulsed dye laser, methyl aminolevulinate (MAL)-photodynamic therapy (PDT), aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-PDT, ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) phototherapy, and psoralen plus ultraviolet-A (PUVA). PUVA was identified as the modality with the most available evidence (7 studies), followed by MAL-PDT and ALA-PDT (5 studies each), pulsed dye laser and UVA1 (3 studies each), and lastly CO laser (2 studies). Most modalities demonstrated variable efficacies and side effects with the exception of PDL, which consistently showed successful outcomes. Multiple dermatologic light and laser therapies have been investigated for the treatment of NL, including PUVA, ALA-PDT, MAL-PDT, pulsed dye laser, UVA1, and CO laser. However, a clear consensus on the preferred treatment is yet to be addressed. Each treatment option demonstrates both advantages and disadvantages that should be discussed with patients when selecting the treatment modality.
Topics: Humans; Laser Therapy; Lasers, Dye; Lasers, Gas; Necrobiosis Lipoidica; Photochemotherapy; Phototherapy
PubMed: 32970197
DOI: 10.1007/s10103-020-03147-3 -
Dermatologic Surgery : Official... Sep 2023Lasers and devices are used to enhance transcutaneous delivery of fillers. However, little has been published on the histologic findings of this form of...
BACKGROUND
Lasers and devices are used to enhance transcutaneous delivery of fillers. However, little has been published on the histologic findings of this form of laser/device-assisted delivery to determine the optimal devices and fillers.
OBJECTIVE
To objectively evaluate the histological effects of laser-assisted and device-assisted filler delivery.
METHODS
Ex vivo human abdominoplasty skin samples were treated with fractional CO 2 laser (ECO 2 , 120 μm tip, 120 mJ), fractional radiofrequency microneedling (FRMN, Genius, 1.5 mm, 20 mJ/pin), and microneedling (2.0 mm). Immediately after poly- l -lactic acid (PLLA), hyaluronic acid gel, calcium hydroxylapatite, and black tissue marking dye were topically applied. After treatment, biopsies were collected for histologic evaluation.
RESULTS
Histology revealed that PLLA and black dye were found in greatest abundance, hyaluronic acid was found to a lesser extent, and calcium hydroxylapatite was least found within channels created by fractional CO 2 laser. Microneedling was effective only at delivering black dye, whereas FRMN failed to show significant channel formation or delivery of the studied products.
CONCLUSION
Among the devices and fillers studied, fractional CO 2 laser and PLLA proved to be the most effective combination for laser/device-assisted filler delivery. Neither microneedling nor FRMN was effective as devices to enhance filler delivery.
Topics: Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Durapatite; Skin; Light; Lasers, Gas
PubMed: 37389474
DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000003870 -
Journal of Fluorescence Oct 2023A benzene ring and a lactone ring combine to form the chemical coumarin. Dye lasers have made significant advances in laser technology. The coumarin molecule itself is a... (Review)
Review
A benzene ring and a lactone ring combine to form the chemical coumarin. Dye lasers have made significant advances in laser technology. The coumarin molecule itself is a non-fluorescent but it displays high fluorescence when electron-denoting substituents such as sulfonamide, benzopyrone, amine, benzothiazole, hydroxyl, methoxy are substituted at various positions. Substituted coumarin possesses the highest energy properties, photostability, and alteration in electron mobility, and therefore could be effectively used as dye lasers. These are considered some of the best fluorophores due to their outstanding photophysical and photochemical properties, which include high fluorescence quantum yields, great photostability, good functionality, and a wide spectrum range. Various inorganic materials are used in classic laser technology to generate the necessary emission. Inorganic lasers come in various types and can emit light in the electromagnetic spectrum's ultraviolet, visible, or infrared parts. Inorganic lasers have certain limitations, which is why coumarin lasers are becoming increasingly popular due to their many advantages. Compared to inorganic lasers, dye lasers offer far better tunability and cover the entire visible and near-infrared range. They only emit at very few specific wavelengths and in extremely narrow bands. The property is therefore presented in this review.
PubMed: 37837509
DOI: 10.1007/s10895-023-03459-x -
Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences 2021Currently, lasers are used to treat many diseases and their complications. However, the use of lasers in pregnant patients is still controversial. In this review, the... (Review)
Review
Currently, lasers are used to treat many diseases and their complications. However, the use of lasers in pregnant patients is still controversial. In this review, the application of lasers in the fields of urology, surgery, obstetrics, dermatology, and musculoskeletal disorders is evaluated. The following keywords were used to search through PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus: pregnancy, laser, urolithiasis, endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) or treatment, leg edema, varicose vein, venous insufficiencies, hair removal, pigmentation, telangiectasia, vascular lesions, Q switch laser, diode laser, holmium, holmium-YAG laser, erbium laser and Pulsed dye laser, low-level laser therapy, high-intensity laser therapy, pain, musculoskeletal disorders, twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), amnioreduction, and safety. Totally, 147 articles were found, and their abstracts were evaluated; out of 53 articles extracted, 14 articles were about dermatology, 24 articles were about urology, 12 articles were about obstetrics and gynecology, 10 articles were about musculoskeletal disorders and three articles were related to surgery. Laser therapy can be used as a safe treatment for urolithiasis, skin diseases, TTTS and varicose veins of the lower extremities. However, the use of laser therapy for musculoskeletal disorders during pregnancy is not recommended due to lack of evidence, and also we cannot recommend endovenous ablation.
PubMed: 34733773
DOI: 10.34172/jlms.2021.50 -
International Journal of Dermatology Jun 2024This systematic review assesses the evidence concerning laser treatments for nail psoriasis (NP), a prevalent condition among individuals with cutaneous psoriasis that... (Review)
Review
This systematic review assesses the evidence concerning laser treatments for nail psoriasis (NP), a prevalent condition among individuals with cutaneous psoriasis that notably affects their quality of life. Traditional treatments have limitations in terms of drug delivery and poor patient adherence, leading to interest in laser therapies for their targeted approach, extended treatment intervals, and the potential to enhance topical medication effectiveness. The MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. English-language randomized and non-randomized controlled trials with full-text availability were included. Data on the laser type, treatment protocol, Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) outcomes, and adverse events were extracted, and nail bed and matrix features and patient satisfaction were assessed. The primary effect measure was a percentage reduction in NAPSI scores from baseline. Nineteen studies involving the pulse dye laser (PDL), long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and fractional carbon dioxide laser (FCL) were identified. Lasers, particularly those used in conjunction with topical agents, have shown favorable results. PDL effectively lowered NAPSI scores, and the Nd:YAG laser had comparable effectiveness but more discomfort. FCL also shows promise, particularly for topical drug delivery. PDL and Nd:YAG laser treatment were more effective at reducing nail bed features, whereas FCL was effective at reducing both nail bed and matrix features. Overall, lasers are promising treatment alternatives for NP, with similar NAPSI outcomes to topical therapies and intralesional injections.
PubMed: 38858829
DOI: 10.1111/ijd.17304 -
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy Jun 2022To systematically review the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of rosacea. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of rosacea.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles published by February 5, 2022, using "photodynamic therapy" and "rosacea" as the keywords.
RESULTS
Nine studies were included in the review. The number of patients varied from 1 to 30 in each study, with ages ranging from 18 to 76 years. Methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) and aminolevulinic acid (ALA) were used as the photosensitizer, and red light, blue light, intense pulsed light (IPL), long-pulsed dye laser (LPDL), pulsed dye laser (PDL), and tungsten lamp were used as the light or laser source. The follow-up time ranged from one month to 25 months. Most of the studies showed a satisfactory clinical response, and the side effects were tolerant and temporary.
CONCLUSION
Current studies have provided preliminary evidence that PDT is an efficient and safe therapy in treating rosacea. However, rigorous randomized control trials (RCTs) with a larger sample size and longer follow-up time are warranted to verify the curative effects of PDT in treating rosacea and explore the most appropriate treatment schedule.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aminolevulinic Acid; Humans; Lasers, Dye; Light; Middle Aged; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents; Rosacea; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 35470124
DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2022.102875 -
Cutis Jul 2020Acne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatologic diseases, ranging from comedonal or inflammatory papules to large, painful, disfiguring cysts. Numerous treatment... (Review)
Review
Acne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatologic diseases, ranging from comedonal or inflammatory papules to large, painful, disfiguring cysts. Numerous treatment approaches are available, each with their own risks and benefits that must be weighed when selecting the best option for an individual patient. Active-duty military servicemembers face additional levels of complexity when pursuing acne therapy. Untreated acne may interfere with their assigned duties, while various therapies also may limit their medical readiness and fitness for duty. We present a review of various acne treatment modalities with a focus on the military population. Additionally, we present a case in which the pulsed dye laser (PDL) was successfully used to treat inflammatory acne in an active-duty servicemember to highlight the use of PDL as an available and effective treatment option for acne in this population.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Dermatologic Agents; Humans; Lasers, Dye; Military Personnel; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32915930
DOI: 10.12788/cutis.0057 -
Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine :... Nov 2022
Review
Topics: Humans; Laser Therapy; Lasers; Hemangioma; Vascular Malformations
PubMed: 36177739
DOI: 10.1111/jop.13367 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Apr 2020Most postsurgical scars are considered esthetically and functionally acceptable. Currently, there is no definite consensus treatment for postsurgical scarring. The... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Most postsurgical scars are considered esthetically and functionally acceptable. Currently, there is no definite consensus treatment for postsurgical scarring. The purpose of this review is to shed some light on the value of scar mitigation and the efficacy of different lasers employed on postsurgical wounds.
METHODS
A systematic literature review and computational analysis were conducted to identify relevant clinical articles that pertained to the use of lasers for mitigating postsurgical scars. Articles included the National Institutes of Health-National Center for Biotechnology Information-PubMed search and sources cited from relevant studies after 1995. Trials that attributed pre- and posttreatment scores of scar severity based on a verified scar evaluation scale (eg, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, Vancouver Scar Scale, Global Assessment Scale) were chosen. Clinical assessments varied for each study. To adequately assess the efficacy of the modalities, the final scaled scar appearance scores were realigned and normalized to a standard scale for unbiased comparison.
RESULTS
After filtering through a total of 124 studies, 14 relevant studies were isolated and thus included in the review. Studied lasers were as follows: Pulsed dye laser (PDL), carbon dioxide, diode, potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP), and erbium glass (Er-Glass) lasers.
CONCLUSION
Treatment with lasers in the postsurgical wound healing phase is safe, effective, and advised in mitigation of pathologic scar formation.
PubMed: 32440416
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000002746