Laser treatment of hypertrophic scars, keloids, and striae.

The successful use of the 585-nm pulsed dye laser for the treatment of hypertrophic scars has been well established over the past decade. Although 5 years ago this treatment option might have been considered as a viable choice only after all other methods failed, it is now generally recognized as an excellent first-line treatment option. Early scar treatment with pulsed dye laser irradiation effectively prevents scar formation or worsening and yields a better and more prolonged clinical improvement. The concomitant use of corticosteroids, 5-fluorouracil, or other treatments is proving to be of particular importance in reducing scar bulk and symptoms of more proliferative scars. Although optimal management for keloids and striae has yet to be determined, pulsed dye laser irradiation will no doubt continue to play a role in their treatment.