G A Moreno Arias1, J Ferrando. 1. Department of Dermatology, Hospital Clinic-University of Barcelona, C/Villaroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain. gmoreno@medicina.ub.es
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Few reports about melanocytic lesion treatment using intense pulsed light have been published. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical results of diverse melanocytic lesions after treatment with an intense pulsed light source. METHODS: Superficial and deep melanocytic lesions were treated by an intense pulsed light source with the following parameters: filters of 590, 615, and 755 nm, a fluence energy of 34-38 J/cm2, double mode, a pulse width of 3.8-4.5 msec, and a delay of 20 msec, at 4- to 8-week intervals. Two treatment sessions were applied to superficial lesions, while deep ones received four. RESULTS: A clearance of 76-100% (excellent) was obtained for superficial lesions such as ephelides, epidermal melasma, and café au lait macules. Nevus spilus showed good clinical clearance (51-75%); however, deep lesions such as nevus of Becker, epidermal nevus, and mixed melasma showed an average clearance of less than 25%. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation was observed in melasma. CONCLUSION: Intense pulsed light is an effective treatment for superficial melanocytic lesions; however, those with a deep component improve only if repetitive treatment sessions are applied.
BACKGROUND: Few reports about melanocytic lesion treatment using intense pulsed light have been published. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical results of diverse melanocytic lesions after treatment with an intense pulsed light source. METHODS: Superficial and deep melanocytic lesions were treated by an intense pulsed light source with the following parameters: filters of 590, 615, and 755 nm, a fluence energy of 34-38 J/cm2, double mode, a pulse width of 3.8-4.5 msec, and a delay of 20 msec, at 4- to 8-week intervals. Two treatment sessions were applied to superficial lesions, while deep ones received four. RESULTS: A clearance of 76-100% (excellent) was obtained for superficial lesions such as ephelides, epidermal melasma, and café au lait macules. Nevus spilus showed good clinical clearance (51-75%); however, deep lesions such as nevus of Becker, epidermal nevus, and mixed melasma showed an average clearance of less than 25%. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation was observed in melasma. CONCLUSION: Intense pulsed light is an effective treatment for superficial melanocytic lesions; however, those with a deep component improve only if repetitive treatment sessions are applied.