Skin temperature measurements during intense pulsed light emission.
BACKGROUND
Although lasers and intense pulsed light sources have improved the capability of injuring veins without affecting the overlying skin, work is needed to improve the procedure.


OBJECTIVE
To create a method for predicting skin reaction to pulsed light.


METHODS
Twenty patients were divided into four groups according to skin type (I-IV). An industrial thermometer equipped with a laser-aiming system was adapted to the intense pulsed light source handpiece. Patients received shots of increasing intensity while the skin temperature was measured.


RESULTS
Fluence and temperature data were analyzed by logistic regression to evaluate possible injury. The stepwise method selected skin type and temperature variation as predictors of skin injury. Logistic curves indicated the maximum temperature variation tolerable for each skin type. More pigmented skin types tolerated less temperature increase.


CONCLUSIONS
Skin type can predict cutaneous reaction to intense pulsed light through measurements of temperature variation. This method may help achieve successful selective photothermolysis.
Miyake
R K
RK
Department of Peripheral Vascular Surgery, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Praça Amadeu Amaral, São Paulo, Brazil. kmiyake@usp.br
Miyake
H
H
Kauffman
P
P
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D010789:Phototherapy; D012016:Reference Values; D012867:Skin / Q000528:radiation effects*; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013696:Temperature; D013848:Thigh