Treatment of poikiloderma of Civatte using intense pulsed light source: 7 years of experience.
OBJECTIVE
The treatment of choice of poikiloderma of Civatte should address both pigmented and vascular lesions at the same time. A broad-spectrum, noncoherent intense pulsed light (IPL) source can be used to obtain this effect. In this study, we investigated the clinical efficacy and side effects of treating this condition with IPL.


METHODS
A total of 175 patients with poikiloderma of Civatte of the neck and chest were treated with IPL at various settings. The mean age of patients of various skin types (Fitzpatrick I to III) was 49 years. They were subjected to a treatment protocol including three sessions every 3 weeks. At follow-up visit, performed 3 months after the last treatment, clinical improvement was evaluated for all patients by comparing pre- and posttreatment photographs. The patients also scored their overall satisfaction.


RESULTS
Clearance of more than 80% of vascular and pigmented components of poikiloderma of Civatte was observed. Minimal and transient side effects occurred in 5% of the patients. No scarring or pigment disturbances were noted after the treatments.


CONCLUSIONS
The IPL source can be considered a safe and effective therapeutic option for poikiloderma of Civatte, allowing a marked improvement of vascular and pigmented lesions with minimal side effects.
Rusciani
Antonio
A
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Motta
Angela
A
Fino
Pasquale
P
Menichini
Giulio
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010789:Phototherapy; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000528:radiation effects; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000532:radiotherapy*