Keratosis pilaris rubra and keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei treated with pulsed dye laser: report of 10 cases.
BACKGROUND
Keratosis pilaris rubra (KPR) and keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei (KPAF) are both keratinization disorders characterized by erythema and keratotic follicular papules usually located on cheeks, forehead, chin and eyebrows. Topical keratolytics, vitamin D3 analogues, antibiotics, topical and oral retinoids have been used with limited results. As this condition can be socially very limiting, the need for an effective treatment has led to the use of other technologies such as pulsed dye laser (PDL) or intense pulsed light.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of PDL in patients with KPR or KPAF.


METHODS
Ten patients with KPR or KPAF were treated with two to seven sessions of PDL at 595-nm wavelength. Laser therapy was performed using a spot size of 7 or 10mm, a pulse duration of 0.5 or 1.5ms and a fluence from 5 to 9J/cm(2) . Two dermatologists evaluated treatment effectiveness by means of photographs of the patients before starting and after finishing the therapy.


RESULTS
Complete resolution of erythema was achieved in three patients; clearance of erythema was >75% in the other seven patients. Transient purpura was present in all patients for about 2weeks and one patient presented postinflammatory hyperpigmentation for 7months.


CONCLUSIONS
We consider that PDL is a good option for the treatment of KPR and KPAF. A marked reduction in erythema is achieved in all patients with a low incidence of side effects.
Alcántara González
J
J
Dermatology Department, Ramon y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain. raistlin_majere_19@hotmail.com
Boixeda
P
P
Truchuelo Díez
M T
MT
Fleta Asín
B
B
D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000601:surgery*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D007644:Darier Disease; D004890:Erythema / Q000601:surgery*; D005138:Eyebrows / Q000002:abnormalities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007642:Keratosis / Q000601:surgery*; D054025:Lasers, Dye / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D011693:Purpura / Q000209:etiology; D055815:Young Adult