Pulsed dye laser treatment of pigmented lesions: a randomized clinical pilot study comparison of 607- and 595-nm wavelength lasers.
BACKGROUND
The 595-nm pulsed dye laser has been used for the treatment of benign epidermal pigmented lesions (EPLs), but there is a risk of inducing undesirable purpura with treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To compare a 607-nm laser with a commercially-available 595-nm laser for the treatment of EPLs.


METHODS
Monte-Carlo simulations were performed to characterize laser interaction with skin. Ten patients with EPLs were treated with a 607-nm study prototype laser and the 595-nm pulsed dye laser twice at 2- to 4-week intervals on the left or right side on a randomized basis. Study endpoints included clearance rate of lesions, side effects immediately after treatment and at final follow-up, and patient discomfort/pain.


RESULTS
Monte-Carlo simulations show that the 607-nm is absorbed more specifically by melanin than the 595-nm wavelength. Both lasers were effective in treatment of EPLs. The average degree of improvement overall was 41.2% with the 607-nm laser and 40% with the 595-nm laser. Patients reported less discomfort/pain during treatment with the 607-nm laser.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that the 607-nm laser is safe and at least as effective as the 595-nm laser in treatment of EPLs. There was less patient discomfort/pain during treatment using the 607-nm laser.
Division of Dermatology, Scripps Clinic, San Diego, California, USA. peggychern@msn.com
Peggy L
PL
Chern
Yacov
Y
Domankevitz
E Victor
EV
Ross
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004817:Epidermis / Q000528:radiation effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D054025:Lasers, Dye / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome