title: Pulsed dye laser and pulsed dye laser-mediated photodynamic therapy in the treatment of dermatologic disorders.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The pulsed dye laser (PDL) is used for treating cutaneous vascular disorders. Recent reports have also shown its effectiveness in conditions of other etiologies, although the precise mechanisms of action are unknown. PDL has also been used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for many dermatologic conditions. We review the broad array of disorders that can be effectively managed using the PDL.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  A review of the literature on the application of the PDL and PDL-mediated PDT in dermatologic disorders. A literature-based search was performed using PubMed from 1997 to 2010. Search terms included: "pulsed dye laser," "pulsed dye laser photodynamic therapy," and "pulsed dye laser indications."
  
  
  RESULTS
  The PDL was initially designed for cutaneous vascular disorders. Recent investigations have demonstrated successful results when treating malignant, inflammatory, viral, and collagenous conditions. Side effects, including pain, purpura, edema, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, were mild, well tolerated, and transient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PDL is accepted as first-line therapy for vascular disorders including port-wine stains, telangiectasias, and hemangiomas. PDL causes selective photothermolysis of dermal vasculature. This mechanism also allows it to be applicable for disorders of other etiologies. Recent studies suggest that the PDL may induce cytokine expression and collagen formation, further increasing its applicability in dermatology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Division of Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA.
authors.forename: Austin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Ronald L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Moy
authors.forename: Edward Victor
authors.initials: EV
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: Iltefat
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Hamzavi
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Ozog
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D054025:Lasers, Dye / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*