title: A Prospective Trial Comparing Q-Switched Ruby Laser and a Triple Combination Skin-Lightening Cream in the Treatment of Solar Lentigines.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Quality-switched (QS) laser therapy is a safe and well-established treatment option for removing solar lentigines. Triple combination therapy (TCT) with the active pharmaceutical ingredients hydroquinone 5%, tretinoin 0.03%, and dexamethasone 0.03% is often used for skin-lightening.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This prospective, open-label trial compares the efficacy and safety of a QS Ruby laser (QSRL) and a TCT in the treatment of solar lentigines.
  
  
  METHODS
  In total, 15 patients with symmetrically distributed solar lentigines on the back of both hands were included. The lesions on the back of the right hand were treated in one or 2 sessions with a QSRL, the ones on the back of the left hand with a TCT for 7 weeks accompanied by UV protection. Clinical results were evaluated 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 20 weeks after baseline.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Treatment with QSRL provided significant lightening (p = .01) compared with TCT. Both procedures were generally well-tolerated. Comparing the side effects, the laser produced significantly more crusting and hyperpigmentation than the TCT.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both QSRL and TCT were capable in reducing solar lentigines in Fitzpatrick skin Type I to IV with an acceptable side effect profile. The QSRL provides faster, superior, and long lasting lightening compared with TCT.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Laurence
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Imhof
authors.forename: Reinhard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dummer
authors.forename: Jil
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dreier
authors.forename: Isabel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kolm
authors.forename: Marjam J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Barysch
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006873:Hydroquinones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007911:Lentigo / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D063465:Skin Cream / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D062327:Skin Lightening Preparations / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; D006873:Hydroquinones; D062327:Skin Lightening Preparations; D014212:Tretinoin; D003907:Dexamethasone; C031927:hydroquinone