Nonvascular uses of pulsed dye laser in clinical dermatology.

Lasers are fast becoming the vogue of dermatology ranging from ablative, nonablative, fractional photothermolysis to vascular lasers. There are a range of vascular lasers including potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP 532 nm), pulsed dye laser (PDL -595 nm), diode (810 nm), and Nd:YAG (1064 nm). PDL is a laser that emits yellow light using Rhodamine dye as it is lasing medium. Typical vascular lesions which are treated by PDL include port wine stain, hemangioma, telangiectasia, spider angioma, and rosacea. This article focuses on the use of PDL beyond primary vascular conditions. We review the evidence, or lack thereof, of the use of PDL in acne vulgaris, scars, striae, warts, molluscum, psoriasis, rejuvenation, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and miscellaneous dermatological sequelae.

Treatment of striae distensae: An evidence-based approach.

Striae distensae (SD), otherwise known as "stretchmarks," are a common presenting complaint, particularly in young healthy women. SD are hypothesized to form in a patient when the cross-linked collagen is "overstretched" and rupture of this collagen matrix causes the striae. Thus, many treatments work by increasing collagen synthesis. This review critically appraises the evidence to date for the treatment of SD, including both energy-based devices and topical treatments.

Dermatological indications for the use of isotretinoin beyond acne.

While the use of isotretinoin has revolutionized the treatment of acne vulgaris, isotretinoin is increasingly recognized as a useful therapeutic option for many other cutaneous conditions. We review the evidence underlying the use of isotretinoin for a variety of dermatological indications including hidradenitis suppurativa, sebaceous gland pathology, rosacea, scarring alopecia, cosmetic dermatology, and non-melanoma skin cancer prophylaxis amongst other uses, and thus consider alternative uses within dermatology practice. The studies found benefit of isotretinoin, however most trials lacked statistical power and in many cases the use was limited to case series. Isotretinoin, if used within the correct cohort with appropriate pretreatment counseling regarding side-effects, is a well-tolerated medication with potential as either an adjunctive treatment or a second-line agent in those recalcitrant cases unresponsive to first-line therapy.

Molluscum Contagiosum: Review and Update on Management.

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is an infectious dermatosis that commonly presents in children and immunocompromised individuals. Although lesions usually resolve spontaneously after several months, they can be symptomatic and cause psychosocial distress. We review the evidence underlying treatment methods available for MC lesions, including potassium hydroxide, salicylic acid, hydrogen peroxide, retinoids, cantharidin, cryotherapy, curettage, and pulsed dye laser to aid practicing dermatologists in therapy selection.

Laser Corrective Surgery with Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Following Full-thickness Skin Grafts.

Full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) are frequently used to treat patients with burn injuries and to repair defects rendered by excisional (including Mohs) surgery. The evidence for corrective laser surgery after scar formation is well established. With regard to laser treatment of FTSG, the evidence is sparse. Laser treatment after FTSG is a novel concept, with minimal literature. We present a case series, one of the first to our knowledge, of the treatment of FTSG with fractional CO2 laser in five patients after Mohs surgery.

Patterns of Reactions to Red Pigment Tattoo and Treatment Methods.

Tattoos are common and used extensively as either body art or cosmetic make-up; more rarely, they can be traumatic in nature. We have systemically analysed the literature for the patterns of red pigment tattoo reactions and their treatment options. Our search identified 18 articles; there was 1 non-randomised controlled trial, and the rest were small case studies. In total 139 patients were included within the studies. This review systematically analyses the different subsets of red tattoo reactions including lichenoid, dermatitis, granulomatous, pseudolymphomatous and miscellaneous reactions. The current evidence for the treatment for the above is presented. Dermatitis and lichenoid reactions appear to be the most common subtype of red pigment reactions with various treatment methods applied showing laser intervention to have some degree of success.