ABSTRACT
Lasers frequently are used by dermatologists for their multiple aesthetic applications, but they also can be used to treat a variety of medical dermatology conditions. Conditions such as acne vulgaris, psoriasis, and vitiligo can all be successfully treated with laser, thereby providing the patient with additional therapeutic options. Lasers have also been used for years to improve the appearance of scars. The newer fractionated lasers have been especially effective in enhancing the clinical outcomes of scar revision.
Subject(s)
Cicatrix/radiotherapy , Cosmetic Techniques , Low-Level Light Therapy , Skin Diseases/radiotherapy , Cosmetic Techniques/instrumentation , Humans , Lasers, Dye/therapeutic use , Lasers, Gas/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Topical anesthetic agents are frequently used by dermatologists to decrease the pain associated with a variety of cutaneous procedures, including laser surgery, soft tissue augmentation, and other cosmetic surgical treatments. These lidocaine-containing creams play an integral role in the cosmetic dermatology office by providing patient comfort with minimal side effects. This review of topical lidocaine preparations should aid practitioners in the selection of an appropriate topical anesthetic, taking into consideration its onset and duration of action and potential side effects.
Subject(s)
Anesthetics, Local/administration & dosage , Cosmetic Techniques/adverse effects , Lidocaine/administration & dosage , Pain/prevention & control , Administration, Cutaneous , Biocompatible Materials/administration & dosage , Humans , Laser Therapy/adverse effects , Laser Therapy/methods , Pain/etiology , Phototherapy/adverse effects , Phototherapy/methods , RejuvenationABSTRACT
Laser treatment of vascular birthmarks remains one of the more common applications of dermatologic lasers and is the treatment of choice for port-wine stains (PWS) and superficial capillary hemangiomas. Before the development of laser technology, these lesions were treated with radiation, surgical excision and grafting, cryosurgery, and camouflage with cosmetics or tattoos. All of these techniques produced unsatisfactory results or poor aesthetic outcomes. The development of the pulsed dye laser in the 1980s permitted selective photocoagulation and destruction of lesional blood vessels without damage to the surrounding normal skin, thereby producing dramatic clearing of PWS and hemangiomas with minimal risk of scarring.
Subject(s)
Hemangioma, Capillary/surgery , Laser Coagulation , Port-Wine Stain/surgery , Skin Neoplasms/surgery , Hemangioma/surgery , Humans , Laser Coagulation/adverse effects , Laser Coagulation/instrumentation , Laser Coagulation/methods , Postoperative Complications , Prognosis , Skin Ulcer/surgeryABSTRACT
Laser treatment of vascular lesions remains one of the more common applications of lasers in dermatology. In fact, lasers have largely become the treatment of choice for vascular birthmarks such as hemangiomas and port-wine stains and the definitive treatment of the telangiectatic form of rosacea. The range of congenital and acquired vascular lesions effectively treated with lasers continues to expand.
Subject(s)
Laser Therapy , Skin Diseases, Vascular/radiotherapy , Humans , Telangiectasis/radiotherapyABSTRACT
Despite the burgeoning options available for skin rejuvenation, the benefits of laser skin resurfacing in trained hands remains unequaled. This article will review the preoperative evaluation, lasers and techniques used, postoperative course, and possible complications.
Subject(s)
Laser Therapy/methods , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Skin Aging , Aged , Cicatrix/epidemiology , Cicatrix/etiology , Consent Forms , Erythema/epidemiology , Erythema/etiology , Esthetics , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Incidence , Laser Therapy/adverse effects , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Education as Topic/methods , Patient Satisfaction , Patient Selection , Postoperative Care/methods , Preoperative Care/methods , Risk Assessment , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Clotrimazole-betamethasone diproprionate (C-BMV) is a fluorinated, high potency topical steroid that has been formulated with clotrimazole in the brand-named product, Lotrisone. The product is frequently used inappropriately in intertriginous areas, particularly in children. The following evaluates the use of this combination based upon a survey of 106 US-based pediatricians with at least two years post-residency, who attended the 1999 American Academy of Pediatrics. Of pediatricians who prescribe C-BMV, 23% prescribe it for diaper dermatitis. 11% of C-BMV prescriptions exceed the recommended duration of therapy. Only 18% of prescribing pediatricians correctly identify "Lotrisone" as a high potency steroid. There is no significant association between knowledge of C-BMV potency and frequency of use (p>.1). These self-reported data confirm and complement the findings of previous studies that used representative national data to assess the use of C-BMV. Pediatricians continue to utilize C-BMV in inappropriate settings, such as diaper dermatitis, regardless of their knowledge of the agent's potency. Our advice is to refrain from using high-potency steroids, such as C-BMV, in pediatric cases as there are more appropriate, safer alternatives with many fewer side effects.
