Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis with Intense Pulsed Light: Is it Effective?

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a common parasitic disorder that is endemic in many countries. There is no completely effective treatment for this condition, but pentavalent antimony compounds are regarded as the main treatment. Different laser types have been used for treatment of CL with variable success but to our best knowledge, there is no published paper regarding use of intense pulsed light (IPL) for treatment of CL. Materials and Methods: In this randomized, single-blind clinical trial study, we compared the efficacy of intralesional glucantime alone versus intralesional glucantime plus weekly IPL for treatment of 54 patients with confirmed cutaneous leishmaniasis for a maximum of eight weeks as a randomized, clinical trial. Results: Although it was not statistically significant, combination treatment was more effective than intralesional glucantime alone (P > 0.05). However, the velocity of healing was significantly higher in the IPL plus intralesional glucantime alone versus glucantime alone. No side effect was observed in both groups. Discussion: To better evaluate the efficacy of IPL, more studies with a higher number of patients and using various IPL filters are recommended.

Application of laser for treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis: a review of literature.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a major health problem in developing countries with high economic and health impact. Despite suggested treatment for CL, there is still no definite therapy for this infection, and many of these treatments are associated with serious local and systemic side effects. In the current paper, use of different laser types including continuous and fractional CO2, argon, PDL, erbium glass, and Nd:YAG have been reviewed. Based on our review, given the high reported efficacy and low side-effect profile, use of laser can be considered as a good alternative to standard treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Performing more studies using different types of lasers is recommended to evaluate the efficacy of this method for treatment of CL.

The safety of diclofenac for the management and treatment of actinic keratoses.

BACKGROUND: Actinic keratoses (AKs), defined as carcinoma in situ of squamous carcinoma, is usually induced by excessive sun exposure. The efficacy of 3% diclofenac in 2.5% hyaluronic acid gel for treatment of AKs has been documented in a few studies. OBJECTIVE: Is diclofenac safe and effective for the management and treatment of AKs? METHOD: All the papers that were cited in Medline and ISI Web of Science are included in this study. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: The use of diclofenac is associated with a few side effects, which include pruritus, rashes, dry skin, and scaling. These side effects are usually minimal and tolerable; therefore, this topical medication is suggested as the first line of treatment for AKs.