Low-power Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Followed by Jessner's Peel versus Jessner's Peel Alone for the Treatment of Melasma.

BACKGROUND: A number of treatments have been used to treat melasma, with varying degrees of success and side effects. OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the efficacy of a single session of low-power fractional CO2 (10,600 nm) laser followed by Jessner's solution peeling against that of Jessner's solution peeling alone for the treatment of melasma by way of a prospective cohort comparative study performed at Alexandria Main University Hospital in Alexandria, Egypt. This study included 40 Egyptian female patients diagnosed with melasma. Group A received a single session of low-power fractional CO2 laser followed by Jessner's solution peeling for up to six sessions, while Group B received up to six sessions of Jessner's solution peeling alone. Responses were evaluated using the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) score. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant (p≤0.001) difference between mMASI score between before and after treatment in both groups. There was no intergroup significant difference in mMASI score improvements. CONCLUSION: Both low-power fractional CO2 laser combined with Jessner's solution and Jessner's solution peeling alone were safe and effective for the treatment of melasma in patients with different skin types, especially in dark skin types (Fitzpatrick Skin Types III and IV).

Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Versus Carboxytherapy in Treatment of Striae Distensae.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of fractional carbon dioxide (CO2 ) laser versus carboxytherapy in treatment of striae distensae. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on forty female patients with striae distensae on the abdomen. Patients were selected and divided randomly into two matched groups; group I was treated with fractional CO2 laser resurfacing and group II with carboxytherapy. Assessment and evaluation of the results were done by comparing photographs and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). RESULTS: Pregnancy, obesity, and long-term steroid use were the most common causes of striae in both groups. Both groups showed a statistically significant improvement in both the width and length of striae with no statistically significant difference between them. Patients' satisfaction was comparable in both groups. Pain and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation were the two most common side effects in group I while bruising at the injection site was the most common in group II. CONCLUSIONS: Both modalities could be effective in management of striae distensae. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Long-Pulsed Nd:YAG (1,064 nm) Laser Versus Q-Switched Nd:YAG (1,064 nm) Laser for Treatment of Onychomycosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of the long-pulsed Nd:YAG (1,064 nm) laser versus the Q-Switched Nd:YAG (1,064 nm) laser in treatment of onychomycosis. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study. It was carried out on 20 patients with clinical and mycological evidence of onychomycosis who were randomly assigned into two groups; group I: included 10 patients treated with biweekly sessions of long-pulsed Nd:YAG (1064 nm) laser and group II; included 10 patients treated with monthly sessions of Q-Switched Nd:YAG (1064 nm) laser. The assessment was done using proximal nail measurement and microscopic examination using 10-20% potassium hydroxide solution and culture on Sabouraud's dextrose agar. All patients were followed up for 6 months after the last treatment session. RESULTS: Fungal isolates in the present study were grouped into yeast in 50%, non-dermatophyte moulds in 10%, while dermatophyte infection was detected in 40%. Each group showed a statistically significant improvement in proximal nail plate measurements with no statistically significant difference between both groups. Mycological cure was only achieved in 40% of group I and 30% of group II. Patient satisfaction was higher in group II. CONCLUSIONS: Both long-pulsed Nd:YAG (1064 nm) and Q-Switched Nd:YAG (1064 nm) laser systems can be used as a safe and effective modality in the treatment of onychomycosis, particularly in patients who refuse or have a contraindication to oral antifungal treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 00:00-00, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.