Treatment Outcomes of Long-Pulsed Nd: YAG Laser for Two Different Subtypes of Rosacea.

BACKGROUND: A variety of lasers have been used for the treatment of rosacea. However, treatment of this condition with long-pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser has not been reported yet.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of long-pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser in two different subtypes (erythematotelangiectatic and papulopustular) of rosacea.

METHODS: A total of 66 patients were enrolled in the study. All of the patients were treated with long-pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser with 3- to 4-week intervals. Rosacea severity score was assessed by using photographs. Improvement in severity was defined as the percentage reduction in severity scores from baseline to the end of treatment. Patients were also asked about their own opinions of improvement at the end of the treatment. Side effects were also documented.

RESULTS: Good to excellent improvement was achieved in up to 50 percent of the patients in the erythematotelangiectatic and papulopustular groups. Percent improvement of global severity was significantly greater in the erythematotelangiectatic patients than in the papulopustular patients. The majority of patients from both groups noted a significant improvement of the lesions. Hypopigmented atrophic scars were seen in two patients.

CONCLUSION: The long-pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser is a safe and effective treatment for vascular and inflammatory lesions of rosacea.