Pulsed dye laser treatment of pigmented lesions: a randomized clinical pilot study comparison of 607- and 595-nm wavelength lasers.

BACKGROUND

The 595-nm pulsed dye laser has been used for the treatment of benign epidermal pigmented lesions (EPLs), but there is a risk of inducing undesirable purpura with treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To compare a 607-nm laser with a commercially-available 595-nm laser for the treatment of EPLs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Monte-Carlo simulations were performed to characterize laser interaction with skin. Ten patients with EPLs were treated with a 607-nm study prototype laser and the 595-nm pulsed dye laser twice at 2- to 4-week intervals on the left or right side on a randomized basis. Study endpoints included clearance rate of lesions, side effects immediately after treatment and at final follow-up, and patient discomfort/pain.

RESULTS

Monte-Carlo simulations show that the 607-nm is absorbed more specifically by melanin than the 595-nm wavelength. Both lasers were effective in treatment of EPLs. The average degree of improvement overall was 41.2% with the 607-nm laser and 40% with the 595-nm laser. Patients reported less discomfort/pain during treatment with the 607-nm laser.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the 607-nm laser is safe and at least as effective as the 595-nm laser in treatment of EPLs. There was less patient discomfort/pain during treatment using the 607-nm laser.