Broadband light protocol improves senile purpura

A treatment involving broadband light improved the clinical appearance of senile purpura and prevented future lesions, according to a presentation at the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery annual meeting.

“The objective of this study was to analyze the efficacy and safety of a new BroadBand Light (BBL, Sciton) protocol in improving the appearance of senile purpura as well as assess the histological changes after treatment,” Robyn Siperstein, MD, said.

This study included five subjects with ecchymoses on both arms as well as five subjects without any lesions. One arm of each subject was randomly assigned to receive the BBL protocol over four weekly sessions. Photographs captured progress before treatment and 1 month after all treatments. Skin biopsies were also taken 1 day after the last treatment.

There was a significant reduction in the number of ecchymoses on the treated arm when compared with the untreated arm (P = .02), with an average reduction of 3.5 lesions. A significant reduction was also seen when comparing the square area of ecchymoses in the treated arm vs. untreated arm (P = .04), with an average reduction was 12.7 cm. All subjects saw at least a 50% reduction in the total square area of ecchymoses.

“This new BBL protocol is safe and effective in improving the clinical appearance of senile purpura. The treatment is very well tolerated with very minimal adverse effects and high patient satisfaction,” Siperstein said.

According to the presentation, additional studies will look at the the optimal time in between treatments regarding clearance and long-term maintenance.